- Botanical name: Arbutus unedo
- Common name: Strawberry tree
- Family: Ericaceae
- Plant Type: Tree, Evergreen
White
Green
- Key features:
- Attractive to wildlife
- Colourful bark
- Flowers
- Fruits
Arbutus unedo is a large, bushy, evergreen shrub, with rough bark and dark green leathery leaves. Its bell-shaped autumn flowers resemble those of lily of the valley, while its fruits resemble strawberries. Both the flowers and fruit appear at the same time, making it a particularly lovely specimen, especially in small gardens.
For best results, grow Arbutus unedo in a sheltered spot in moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. It’s tolerant of chalk soils and thrives in coastal areas, but it can also be grown inland.
How to grow Arbutus unedo
-
Plant size
8m height
8m spread
-
Aspect
South facing, west facing
-
Position in border
Back
- Sun exposure: Full sun
- Hardiness: Hardy
- Soil type: Well drained / light / sandy
Plant calendar
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
J
Do not Plant in January |
F
Do not Plant in February |
M
Do not Plant in March |
A
Do not Plant in April |
M
Do not Plant in May |
J
Do not Plant in June |
J
Do not Plant in July |
A
Do not Plant in August |
S
Do Plant in September |
O
Do Plant in October |
N
Do Plant in November |
D
Do not Plant in December |
| Flowers | ||||||||||||
| Flowers |
J
Plant does not flower in January |
F
Plant does not flower in February |
M
Plant does not flower in March |
A
Plant does not flower in April |
M
Plant does not flower in May |
J
Plant does not flower in June |
J
Plant does not flower in July |
A
Plant does not flower in August |
S
Plant does flower in September |
O
Plant does flower in October |
N
Plant does flower in November |
D
Plant does not flower in December |
| Fruits | ||||||||||||
| Fruits |
J
Plant does not fruit in January |
F
Plant does not fruit in February |
M
Plant does not fruit in March |
A
Plant does not fruit in April |
M
Plant does not fruit in May |
J
Plant does not fruit in June |
J
Plant does not fruit in July |
A
Plant does not fruit in August |
S
Plant does fruit in September |
O
Plant does fruit in October |
N
Plant does fruit in November |
D
Plant does not fruit in December |
Arbutus unedo and wildlife
Arbutus unedo is known for attracting bees, birds and butterflies/moths. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers, provides shelter and habitat and has seeds for birds.
Attractive to Bees
Does not attract Beneficial insects
Attractive to Birds
Attractive to Butterflies/Moths
Does not attract Other pollinators
Is Arbutus unedo poisonous?
Arbutus unedo has no toxic effects reported.
No reported toxicity to Birds
No reported toxicity to Cats
No reported toxicity to Dogs
No reported toxicity to Horses
No reported toxicity to Livestock
No reported toxicity to People
