Water
Water regularly, especially during the first few years and in dry periods. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings once established. Avoid waterlogging, as this can lead to root rot.
Reduce watering in winter.
Also known as Arbute · Arbute Tree · Arbutus
Strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo) is an evergreen shrub or small tree with attractive red fruit, white bell-shaped flowers, and textured bark, ideal for ornamental use.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers full sun for best flowering and fruiting, but tolerates partial shade.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings once established.
Well-drained, loam, sand, clay
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Hardy in USDA zones 8-10. Protect from severe frost when young.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Low
25% intensity
Fertilize sparingly in spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly, especially during the first few years and in dry periods. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings once established. Avoid waterlogging, as this can lead to root rot.
Reduce watering in winter.
Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Can be pruned to shape or to maintain size. Avoid heavy pruning, as it can reduce flowering and fruiting.
Light shaping is best for maintaining its natural form.
Propagate from seeds sown in autumn or by semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer. Seed propagation can be slow and may not result in plants true to the parent.
Cuttings offer a more reliable method for genetic preservation.
Repot young plants every 2-3 years in spring. Mature plants typically do not require frequent repotting and prefer to be slightly pot-bound. Use a well-draining potting mix.
Ensure the new pot is only slightly larger than the current one.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Ericaceae |
| Genus | Arbutus |
| Species | Arbutus unedo |
Similar in genus Arbutus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data