Strawberry Tree
Arbutus
Strawberry trees (Arbutus) are evergreen shrubs and small trees from the Mediterranean region, western Europe and North America. They are loved for their glossy foliage, their peeling reddish bark and the unusual sight of bell-shaped autumn flowers hanging next to the ripening red fruits of the previous year.
Strawberry tree
Arbutus unedo
The strawberry tree is native to southern Europe, the Mediterranean and western Ireland. It usually grows as a multi-stemmed shrub or small tree of a few metres, with dark green, finely toothed leaves on red stalks and cinnamon-brown bark that peels in thin strips. White to pinkish bells open from autumn into winter, while last year's rough, round fruits turn from yellow to red.
Location and soil
Grows in sun or partial shade in any well-drained soil, ideally light and slightly acid, although it tolerates some lime. It withstands drought, wind and salt spray near the coast. It is moderately hardy: in a sheltered position it comes through normal Belgian winters, but young plants need protection during hard frost.
Pruning and care
Needs hardly any pruning; in March or April remove dead or wayward shoots to keep a balanced shape. Water during the first year after planting, then leave it largely alone. Mulch the base of young plants in autumn. It is rarely troubled by pests or diseases.
Use in the garden
A fine evergreen specimen for small gardens, informal hedges and coastal plantings; compact forms suit pots on a terrace. Flowers and fruit together bring colour from October into winter, and the flowers attract bees. The fruits are edible fresh or in jam, but their flavour is mild.
