ARBUTUS ANDRACHNOIDES

I also know it as the strawberry tree.

Yes, Michaela. I had read that. Unusual strawberries. :o))

Could be A. andrachnoides rather than menziesii - andrachnoides has cinnamon coloured, peeling bark, doesn't always fruit and does produce flowers at this time of year. But the bark should tell you if it is peeling - menziesii also has cinnamon coloured bark, but doesn't peel and usually flowers in Spring. A.unedo flowers this time of year, often with the previous year's red fruits still present, but that one isn't completely hardy, though grows well in sheltered areas, and doesn't have cinnamon coloured bark, nor does it peel.

Thanks Bamboo. Ever reliable! On researching it I had considered x andrachnoides but was put off by the size of the trunk in the image. It is dark outside now so I will look at the bark tomorrow. If Meziesii flowers in Spring, then it would seem you have nailed it! We have had ours for several years (during my gardening dark ages so I have not paid too much attention to it before.) It stands about 3 feet or so.

Forgot to say that A. unedo's flowers are honey scented, don't think the others are.

I'll check this tomorrow as well. Thanks.

Bamboo. I have looked this morning (ruddy cold out there!) and find cinnamon bark which is peeling. No fruits, which I obviously already knew. So do I take it it is Ericaceae Arbutus x andrachnoides? Many thanks, again.

that certainly sounds like the most likely one - as a point of interest, this variety can produce flowers in both spring and autumn, but doesn't always.

Cheers Bamboo. I will bow to your very much greater knowledge and change the caption - if I can manage that. :o))

Bow to my knowledge, I like that - can I just tell you it's information I've researched, wasn't actually in my head, you know;-))) Although it is now, very useful, answering questions increases my brain store of info. If it ever fruits, can you post a pic please

I have the same propensity to research and learn - any old thing.
I will certainly keep you updated. Stand by. There are many other plants in my garden which my wife planted, whose names we do not know!

Ah yes, I remember the Cotinus question - that I did have stored in my head!