Arbutus unedo

Common Name:
Strawberry Tree

Description:
Arbutus unedo, commonly known as the Strawberry Tree, is a beautiful evergreen tree or large shrub valued for its year-round ornamental appeal. It features glossy, dark green leaves, rough reddish-brown bark, and clusters of small, urn-shaped white to pale pink flowers in autumn. These flowers are followed by striking, round, red-orange fruit that resemble strawberries, which ripen over 12 months, creating a unique display of both flowers and fruit simultaneously. The fruit is edible and can be used in jams and liqueurs. Arbutus unedo is highly tolerant of poor soils, coastal conditions, and drought, making it a fantastic low-maintenance choice for Melbourne gardens. Its dense habit makes it ideal as a feature tree, informal hedge, or screening plant.

Form:

• Tree - Small
• Shrub - Large

Mature Size:

• Height: 4–8m
• Width: 3–6m

Aspect:

• Full Sun
• Part Shade

Flowering:

• Flowers in Autumn
• Flowers in Early Winter

Flower Colour:

• White to Pale Pink

Key Attributes:

• Suitable for Pots (When Young)
• Drought Tolerant
• Low Maintenance
• Perennial
• Frost Tolerant
• Coastal Tolerant
• Edible Fruit
• Bird Attracting
• Attractive Bark
• Year-Round Interest

Toxicity:

• Non-toxic to humans and pets (fruit is edible)

Companion Plants:

• Callistemon (Bottlebrush)
• Grevillea
• Westringia
• Lavandula (Lavender)
• Lomandra

For more information and photos of this species, Warners Nursery has detailed information available to the public via the following link. 

Arbutus unedo