Mature Arbutus Unedo Options Explained
*Heights and widths are given as a very rough guideline and can have considerable variation based on species and supplier (each nursery experiences different growing conditions) It may even have been pruned before being sent out so we can only guarantee girth.
Mature Arbutus Unedo aka Kilarney Strawberry Tree
Our Strawberry tree (Arbutus Unedo) is for sale in the UK. A really delightful small evergreen tree with a marvellous spreading habit, the Strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo) will grace a garden with interesting peeling brown bark and shiny vivid green leaves. An exhibition of colour during autumn, when the mildly sweet-scented white flowers sometimes tinged pink, are formed and the fruit from the previous year turn the strawberry red colour, not dissimilar in appearance to Strawberries. Although edible, they have been described as bland and "OMG, that was such a let down" along with "DISAPOINTED!!!" although some regions such as Portugal and Albania use them for Brandy. The fruits of this evergreen Strawberry tree are eaten by birds so think twice if you are beautifying your parking lot with them as car owners may not share your enthusiasm.
It has the RHS Award Of Garden Merit for outstanding features compared to other similar trees.
This evergreen strawberry tree is suitable for a wide range of situations and it will tolerate coastal gardens and chalky soils. Expect a 10-year height of around 4 metres but could go on to be twice that in height and width depending on local conditions. Considered to have an extensive root system so good for stabilising soils such as inclines and mounds.
Considered to be a pioneer plant that grows well in poor soil, it is good for preventing desertification but don't go planting it on Blackpool beach and expect fertile gardens of Kent next year.
Planting A Strawberry Tree
It is not a fan of hard frosts when young so if your experience of garden wildlife is penguins and polar bears then this is not the tree for you. Performs well in most soils from sand to clay and acid to alkaline although acid gives better results. Best results will come from well-draining soils. Plant in full sun if possible but it will tolerate partial shade. Tolerant of urban pollution if you are thinking of roadside planting and best to plant in its intended spot as it is like your grandad at Christmas, doesn't like to be moved.
Pruning A Strawberry Tree
Generally speaking, they prefer to be left alone however cutting out dead, diseased and crossed-over branches is a good idea.
Random Information About Our Strawberry Tree Arbutus Unedo
Long, hot summers will likely reduce fruit production.
Apparently, Arbutus unedo is fire-resistant, but not in the sense that you can replace CO2 extinguishers with it. It can regrow after fire.
Not a good tree to plant close to beehives if you want mild honey, as it can make the honey bitter, although that is considered an acquired taste in some places.
Native to the Mediterranean region and western Europe.
Flowers are urn-shaped or bell-shaped. They appear in autumn while fruit from the previous year is present at the same time.
It naturally grows on rocky slopes and poor, dry ground in the wild.
It is typically multi-stemmed in its natural form, although it can be trained as a single-stem tree.
The fruit is used for jams, jellies and liqueurs, not just brandy.
See What Our Customers Are Saying About Our Arbutus Unedo Strawberry Trees
Hi Alan, The combination of competitive pricing, good quality, and superior knowledgeable customer experience (especially when dealing with a problem) is, unfortunately, a rare thing in online shopping. Which is why it is always such a pleasure buying from trees-online.co.uk. If you want a good laugh reading through the well-written product descriptions on the site before starting a hassle free shopping experience, look no further. Order what you're after and then bookmark the web page as it's very likely you'll want to return! Cheers Darrel 0816
I am delighted with my arbutus tree, which is a beautiful shape, with lots of healthy young growth and an excellent root system. It wasn't at all pot bound so it has transplanted successfully and is already making new growth. Jo Hillier 0616
Have just taken delivery of the 3 trees (Arbutus Unedo Strawberry Tree being one of them) and I have to say the quality has far exceeded expectations. Thanks for helping me with my queries – the customer support has been refreshingly outstanding. I will definitely be returning next year as we tackle a long fence that is in desperate need for some tree and shrub companions!Darrel F. 0815

Ornamental Tree Roots In The Shade e.g. Behind A Fence
It is more important that that foliage (posh term for leaves) receives the sunlight than the roots. So if the canopy of your ornamental tree can sunbathe but the bottom of your tree thinks there has been a nuclear winter then that is ok. You might want to ensure you have good drainage as water and no sun is the start of algae and other such issues.
Do I Need To Stake My Ornamental Tree?
Our article on Tree Staking should help guide you.
Planting In The Corner Of A Garden
Air and light is reduced in this location which could promote fungus and bacterial issues. If the corner is of the house and a fence then you also have leeching issues to contend with from cement and wood preservatives. Also when it rains, that area would experience higher water levels so we advise against it unless the plant is very hardy.