Arbutus unedo
strawberry tree
Spreading, evergreen, shrubby tree, about 8m tall, with rough shredding red-brown bark and mid-green leathery leaves. Flowers are urn-shaped and white, sometimes pink tinged, appearing in panicles to 5cm long as the strawberry-like red fruits, from the previous years flowers, ripen. Whilst the fruits are edible and used to make jams and liqueurs in some countries, they are generally grown for ornamental purposes only in the UK
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Neutral, AlkalineColour & 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
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy, Spreading branched
- Potentially harmful
- Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
- 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
Correct
- Plant range
- Ireland to Medit.
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, humus-rich, well drained soil in full sun with shelter from cold drying winds. Young plants are more frost tender than mature plants so may need winter protection
Propagation
Propagate by seed and by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- City and courtyard gardens
- 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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