Arbutus unedo 'Compacta'
strawberry tree 'Compacta'
Compact, dense evergreen shrub about 2.5m tall, with red-brown bark and mid-green leathery leaves. Sprays of pink-tinged, white, urn-shaped flowers appear in autumn, together with the previous year's rough-skinned, red fruit, but it is often shy to flower and fruit
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Red Brown | Green | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Red Brown | Green | ||
Autumn | Red Brown | White Pink | Green | Red |
Winter | Red Brown | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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 fertile, humus-rich, well drained soil in full sun with shelter from cold drying winds. Young plants may need winter frost protection
Propagation
Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Wildlife gardens
- Gravel garden
- Low Maintenance
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
Get involved
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