Arbutus

www.greatplantpicks.org

www.greatplantpicks.org

Common Name: Madrone or Strawberry Tree

Great Plant Picks - Arbutus unedo is a four-season evergreen shrub with outstanding flowers, fruit, leaves, and bark. The small, urn-shaped, whitish-pink flowers are produced from October to December. Round, ¾-inch, knobby fruits gradually ripen to orange-red and are often in color when the shrub is in full flower. Choose a protected site to ensure fruit every year. The dark green glossy foliage is beautiful, as is the attractive, cinnamon-colored bark. Prune shrubs to accentuate the sculptural qualities of the branching and bark. This versatile shrub tolerates a wide variety of soil conditions including sand and clay, but it must have a well-drained location. The growth is best in full sun to open shade and is drought tolerant once established. Foliage and flowers may be damaged in unusually cold winters, but it will recover in the spring. Plants in protected locations are more reliable fruit producers. Native to western Europe and the Mediterranean region.