Strawberry Tree | Arbutus unedo 'Rubra'
One of the funkiest trees around!
Grown by Mike's trusted specialists
Europe
Tree in a 3L Pot
40-60cm inc. pot on arrival
Choose your size
In stock
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Plant diary
- Flower
- Harvest
Strawberry Tree
Arbutus unedo 'Rubra'
- With its evergreen foliage, earthy maroon bark, delightul pink lantern blooms and unusual red fruits, 'Rubra' is a strawberry tree that ticks all the boxes.
- Providing genuine year-round interest, this variety is as easy to grow as it is tough (which is, to say, pretty darn tough).
- While most people view the fruits as purely ornamental, you can use them in liquers and sticky jams. Even if you leave them to the birds, however, they still look fantastic!
- Recognised by the Royal Horticultural Society as one of its Plants for Pollinators, the strawberry tree is known for attracting bees, butterflies and other beneficial pollinating insects.
- A recipient of the RHS Award of Garden Merit, 'Rubra' has been shown to perform particularly well in British gardens.
What to expect
Supplied as
Height on arrival
Eventual height
Eventual spread
Flower colour
Habit
Hardiness
Spacing
Will this grow in my garden?
Can I grow this in a pot?
Yes, Strawberry Tree can be grown in a pot initially. Start with a 50cm pot. Depending on its vigour, it may need moving to the ground after a few years. Ensure adequate drainage and water regularly during warm weather above 20°C.
How big does it get?
The Strawberry Tree generally reaches a mature height of 5 to 8 metres, with a spread of 4 to 6 metres, although it can be maintained at a smaller size with regular pruning.
How much sunlight does this need?
Strawberry Tree prefers full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive.
What kind of soil does this plant prefer?
Strawberry Tree prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil to thrive. Ensure the soil does not freeze below -5°C for optimal root health, applying a 5cm layer of mulch in winter.
How much watering does this plant need?
Strawberry Tree requires regular watering, especially during its first few years of establishment. Provide approximately 10 to 20 litres of water per week, ensuring the soil remains moist but well-drained. During hot weather above 25°C, increase watering frequency to prevent the roots from drying out.
Will this plant need pruning?
Strawberry Tree requires minimal pruning, ideally in late winter or early spring.
How hardy is this plant?
The strawberry tree holds an RHS hardiness rating of H4, making it hardy down to -10°C in most of the UK, but it may suffer dieback in harsh winters or inland valleys.
The wider garden
Europe
Meet Mike's trusted specialists
Start with a touch of continental sun
Over 99% of our plants are grown in the UK, but where that’s not possible, Mike sources the best specialist growers in Europe for the job. Think citrus warmed by Sicilian sun, topiary trained by Dutch masters, almonds nourished in the Dordogne and bamboo bathed in Tuscan heat. Our handpicked growers nurture these plants to maturity before handing over to our team in the Cotswolds, to toughen them up for UK gardens.
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