Arbutus unedo
Arbutus unedo, the strawberry tree, is an evergreen shrub or small tree of the Ericaceae family, native to the Mediterranean and western Europe.
Characteristics
A bushy shrub or small tree reaching 5-10 m, with a dense, rounded crown and attractive reddish brown, peeling bark. The leaves are lanceolate, leathery and glossy dark green with slightly toothed margins. In autumn it bears pendulous clusters of small creamy white, sometimes pink tinged, bell shaped flowers, at the same time as the round, warty fruit from the previous season ripens from yellow to bright red; the edible fruit gives the plant its common name.
Growing and care
Sun or light shade and well drained soil; it tolerates lime better than most Ericaceae, resists drought, wind and salt spray once established, and is hardy to about -10 °C. Prune lightly to shape it after flowering.
Uses
Mediterranean and coastal gardens, evergreen screens and informal hedges, as a specimen for its bark and fruit, and in large containers; the flowers and fruit are valuable for bees and birds.
Available sizes
Trees
- 1/2 Alber.
- Altre Dim.
- 10/12
- 12/14
- 14/16
- 16/18
- 18/20
- 20/25
- 25/30
- 30/35
- Esemplari
