Kilarney Strawberry Tree
Arbutus unedo
Also known as
Strawberry Tree, Cane Apple, Dalmatian Strawberry, Irish Strawberry-Tree, Western Strawberry-Tree, Arbutus
Arbutus unedo 20091012 1 by Luis Fernández García (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Full Sun
Moderate care
Light watering
Frost Hardy
H5
RHS hardiness
-15°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
10m | Max | 8m |
5m | Min | 5m |
3 years to reach maturity
Fruiting
spring
summer
autumn
winter
Fruit falls from the tree when it is fully ripe. Make sure the fruit has a soft surface to fall on so that it is not damaged by the fall. Fruit can be picked when it is deep red in colour and very soft to the touch.
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Overview
The strawberry tree is a slow-growing, evergreen ornamental shrub or small tree species with a bushy growth habit, commonly grown in many parts of the world. With its dark green leaves, white bell-shaped flowers & small red fruit, this plant is a popular choice for garden planting. This hardy species can be grown into a rough but pretty hedge & looks great in a woodland garden setting. The fruit is edible when fully ripe but has a bland flavour so is not regularly eaten fresh. This fruit has a high sugar content so is more frequently processed in jams & jellies.
Common problems
Pests include scales and thrips, and diseases include anthracnose, Phytophthora, root rot, and rust.
Companion plants
Olives. Under-plant with hellebores, wood anemones and spring bulbs
Propagation
Cuttings
Use mature wood about 15 - 20cm long of the current season's growth, preferably with a heel.
Layering
Layering of young wood - can take 2 years to make roots.
Seed
This is best sown on the surface of compost in a greenhouse as soon as it's ripe. If ripe seed are unobtainable, then soak store seed for 5 - 6 days in warm water before being sown in late winter.
Special Features
Attracts birds
The fruits are food for birds.
Attracts useful insects
Serves as a food for bees in honey production.
Hedge plant
Used as a hedge shrub in gardens and public landscapes. Prune minimally & don't try to make a defined hedge from this shrub.
Drought resistant
Very drought tolerant, once established.
Attractive flowers
Attractive fruits
Uses
Medicinal
In folk medicine, the plant has been used for antiseptic, astringent, intoxicant, rheumatism, and tonic purposes. The flowers are weakly diaphoretic.
Edible
Ornamental
Popular choice of shrub / tree to plant in your garden.
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