Arbutus unedo ‘Rubra’ – Pink Strawberry Tree with Year-Round Appeal
Arbutus unedo ‘Rubra’ is a striking evergreen shrub or small tree that delights with its combination of glossy green foliage, decorative bark, delicate flowers, and unusual fruit. A pink-flowered form of the classic Strawberry Tree, it’s valued for its ability to bring interest to the garden across all four seasons.
In autumn, clusters of small, bell-shaped, pink flowers appear—similar in style to heathers or pieris—offering a valuable nectar source for bees and other pollinators. At the same time, the previous year’s fruit ripens, creating a unique display of soft pink blooms alongside red, strawberry-like fruits. These fruits are edible, with a mild, sweet flavour, and can be used for jams or liqueurs.
The bark is another standout feature—smooth and reddish-brown, peeling slightly with age to reveal cinnamon tones beneath. Combined with the lush evergreen leaves, this creates a refined yet natural look, perfect for Mediterranean-style, coastal, or woodland-edge gardens.
Why Grow Arbutus unedo ‘Rubra’?
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Evergreen Beauty – Glossy, deep green leaves hold their colour all year, providing structure even in winter.
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Seasonal Drama – Pink flowers in autumn, colourful fruits in winter, and attractive bark year-round.
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Low-Maintenance and Hardy – Tolerates poor soils, wind, and coastal exposure, making it a reliable choice in challenging spots.
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Wildlife-Friendly – Flowers provide nectar for pollinators, while fruits are enjoyed by birds.
Planting & Care Guide
Position: Prefers full sun but will tolerate partial shade. Choose a sheltered spot to protect the flowers from frost.
Soil: Thrives in well-drained soil, from neutral to slightly acidic or alkaline. Tolerates poorer soils once established.
Watering: Water regularly for the first year. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and needs little supplementary watering.
Feeding: Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring to promote healthy growth and flowering.
Pruning: Minimal pruning required—remove only damaged or crossing branches after flowering.
Design Ideas & Combinations
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Specimen Tree – Perfect as a standalone feature on a lawn, gravel garden, or courtyard.
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Mediterranean Garden – Combine with olives, lavender, and rosemary for a sun-drenched look.
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Coastal Planting – Excellent in wind-exposed sites, pairing well with pittosporum and phormium.
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Wildlife Gardens – Plant alongside buddleja, cotoneaster, or crab apple to extend seasonal food sources for pollinators and birds.
Arbutus unedo ‘Rubra’ is a resilient, beautiful choice for gardeners seeking an evergreen feature that offers more than just foliage. With its pink blooms, vibrant fruits, and decorative bark, it’s a tree that earns its place in the garden every month of the year.
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.
