Summer 2021 - important noticeWe are now accepting pre-orders for delivery from late August for pot grown trees and December for bare-rooted trees. More>
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Arbutus unedo

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 £47.95
    In a 7L pot
    Large size (3m-5m after 10 years)
Pre-ordering
You can pre-order now for delivery from late August / early September 2021 for pot grown trees (or late November / early December for bare-root). You do not need to pay at this stage - just add items to the basket and checkout as usual.

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 Award of Garden Merit
  • Attractive featuresAttractive bark
  • Growth habitSpreading
  • Height after 10 years2.5m-3.5m / 8ft-12ft
  • PruningDo not prune
  • Site conditionsCoastal siteFree-draining site
  • Flower colourWhite
  • Flowering monthNovember
  • Leaf colourGreen
  • Leaf colour - autumnGreen
  • Fruit sizeAverage
  • WildlifeRHS perfect for pollinatorsAttractive to birds
  • Annual cycleEvergreen