Arbutus unedo – Strawberry Tree

A truly captivating evergreen tree, the Strawberry Tree is one of the most characterful plants for the garden, offering an extraordinary autumn display when clusters of creamy white bell-shaped flowers and the previous season's ripening strawberry-like red fruits appear simultaneously on the same branches. Handsome in every season, it brings year-round structure, ornamental charm, and a touch of the Mediterranean to gardens across the UK.

Seasonal Highlights

Autumn and winter are the Strawberry Tree's finest moments, when dangling clusters of small, urn-shaped white flowers open at the same time as the rounded, warty fruits ripen from yellow to vivid red. This remarkable overlap of flower and fruit on one plant is unique among hardy trees. The glossy, dark green, leathery leaves provide dense evergreen cover throughout the year, while the attractive cinnamon-brown peeling bark adds textural interest even in the depths of winter, making this a genuinely four-season tree.

Key Features

• Creamy white bell-shaped flowers in autumn and winter
• Ornamental red strawberry-like fruits
• Glossy, dark evergreen foliage year-round
• Decorative peeling cinnamon-brown bark
• Excellent wind and coastal salt tolerance
• Wildlife-friendly – fruits attract birds and pollinators

Perfect For

Specimen planting, mixed borders, and coastal gardens are all ideal settings for this versatile tree. Its tolerance of salt-laden winds makes it an outstanding choice for exposed coastal locations, while its manageable size and refined habit suit suburban and urban gardens alike. Use it as an architectural focal point, as part of an informal evergreen screen, or in a Mediterranean-style planting scheme. The edible fruits – though somewhat gritty and mildly astringent fresh – attract a variety of birds, making this a rewarding choice for wildlife gardens too.

Growing Conditions

Position: Thrives in full sun or partial shade. Prefers a sheltered spot in colder inland areas, though it is well suited to exposed coastal sites where it excels in wind and salt. A warm, south- or west-facing aspect will encourage the best flowering and fruiting.

Soil: Grows best in well-drained, neutral to slightly acidic soil, but is notably adaptable and will tolerate poor, dry, or stony soils once established. Avoid heavy, waterlogged ground. It is one of the few ericaceous plants that will also perform reasonably on near-neutral soils.

Hardiness: Generally fully hardy across most of the UK, though young plants benefit from some protection from cold drying winds in their first couple of winters. Once established, it is robust and long-lived.

Care

Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season to help the tree establish a strong root system. Once settled, Arbutus unedo is impressively drought tolerant and requires very little supplementary irrigation.

Pruning: Minimal pruning is required. Simply remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches in spring, and lightly shape if necessary to maintain a tidy form. Avoid hard pruning as the tree does not always respond well to heavy cutting back. The natural multi-stemmed habit is part of its charm and is best left to develop freely.

Feeding: Apply a balanced general-purpose fertiliser in spring to encourage healthy growth, particularly in poorer soils. Mulching around the base will help retain moisture and improve soil condition over time.

Looks Great With

Pair with Rosmarinus officinalis, Lavandula, and Cistus for a sun-drenched Mediterranean feel. Combine with Pittosporum, Laurus nobilis, and Myrtus communis for a cohesive evergreen framework. Underplant with Cyclamen hederifolium, Erigeron karvinskianus, or Salvia varieties to extend seasonal colour at ground level.

The Strawberry Tree is a truly distinctive and low-maintenance evergreen that delivers ornamental interest across every season – a rewarding long-term investment for any garden.

Guide to Planting Field-Grown Root Balled Plants

Pros:

1. Established Roots: Typically stronger, established roots ensure better initial growth.
2. Immediate Impact: Larger plants provide instant structure and aesthetics.

Cons:

1. Heavy and Bulky: Can be difficult to transport and plant due to size and weight.
2. Seasonal Availability: Generally available only in the dormant season (autumn to early spring).

Preparation for Planting:

1. Unwrap Carefully: Remove any packaging material, but leave the burlap or wire basket on.
2. Keep plants moist: Plants should be kept moist until the time of planting.

Planting Process:

1. Dig a Hole: Make a hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth.
2. Position Plant: Place the root ball in the hole, ensuring the top is level with the ground surface.
3. Do Not Remove Root Sack: Leave the burlap or wire basket around the root ball. It is bio degradable and will rot away naturally.
4. Backfill: Fill the hole with soil, firming gently around the roots to eliminate air pockets.
5. Water: Water deeply after planting to settle the soil and avoid wilting.

Possibility of Losses:

• Initial Shock: Some plants may suffer transplant shock, leading to potential losses.
• Mitigation: Proper care and consistent watering during the establishment phase can minimise this risk.

Main Causes of Failure:

1. Improper Planting Depth: Planting too deep or too shallow can stress the roots.
2. Poor Soil Conditions: Compacted or poorly drained soil can hinder root growth.
3. Insufficient Watering: Both under-watering and over-watering can lead to plant stress and failure. Strong wind can dry leafy pants.
4. Pest and Disease: Lack of protection and monitoring can result in damage from pests and diseases.

Tips for Success:

1. Stake Larger Plants: Support with stakes to prevent wind damage.
2. Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate temperature.
3. Regular Monitoring: Check for signs of stress, pests, and disease, and address them promptly.

By following these guidelines and providing consistent aftercare, you can successfully plant and establish field-grown root balled plants in your garden.

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Does the height include the pot?

No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description

How long does delivery take?

Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.

Where will you leave my plants?

We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.