Arbutus unedo f. rubra
pink strawberry tree
Spreading shrubby tree about 8m tall, with rough red-brown bark and mid green leathery leaves. Dark pink urn-shaped flowers in panicles appear in autumn as the red strawberry-like fruits from the previous years flowers, ripen
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 | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red Brown | Green | ||
| Autumn | Red Brown | Pink | Green | Red |
| Winter | Red Brown | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy, 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
- Plant range
- S Europe, W Ireland
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, humus-rich, well drained soil in full sun with shelter from cold drying winds. Young plants may need winter frost protection
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Pruning group 1 but keep pruning to a minimum
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.