Dwarf Strawberry Tree - Arbutus unedo compacta

An interesting smaller version of this evergreen tree great for smaller spaces; pendulous clusters of flowers are produced in autumn followed by edible red fruit; drought tolerant but best when watered; deep rooted for soil retention

Height: 5 feet. Spread: 5 feet. Sun: full sun. Hardiness zone: 6b.

Ornamental features

Dwarf Strawberry Tree features showy clusters of white bell-shaped flowers hanging below the branches in mid fall. It has green evergreen foliage which emerges light green in spring. The glossy oval leaves remain green throughout the winter. The peeling brown bark and red branches are extremely showy and add significant winter interest.

Landscape

Dwarf Strawberry Tree is a dense multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance shrub, and should only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's flowers. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Recommended for: Accent, Mass Planting, Hedges/Screening, Rock/Alpine Gardens, General Garden Use.

Planting and growing

Dwarf Strawberry Tree will grow to be about 5 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 5 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 1 foot from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 80 years or more.

This shrub should only be grown in full sunlight. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist growing conditions, but will not tolerate any standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for xeriscaping or the moisture-conserving landscape. It is not particular as to soil type, but has a definite preference for acidic soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This is a selection of a native North American species.

Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder.