About
Arbutus arizonica is an evergreen tree or large shrub characterized by its distinctive bark. The foliage consists of vibrant green leaves, and it produces creamy white flowers that develop into orange-red berries. This plant offers visual appeal throughout the year. Although the berries are edible and can be used for making jams and liqueurs in certain regions, in the UK, it is primarily cultivated for its ornamental value.
About the genus
Arbutus consists of evergreen trees and shrubs that produce small, bell-shaped flowers in shades of creamy-white or pink. In the autumn, they bear red, strawberry-like fruits.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral, Alkaline
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
- Plant type
- Trees, Shrubs
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 8-12 metres
- Spread
- 4-8 metres
- Time to full height
- 20-50 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- Mexico, adjacent USA
- Toxicity
- Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in any deep fertile conditions. For more information see tree cultivation.
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1
- Propagation
- Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or seed. For more advice see our information on how to propagate from seed (tree/shrub
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to arbutus leaf spot and honey fungus