Arbutus unedo 'Quercifolia'
strawberry tree 'Quercifolia'
An evergreen tree, up to around 8m high, with rough, red-brown bark, and glossy green leaves with irregular, almost lobed edges, somewhat resembling oak leaves. Drooping sprays of white, urn-shaped flowers with a hint of pink are produced in autumn, followed by warty fruits that ripen to red the following autumn alongside the new flowers
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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | White Pink | Green | Red | |
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Potentially harmful
- Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Arbutus are evergreen trees and shrubs with small, bell-shaped creamy-white or pink flowers, and red, strawberry-like fruits in autumn
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in well drained soil in full sun, plants dislike shade and waterlogging. Young plants may need winter protection in areas prone to hard frosts. Some drought tolerance once established
Propagation
Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
Pruning group 1 but keep pruning to a minimum
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids
Diseases
May be susceptible to Arbutus leaf spot and honey fungus
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