Arbutus Unedo Strawberry Tree

Arbutus Unedo Strawberry Tree

Last updated on March 5th, 2023 at 07:00 am

Arbutus Unedo Strawberry Tree or Bush. Also called the Dwarf Strawberry bush.  For something different in the garden you might want to try planting this great evergreen tree/shrub.  It produces edible strawberry-like fruit and showy white flowers that bloom at the same time.  The blooming season is late fall and into late winter.

Strawberry Bush

Dwarf Strawberry Bush. White bell-like flowers and colorful edible fruit.

What is the growing size?

It will grow to about 5-8 ft. in height and about the same in width but will get larger after 10-15 years after initial planting.  It can easily be pruned into a small tree or leave it alone for a large shrub.  Plant two or three in a row for a nice landscape scene or a border wall.

Where to place the Strawberry bush

Place it in full sun but it can also tolerate partial shade perfect for a small area.  An evergreen plant that will give year-round interest.  The twisted branches and dark green foliage create an attractive and easy backdrop for lower shrubs, grasses, or groundcovers.

Below is what the Strawberry looks like during the spring and summer seasons.  Flowers and fruit will appear in late fall.

The stems and branches’ color range from bright cinnamon to red-brown color.  See the photo below.

Arbutus Unedo Strawberry Tree

What type of problems does this plant have?

It is a hardy plant and does very well in and around the Southwest.  But like most evergreens, it can develop problems.

Scale and thrips will attack this plant.   Scales have penetrating mouth parts that suck out the juice on stems and thrips have needle-like mouths lined with sharp teeth that will slash and shred foliage.

Here is a post we published a while back about Scale, thrips, diseases, and other insects.  Insects and Diseases Post.

Anthracnose (tree blight), rust, and Phytophthora are fungal diseases that sometimes infect this plant.  It is rare around the southwest, but it does happen.  Spraying with a good fungicide at the first sign of this disease is your best solution.  The symptoms are usually slow-growing, with numerous red spots on foliage.

How to prevent insects and diseases

  • Rake up old foliage, stems, and branches from the surrounding area.
  • Avoid overhead water – such as sprinkler watering.
  • Act quickly when you see signs of trouble.
  • Spray horticulture oil in early spring to prevent insect larvae from hatching.
  • Need oil will kill insects and will help remove any type of fungus.
  • All in One Natural Pesticide

USDA Hardiness Zone: 7 – 9 for the Strawberry Tree.

See your USDA hardiness zone here.

Arbutus Unedo Strawberry Tree

The strawberry tree/bush is a remarkable-looking plant plus it provides great color during the winter seasons.  Don’t forget to leave a comment at the bottom of this post.

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