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Arbutus hardiness

Hi everyone,

With regard to Sean's comments on the hardiness of Arbutus, these trees
are indeed hardy in southern Britain, and A.unedo is even naturalized in
SW Ireland as part of the Lusitanian flora there. There is a beautiful
specimen in the centre of Bristol not far from where I am writing this
letter, which is a real sight when it both flowers and fruits at the same
time.

However, the problem with Arbutus in Britain is that, in common with many
other large-leaved evergreens (e.g. Rhododendrons) they do not like cold
winds. We had one in the garden for several years, but it never really
thrived and was so lopsided from wind pruning that we eventually replaced
it. The best specimens I have seen in this country are generally in mild
areas or against walls. like so many medit-plants they look very good
against a wall though, so perhaps this isn't a bad thing.

Got to go now as its coffee-time...


Tristan Hatton-Ellis
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