Arbutus × thuretiana

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A slow-growing, large, spreading evergreen tree or small shrub which can reach a height of around 12m in favourable conditions, but nearer to 6m in general, with large, dark green, finely toothed, spreading foliage on red stems. The smooth bark is red and peels to reveal beautiful shades of pale beige-pink, turning darker in sunlight. Clusters of creamy-white flowers, flushed with pink, appear in spring, followed by round, grooved orange-red berries in the autumn which, whilst in theory are edible, are not particularly pleasant in taste. A stunning addition to a larger garden or parkland which provides year-round interest. Drought-tolerant once established. A hybrid of A. canariensis and A. andrachne

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

8-12 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 10–20 years
Max Spread: 2.5-4 metres
Max Height: 8-12 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand

Moisture: Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade

Aspect: South–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H4
Drought Resistance: Yes

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Ericaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Evergreen
Habit: Spreading branched
Potentially harmful: Whilst the fruits are generally considered edible, the fruit is not particularly palatable, and plants in the UK are grown for ornamental, rather than edible use 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

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in well drained soil in full sun, plants dislike shade and waterlogging, although will cope with dappled shade. 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

Architectural
Cottage and informal garden
Mediterranean climate plants
Wildlife gardens
Edible fruit

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