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 marina strawberry tree (Arbutus x ‘Marina’) is a stunning ornamental tree that offers year-round beauty and adaptability to a range of climates. As the marina strawberry tree matures to its full size, it develops into a captivating focal point for landscapes across various USDA hardiness zones. Let’s explore why full grown marina strawberry trees can be the perfect addition for gardens from the Southwest to coastal regions.
Overview of the Marina Strawberry Tree
Native to the Mediterranean the marina strawberry tree is an evergreen hybrid that combines genetics from the Arbutus unedo and Arbutus canariensis species. It was first cultivated in California by the renowned Monrovia nursery.
The marina strawberry tree grows at a relatively fast pace, averaging about 1-2 feet per year. It typically matures to a height between 25-40 feet tall and spread of around 15 feet wide. The tree has an upright yet rounded form with eye-catching cinnamon-red peeling bark that provides excellent winter interest.
The large, glossy green leaves set the marina strawberry tree apart from some other Arbutus varieties. The foliage emerges a vivid red before maturing to a deep emerald green. Clusters of petite urn-shaped pink flowers bloom from fall through late winter. These blossoms give way to bumpy red fruits resembling strawberries, which explains the common name. The marina strawberry tree amazingly produces flowers and fruits simultaneously for a striking multi-season display.
Growing Conditions for Marina Strawberry Trees
One of the best features of the marina strawberry tree is its adaptability to different climates and soil types. Here are its basic growing needs:
- USDA Zones: 7-10
- Sun: Full sun
- Soil: Average to poor, well-draining
- Water: Low to moderate once established
This versatility makes the marina strawberry tree suitable for Southwestern gardens as well as coastal areas. It can tolerate heat, wind, salt spray, and drought once settled in. Provide regular irrigation for the first year or two to help establish deep roots. After that, it only requires occasional deep waterings.
The marina strawberry tree thrives in lean soils with minimal fertility requirements once established. Avoid overwatering or over-fertilizing for optimal growth. It has few issues with pests or diseases. The leathery foliage makes it deer resistant as well.
The Form and Function of Mature Marina Strawberry Trees
When given room to reach maturity, the marina strawberry tree takes on a beautifully rounded, upright form. It has an attractive shape as a stand-alone specimen or planted in groupings. The peeling bark offers nice winter interest after leaves drop.
The large evergreen leaves cast dappled shade below. These glossy green leaves turn a vivid red before maturing, providing a great show of foliage color. Mature marina strawberry trees bloom and fruit at the same time. You get delicate pinkish urn-shaped flowers and decorative red, strawberry-like fruits simultaneously.
In addition to year-round visual delight, mature marina strawberry trees have functional uses in the landscape. Their rounded canopy can provide shelter from winds when planted as a windbreak. The trees also make a great privacy screen or for blocking unsightly views.
The drought and fire resistant foliage is ideal for xeriscaping and fire-wise plantings once established. Marina strawberry trees attract birds who feast on the fruits. You can also harvest the sweet, mild berries for jams or other recipes.
Tips for Growing Healthy Marina Strawberry Trees
Getting your marina strawberry tree off to a strong start is vital for it to reach full maturity. Here are some tips for success:
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Select a site with full sun and well-draining soil. Avoid soggy or clay-heavy spots.
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Water young trees regularly the first 1-2 years to develop deep roots.
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Apply a balanced fertilizer or slow-release formula in early spring. Avoid high-nitrogen products.
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Prune lightly in spring to shape the canopy and remove dead branches. Avoid heavy pruning.
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Watch for scale insects on leaves and stems. Control with horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps.
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Mulch around the root zone to conserve moisture and reduce weeds.
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Irrigate mature trees during droughts for best flowering and fruiting.
Enjoying Mature Marina Strawberry Trees
Allowing marina strawberry trees time to reach full size rewards you with an incredibly adaptable evergreen specimen. The year-round beauty, wildlife value, edible fruits, and functionality are very appealing to today’s gardeners.
Incorporating one or more mature marina strawberry trees can provide food and shelter for birds, visual interest across seasons, and space definition and screening. You also get the benefit of harvesting ornamental edible fruits!
If you have the patience to let them mature, full grown marina strawberry trees become stunning focal points. They make great anchors for Mediterranean gardens, wildlife habitats, native gardens, or as stand-alone specimens. They exemplify the combination of beauty and utility that makes exceptional landscape plants.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mature Marina Strawberry Trees
How big do marina strawberry trees get?
The Arbutus ‘Marina’ typically matures to a height of 25-50 feet with a spread of 15-20 feet. It has a broad, dense rounded crown.
Are marina strawberry trees messy plants?
The marina strawberry tree is very attractive, but it does drop some flowers, fruits, twigs and shedding bark year-round. So placement in the landscape should account for potential messiness.
What is the recommended care for a marina strawberry tree?
Marina strawberry trees need deep watering regularly the first couple years until the root system establishes. Once established, they are quite drought tolerant but still benefit from occasional irrigation during hot weather.
How long before a marina strawberry tree bears fruit?
You can expect fruit production to begin after about two years. The tasty fruits can be eaten fresh or used in jams and other recipes. Fruiting is light but occurs year-round.
With stunning flowers, fruits, bark and adaptability, it’s easy to see why full grown marina strawberry trees have become so popular. Give them room to reach maturity, and they will reward you with year-round beauty and function.
Propagation by Cuttings
The best time to take cuttings from a strawberry tree is in July. You will need a sterilized garden cutting tool, rooting hormone, soilless potting mix, and 6-inch pots with a drainage hole.
- Choose new growth for your cuttings, focusing on green, soft (non-woody) stems.
- Using a sterilized cutting tool, make a clean cut just below a node; each cutting should be 4 to 6 inches long and contain at least two leaves and one node.
- Remove all but one or two leaves on each cutting and apply rooting hormone to the cut end.
- In each pot filled with potting mix, make a hole with a pencil or something similar, and gently place the cutting in the hole. Tamp soil around the cutting and water the potted cutting.
- Cover pots with a plastic bag, which provides a warm, humid environment. Don’t seal completely so there’s some airflow.
- Keep the cuttings in a warm spot with bright light until they are hardy enough for outdoor planting.
Harvesting From the Strawberry Tree
The berries on a strawberry tree are typically ready for harvesting in the late fall or winter around November or December. They are best picked when the skins of the berries are very red and they are a bit soft to the touch.