Hello, Does anyone have experience with Trailing Arbutus in The Lower Mainland of BC.? I know the plant is not native to this area but I would be interested in trying to grow one. I believe I have favorable growing conditions. Does anyone know where a Mayflower / Trailing Arbutus could be purchased? Thanks Mistral
This is certainly an intriguing plant, and you'd think it would be growable in a "wild" garden with a natural organic mulch layer similar to woodland. Apparently that is the trick...as it doesn't so much grow in soil as on top of it, in that partially decomposed litter we see in undisturbed forests. Only source I know is Gardens North, which lists seed for sale. Apparently they can be cultured like rhododendron seed...a long term project, eh?
Not an Arbutus botanically, of course but rather Epigaea repens. Said to be characteristic of cool places in the wild. I've seen it at retail outlets here in the past. Is the type of plant rock gardening enthusiasts would tackle.
Thanks for the information. I have also discovered that Fraser Thimble Farms on Salt Spring Island lists the Mayflower for sale. I shall contact them in the spring. Mistral
I only see a couple sources in THE PLANT LOCATOR - WESTERN REGION (2004, Black-Eyed Susans/Timber, Portland) so maybe the local availability has fallen off since I was seeing these in one or more garden centers here. All it would take is one wholesale company that was supplying it to have stopped offering it or discontinued operations.
