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Arbutus unedo 'Elfin King'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

strawberry tree 'Elfin King'

Compact shrub or small tree reaching 2m in height, with rough, shredding, red-brown bark and mid-green leathery leaves. Free flowering and fruiting from a young age, the sprays of white urn-shaped flowers sometimes tinged pink, appear in autumn at the same time as the previous year's fruit ripens to red

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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral, Alkaline
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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
H5
Botanical 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 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

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
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Coastal
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Hedging and screens
Pruning

Pruning group 1 but pruning should be kept to a minimum

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to arbutus leaf spot and honey fungus

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