About
Arbutus unedo is an evergreen shrub or small tree that typically reaches a height of around 8 meters. Its distinctive bark is rough and peels away in strips, revealing a red-brown hue underneath. The leaves are leathery and mid-green in color. The plant produces urn-shaped flowers, which are predominantly white with occasional pink accents, clustered in panicles that can extend up to 5 centimeters. As the flowers from the previous year mature, they give way to red, strawberry-like fruits. While these fruits are edible and utilized for making jams and liqueurs in various regions, in the UK, this species 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
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand, Chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral, Alkaline
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
- Plant type
- Trees, Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy, Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 4-8 metres
- Spread
- 4-8 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Coastal, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Wildlife gardens, Gravel garden
- Native to
- Ireland to Medit.
- 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 fertile, humus-rich, well drained soil in full sun with shelter from cold drying winds. Young plants are more frost tender than mature plants so may need winter protection
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1 but keep pruning to a minimum
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed and by 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