Strawberry Tree Live Plant in 4 Inches Pot Arbutus Unedo Plant Fruit Shrub Tree Outdoors Garden

The Arbutus unedo, commonly known as the Strawberry Tree, is a beautiful, evergreen shrub or small tree native to the Mediterranean region and parts of Western Europe. It is prized for its ornamental appeal, unique strawberry-like fruit, and adaptability to various landscapes.

Key Features
Common Name: Strawberry Tree
Botanical Name: Arbutus unedo
Family: Ericaceae
USDA Hardiness Zones: 7–10
Mature Size: 15–30 feet tall and 10–20 feet wide
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Requirements: Well-draining soil, tolerant of poor or rocky soils
Growth Rate: Moderate
Lifespan: Long-lived
Notable Characteristics
Foliage:

Dark green, glossy, and leathery leaves.
Evergreen, providing year-round interest.
Flowers:

Bell-shaped, creamy white to pale pink clusters.
Bloom period: Fall to early winter.
Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Fruit:

Round, textured, red-orange fruit resembling strawberries.
Ripens in the fall, edible with a sweet, mildly tangy flavor.
Often used in jams, desserts, or fermented into liqueurs.
Bark:

Distinctive reddish-brown bark that peels to reveal a cinnamon-colored underlayer, adding texture and visual interest.
Care Requirements
Planting:

Choose a well-draining site with full sun or partial shade.
Space plants 10–20 feet apart to allow for mature growth.
Watering:

Drought-tolerant once established, but regular watering is needed during the first year.
Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Pruning:

Prune in late winter or early spring to shape or remove dead/damaged branches.
Minimal pruning is required for mature plants.
Fertilizing:

Does not require heavy feeding.
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring if growth appears sluggish.
Benefits
Wildlife Friendly: Provides nectar for pollinators and fruits for birds.
Low Maintenance: Tolerant of drought, urban pollution, and poor soils.
Versatility: Suitable for hedges, screens, or as a specimen tree in landscapes.
Ornamental Value: Striking flowers, fruit, and bark enhance year-round interest.
Uses
Edible:

Fruits can be eaten fresh or used in cooking, though they are slightly mealy in texture.
Popular in Mediterranean cuisine and for making preserves or alcoholic beverages.
Landscaping:

Ideal for Mediterranean or drought-tolerant gardens.
Can be grown in containers when young.
Tips for Success
Protect young plants from frost in colder zones.
Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers and fruit.
Mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
The Arbutus unedo is a perfect choice for gardeners seeking a resilient, multi-functional plant that adds a touch of Mediterranean charm to their landscape.