Arbutus unedo f. rubra Roselily ('Minlily'PBR)
strawberry tree [Roselily]
A large, bushy, slow-growing, evergreen shrub with reddish-brown, peeling bark and glossy, dark green leaves. Hanging clusters of small, pink and white, waxy, urn-shaped flowers appear in autumn at the same time as the spherical, red or yellow fruit from the previous year's flowers
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Brown | Green | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Brown | Green | ||
Autumn | Brown | Pink White | Green | Red Yellow |
Winter | Brown | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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
Trade
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 semi-hardwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Gravel garden
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids
Diseases
May be susceptible to arbutus leaf spot and honey fungus
Get involved
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