Arbutus unedo 'Elfin King'
strawberry tree 'Elfin King'
Compact shrub or small tree reaching 2m in height, with rough, shredding, red-brown bark and mid-green leathery leaves. Free flowering and fruiting from a young age, the sprays of white urn-shaped flowers sometimes tinged pink, appear in autumn at the same time as the previous year's fruit ripens to red
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Neutral, AlkalineColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Red Brown | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red Brown | Green | ||
| Autumn | Red Brown | White Pink | Green | Red |
| Winter | Red Brown | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- 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
Accepted
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-ripe cuttings in late summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Coastal
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Hedging and screens
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
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.