Consulta Plantas

Care of the shrub Arbutus unedo or Strawberry tree

The genus Arbutus, family Ericaceae, comprises 12 species of shrubs and trees native to western Europe, the Mediterranean basin, the Canary Islands and North America. Some species are: Arbutus unedo, Arbutus andrachne, Arbutus canariensis, Arbutus arizonica, Arbutus menziesii.

Common name: Strawberry tree. This species is native to the western mediterranean.

They are shrubs or evergreen trees that reach more than 3 meters (9.84 feet) in height. The leaves are oval in shape with serrated edges and are bright green. The flowers appear in hanging clusters, are bell-shaped, and can be cream-pink or white. They bloom in autumn and early summer. The fruits (strawberry trees) are edible red berries (when ripe); the fruits contain alcohol.

They are used to form hedges and as isolated specimens as shrubs or as small trees. The bark contains tannins that are used for tanning. The leaves are used against diarrhea, dysentery and diseases of the urinary system. Liquors and wines are prepared with the fruits.

Arbutus unedo grows in full sun and semi-shade exposures. They do not resist intense frosts.

They grow in any type of soil but prefer deep soils that contain abundant organic matter.

Water regularly so that the substrate is always slightly damp although they resist periods of drought.

Fertilize with manure in autumn and in spring and summer every 20 days with mineral fertilizer.

Prune lightly in early spring to maintain a compact demeanor.

They are propagated from seeds sown in winter after removing the pulp that covers the seeds; germinate quickly.

Images of the shrub Arbutus unedo or Strawberry tree