The strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo) is a shrub that bears delicate, fragrant flowers and brightly colored fruits that are not strawberries, but bland-tasting, round fruits. The oblong leaves are shiny and dark, 2 to 4 inches long. The tree produces bell-shaped white or pink flowers that grow in clusters and mature along with the fruit in the fall. Tying all of this together is the attractive multicolored bark and twisting branches that make this a lovely ornamental tree and, when left as a shrub, can mature into a lush, dense dome shape. Plant new trees in the fall and expect a slow to moderate growth rate for this shrub.
The strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo) is an interesting ornamental tree known for its eye-catching red berries and attractive peeling bark With its white flower clusters and evergreen leaves, it can be a beautiful addition to a yard However, like any plant, the strawberry tree has both advantages and disadvantages that are important to consider before deciding to grow it. In this article, we’ll explore the key pros and cons of the strawberry tree to help you determine if it’s the right choice for your garden.
An Overview of the Strawberry Tree
The strawberry tree is a shrub or small tree in the Ericaceae family that is native to the Mediterranean region. It typically grows to be between 16-35 feet tall and 8-15 feet wide. The leaves are dark green, oblong and shiny. During the fall and early winter, it produces dangling clusters of small, bell-shaped white or pink flowers. These are followed by red berries that superficially resemble large strawberries, hence the common name. However, the flavor is fairly mild and not very strawberry-like.
The peeling, multicolored bark in gray, brown and orange shades is another signature feature of the strawberry tree As the common name Arbutus unedo indicates, it tends to be a long-lived tree, with some specimens surviving up to 400 years. Next, let’s look at some of the biggest advantages and drawbacks of choosing to grow a strawberry tree
The Pros of Growing a Strawberry Tree
Low-Maintenance & Easy to Grow
One of the best things about the strawberry tree is that it is generally low-maintenance and easy to grow. It adapts readily to a range of soil types and climates. Strawberry trees tolerate drought, wind, salt and pollution well. Once established, they don’t require very much water or care to thrive. This makes them an excellent choice for beginner gardeners.
Attractive Flowers & Fruit
With its dangling white or pink blooms and vibrant red, strawberry-like fruits, the strawberry tree certainly provides aesthetic appeal in the garden. It can add pops of color at a time of year when most other plants have died back. Birds love snacking on the berries too.
Evergreen Foliage
The oblong, glossy green leaves of the strawberry tree remain on the plant year-round. This provides interest during the winter when most trees have lost their leaves. The evergreen foliage can help block winds and provide shelter as well.
Ornamental Bark
As the strawberry tree matures, the peeling bark in shades of orange, brown and gray develops. This unique, multi-hued bark can provide great visual interest, especially during the winter when the tree is bare of leaves.
Can Live Hundreds of Years
A mature strawberry tree can survive for centuries under the right conditions. Their longevity means you can potentially enjoy their presence in your garden for your entire lifetime or pass them down to future generations.
Attracts Wildlife
In addition to producing berries that birds love, strawberry trees also attract bees, butterflies and other beneficial wildlife to your yard. Their flowers provide nectar while their branches offer places for nesting and shelter.
Tolerates Poor Conditions
Thanks to their adaptability, strawberry trees can grow well in poor, dry soils and challenging environments where other plants would struggle. This makes them a good choice for urban settings or growth in coastal areas.
Edible Fruit
While not the tastiest for fresh eating, the berries can be used to make jams, jellies and liqueurs. Some people also enjoy eating them dried. So the fruit is technically edible, adding to this plant’s versatility.
The Cons of Growing a Strawberry Tree
Slow Growing
Strawberry trees grow at a very slow pace—usually no more than 12 inches per year. It can take many years for them to reach maturity and start producing significant amounts of flowers and fruit. This means you’ll need patience to enjoy the full benefits.
Large Mature Size
These trees can ultimately grow up to 35 feet tall and 15 feet wide. Make sure you have ample room to accommodate their substantial mature size before planting one. Their large size may make them unsuitable for some smaller gardens.
Messy Fruit Drop
Though the berries are initially attractive on the tree, they eventually fall to the ground and can make a mess on hardscaping below if not cleaned up promptly. The dropped fruit can also attract less desirable wildlife like rodents.
Needs Well-Drained Soil
While strawberry trees are adaptable to different soil pH levels, they do require soil that drains well. Poor drainage can lead to root rot issues. Avoid planting them in areas with clay soil or where water collects.
Dislikes Humid Climates
These trees thrive in Mediterranean environments and do best in dry climates. Too much moisture and humidity can lead to problems with diseases like root rot. Consider the climate before planting.
Long-Term Commitment
Due to their potentially centuries-long lifespans, planting a strawberry tree represents a long-term commitment. They can be difficult to remove if you later change your mind about having them.
Can Harbor Pests
Strawberry trees are prone to some pests like borers, caterpillars, aphids and scale. These insects can damage the tree or require pesticide applications to control heavy infestations.
Poisonous Leaves
While the berries are edible when ripe, the leaves of the strawberry tree are toxic. This means you need to take care when planting them around children or pets.
Needs Good Air Circulation
Insufficient air circulation can promote fungal diseases. When siting these trees, make sure to leave adequate space between them and surrounding plants to allow good airflow.
Should You Grow a Strawberry Tree?
In considering the pros and cons of the strawberry tree, a few key factors like your climate, available space, soil drainage and patience for slow growth will determine if it’s a good fit for your particular garden. For many people, the aesthetic benefits, low-maintenance nature and adaptability of the strawberry tree outweigh minor drawbacks like messy fruit drop or large mature size. If you have room for a large evergreen tree and desire unique ornamental qualities, planting a strawberry tree can be highly rewarding. But those with tiny yards or short time horizons may want to opt for a smaller tree instead. Weigh the pros and cons carefully before adding this distinctive plant to your outdoor space.
Light
The strawberry tree appreciates more sun than shade. It will thrive if it has six hours of full, direct sun a day.
Arbutus Unedo vs. Muntingia Calabura
Both Arbutus unedo and Muntingia calabura are called by the common name of strawberry tree, but they are two different species. To avoid confusion, the Muntingia calabura is also called the Jamaican cherry, as well as the strawberry tree. It grows faster than the Arbutus unedo. The Jamaican cherry trees berry tastes like cotton candy.
Amazing Bark, Amazing Tree! Arbutus Marina (Marina Strawberry Tree)
FAQ
How messy is a strawberry tree?
One thing to consider when planting a strawberry tree is its potential for mess. Like other tree fruits, once ripe, strawberry tree fruit falls to the ground, so avoid planting one too close to a path or patio. However, the fruit is not considered harmful and can be left on the soil to decompose.
Where is the best place to plant a strawberry tree?
Planting A Strawberry Tree
Find a spot with ample sunlight—full sun is preferable, but a bit of partial shade should be just fine. Try to keep it about 25 feet from any other large trees, unless you plan on frequently pruning it to keep it at a more compact size.
Do strawberry trees attract rodents?
Out of all foods the rodents consume, their top two loves are generally for fruits and berries. The wild rats and mice consume these foods at every opportunity, even before they are ripe. As a result, strawberries trees as well as blackberry and raspberry shrubberies can work as magnetic form for the animals.
Do strawberry trees have big roots?
Strawberry Tree roots typically reach a depth of 2 to 3 feet.