How to Grow Strawberry Tree
Arbutus unedo
The Strawberry Tree is a beautiful evergreen that uniquely flowers and fruits at the same time in autumn — white bell flowers appear alongside red strawberry-like fruits from last year's blooms. Hardy, tolerant of poor acidic soils and coastal winds. Slow-growing but virtually maintenance-free once established. Fruits are edible with a mild sweet flavour, good for jam and liqueurs. Needs minimal pruning. A wonderful ornamental that also produces fruit.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Spring with a balanced slow-release fertiliser. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds which promote leaf growth at the expense of fruit.
Watch For
- Leaf spot
- Phytophthora root rot
- Scale insects
- Frost damage to flowers
Companions
Heather, Lavender, Rosemary
Care Requirements
Light
Full sun to partial shade
Flowers and fruits best in full sun. Tolerates partial shade but with reduced berry production. Handles coastal exposure well.
Watering
Low once established
Water regularly for the first 2-3 years. Once established, very drought-tolerant. Avoid waterlogged conditions which cause root rot.
Fertilizing
Light balanced feed in spring
Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser in spring. Avoid over-feeding as strawberry trees are adapted to poor soils. High nitrogen promotes leaves over fruit.
Pruning
Minimal, remove dead wood in late spring
Only prune to remove dead or damaged wood after frost risk passes. Tolerates hard pruning but this reduces fruiting for 1-2 years. Natural form is attractive.
Growing Tips
Flowers and fruit together
Uniquely, the strawberry tree carries flowers and ripe fruit at the same time in autumn. The red fruits take a full year to ripen from the previous autumn's flowers.
Tolerates poor soil
Thrives in acidic, well-drained soil. Does not need rich feeding. Avoid waterlogged conditions which cause root rot.
Minimal pruning needed
Naturally forms an attractive shape. Only prune to remove dead wood or control size. Hard pruning is tolerated but reduces fruiting.
Fruits for preserves
Fresh fruits have a mild, slightly gritty texture. They shine in jams, liqueurs (medronho), and fruit leather.
Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 400 cm |
| Row spacing | 400 cm |
| Mature height | 500 cm |
| Mature spread | 400 cm |
A small tree or large shrub reaching 5-8m. Allow space for spreading habit. Tolerates coastal exposure.
