About
Arbutus menziesii is a shrubby evergreen tree characterized by its distinctive peeling cinnamon-brown bark and glossy, dark green leaves that have a lighter underside. In early summer, it produces abundant white, urn-shaped flowers arranged in upright clusters. These flowers give way to small orange-red fruits that mature in the following year. Although the fruits are edible and can be utilized for making jams and liqueurs in certain regions, their primary cultivation in the UK is for 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
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral, Alkaline
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- Higher than 12 metres
- Spread
- wider than 8 metres
- Time to full height
- 20-50 years
- Suggested uses
- Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants
- Native to
- NW United States
- 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 humus-rich, well-drained soil in full sun with shelter from cold winds
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1 but keep pruning to a minimum
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed and semi-ripe cuttings in late summer
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to arbutus leaf spot and honey fungus