Arbutus xalapensis
Texas madrone
An evergreen tree or large shrub with very attractive bark. Long green leaves and white or pink bells, which become red berries, give all-year-round interest
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Pink White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | Orange Red | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- 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
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any deep fertile soil. For more information, see our advice on tree cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or seed. For more advice see our information on how to propagate from seed (tree/shrub
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids
Diseases
May be susceptible to arbutus leaf spot and honey fungus
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.