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Arbutus unedo

Arbutus unedo is listed in the RHS Plants for Pollinators

This species is commonly known as the Strawberry Tree after its small fruitlets, which resemble alpine strawberries in appearance. The flavour is not strawberry-like though, it is quite bland, but with a hint of tropical fruit. The fruitlets should be left to ripen on the tree, and are ready when they fall to the ground.

Arbutus are mainly grown for their ornamental appeal. They are small spreading evergreen trees, with large dark green leaves (rather like laurel leaves) and attractive peeling bark.

Unlike most temperate fruit trees, where the blossom appears in spring and the fruits develop over the summer and autumn, the Strawberry Tree produces its flowers in autumn, with the fruits quickly following in late autumn.

Arbutus unedo fruiting ornamental trees for sale

  • 2-year pot-grown tree £52.50
    In a 7L pot
    Large size (3m-5m after 10 years)
    Out of stock
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How to grow

Arbutus trees are easy to grow throughout the UK and a good choice for coastal sites. However for best fruit production, the tree needs a warm sheltered situation.

Arbutus unedo characteristics

  • Gardening skillAverage
  • AwardsRHS AGM (former) 1993
  • Attractive featuresAttractive bark
  • Growth habitSpreading / Flat-topped
  • Height after 10 years2.5m-3.5m / 8ft-12ft
  • PruningDo not prune
  • Site conditionsCoastal siteFree-draining site
  • WildlifeAttractive to birdsRHS Plants for Pollinators
  • Flower colourWhite
  • Flowering monthNovember
  • Leaf colourGreen
  • Leaf colour - autumnGreen
  • Fruit sizeAverage
  • Annual cycleEvergreen