Arbutus × andrachnoides
hybrid strawberry tree
A bushy, evergreen, shrubby tree with attractive peeling cinnamon-brown bark and glossy mid green leaves, whitish beneath. Small white urn-shaped flowers sometimes tinged pink are produced in panicles from autumn to spring. Small orange-red autumn fruits are rarely produced
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Neutral, AlkalineColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Red Brown | White | Green | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red Brown | Green | ||
| Autumn | Red Brown | White | Green | Orange Red |
| Winter | Red Brown | White | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy, Spreading branched
- Potentially harmful
- Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- 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
- Plant range
- SE Europe, Asia Minor
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in humus-rich, well-drained soil in full sun with shelter from cold winds
Propagation
Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Low Maintenance
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
Get involved
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