Arbutus unedo

Sunset

Arbutus unedo

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Zones 4-24, 26, 28, 31

Full, Partial

Moderate, Minimal

Strawberry Tree
Ericaceae
Evergreen, Shrubs, Trees

ARBUTUS

All have ornamental bark, clusters of little urn-shaped flowers, decorative edible fruit, handsome foliage.

Provide good drainage, especially if plant receives regular water.

Thin growth of all types as needed.

Arbutus unedo

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Arbutus unedo

Slow to moderate growth to 8–35 ft.with equal spread. Normally has basal suckers, stem sprouts.

Can thin branches to make open-crowned tree, or plant several and leave unpruned to make screen. Trunk and branches have rich red-brown, shredding bark; tend to become twisted and gnarled in age.

Dark green, handsome, red-stemmed leaves are oblong and 2–3 in. long. Clusters of small white or greenish white, urn-shaped flowers and round, 3/4 in. fruit, yellow (young) and red (mature), like strawberries in texture, appear at the same time in fall and winter; fruit is edible but usually mealy and bland in flavor. Individual plants may produce tasty fruit.

'Compacta'

The plant will seldom exceed 10 ft. high