Strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo)
Strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo) is a shrub that can grow 3m – 8m tall and 3m – 8m wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo).
This plant has several common names including: strawberry tree, cane apple, Dalmatian strawberry or Killarney strawberry tree.
This is a evergreen plant that takes 10-20 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: strawberry tree, cane apple, Dalmatian strawberry, Killarney strawberry tree
Scientific name: Arbutus unedo
Plant type: Shrubs, Trees
Habit: Bushy
Height: 3m – 8m
Spread: 3m – 8m
Foliage: Evergreen
Sunlight: Full Sun
Soil: Chalk, Loam, Sand
Moisture: Well drained
Garden type: City & Courtyard Gardens, Coastal, Informal Garden, Mediterranean Garden
Planting type: Low Maintenance
Other characteristics: Plants for pollinators
Seasonal colors
| Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
How to plant Strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo) – Pau Lagunas, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Shrubs are fundamental elements in any garden.
They add color and interest throughout the seasons with their wide variety of flowers, foliage, fruits, trunks and stems.
Whatever the size or style of your garden, the permanent woody structure or the foliage of evergreen shrubs will give the space shape and dimension.
Other types of Arbutus to consider:
See all Arbutus
How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant Strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
Strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo) is not a demanding plant regarding the type of soil and can grow in chalk, loam or sand.
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The chalky soil is pale and contains chunks of calcium-rich rock. It is a fertile and well-draining soil, almost always alkaline.
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The loam soil is dark, rich in organic matter but balanced in minerals. It offers the best of all worlds, retaining enough water for the plants, but allowing excess moisture to drain away. This is the most desired type of garden soil, perfect for most plants.
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Sandy soil is light, porous and very easy to drain. It is a soil poor in organic matter and nutrients. It is composed of relatively large mineral particles that allow water to drain quickly.
It is not very sensitive to soil acidity or alkalinity and grows well in soils with pH acid, alkaline or neutral.
Regarding drainage, Arbutus unedo likes to grow in well drained soil.
Sunlight
Strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo) should be grown in full sun places.
Cultivation profiles – Growing Strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo) – Qwert1234, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
