How to Grow and Care for a Strawberry Tree

The Strawberry Tree, Arbutus unedo, is a broadleaf evergreen that offers year-round visual appeal in the garden. It is distinguished by its unique combination of features, including leathery dark green leaves, rough reddish-brown bark that peels to reveal a cinnamon color, and the unusual habit of flowering at the same time its previous year’s fruit ripens. From fall into winter, it produces clusters of fragrant, white, bell-shaped flowers that lead to round, edible fruits that take a full twelve months to mature from yellow to a bright red, resembling a strawberry.

Planting and Placement

Selecting the right location is a primary consideration for the Strawberry Tree, as it does not respond well to being transplanted once established. This tree performs best in full sun to partial shade, with fruit production being most prolific in sunnier spots. It can be grown in USDA hardiness zones H4 through H7, though young plants may require winter protection in colder areas. Give the tree enough space for its mature size, up to 15 feet wide, to prevent future crowding.

The most important factor for Arbutus unedo is excellent soil drainage. While the tree is tolerant of various soil types, including sand, loam, and even chalk, it cannot withstand waterlogged conditions which lead to root rot. Clear the area of weeds or debris before planting. If the native soil is heavy clay, amend it with organic matter like compost to improve its structure and drainage.

When placing the tree in the ground, the planting hole should be twice as wide as the root ball but only as deep. This allows the roots to spread into loosened soil. The top of the root ball should sit level with the surrounding ground to avoid planting it too deep. After positioning the tree, backfill the hole with the original soil, tamping it down to remove air pockets and ensure good root-to-soil contact.

Ongoing Care Requirements

After planting, the tree requires consistent moisture to establish a strong root system. For the first few months, especially during dry periods, keep the soil evenly moist but not saturated. Once mature, the Strawberry Tree becomes quite drought-tolerant. For established specimens, deep and infrequent watering is more effective, as it encourages the roots to grow deeper into the soil profile where moisture is more readily available.

This species is not a heavy feeder and thrives without supplemental fertilizer in fertile ground. Fertilizer is only necessary if the tree shows signs of a nutrient deficiency, such as pale leaves or stunted growth. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer can be applied in the spring as new growth emerges. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can produce excessive foliage at the expense of flowers and fruit.

Applying a layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree is beneficial. A two- to three-inch layer of wood chips or compost helps conserve soil moisture by reducing evaporation and regulates soil temperature. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent moisture from accumulating against the bark, which can lead to decay.

Pruning and Shaping

Arbutus unedo has a naturally attractive form and requires little pruning. The main goal is to remove any dead, damaged, or rubbing branches. This improves air circulation through the canopy, which helps reduce the likelihood of fungal diseases. Corrective cuts are best made in late winter or early spring, before the tree begins its annual growth spurt.

While not necessary, the tree can be shaped for a specific garden design. It can be trained to a single trunk or kept as a denser, rounded shrub. If shaping is desired, do so with small cuts over time rather than removing large portions at once. Heavy pruning is discouraged as it can stress the tree and spoil its natural habit.

Remove any suckers at the base of the tree as they appear, as these vigorous shoots draw energy from the main plant and can detract from the desired form. Allowing the tree to develop its own character with minimal intervention will result in a healthy and visually appealing specimen.

Common Issues

The Strawberry Tree is robust and faces few significant problems with pests or diseases. Aphids are one of the more common pests and can be controlled with a strong spray of water from a hose or by introducing beneficial insects.

Leaf spot can occasionally appear on the foliage but is rarely a serious threat to the tree’s health. If the tree fails to produce fruit, it could be because the plant is still too young to bear.