Dwarf Strawberry Tree
Arbutus unedo 'Compacta'
SKU
0290
Dense, upright branches hold masses of white flowers followed by red strawberry-like fruit. Tolerates poor soil. Use as single accent shrub, or mass for screens or hedges. Evergreen. Full to partial sun. Moderate growing 6 to 8 ft. tall, 5 to 6 ft. wide. Cutting grown.
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7 - 9 Change
Full sun, Partial sun
Once established, water deeply, occasionally.
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| Botanical Pronunciation | ar-BYOO-tus YOO-nee-doh kom-PAK-ta |
|---|---|
| Lore | Arbutus flowers are important to honeybees, and the leaves and fruits have been used in herbal and pharmaceutical products. The bark contains high levels of tannins, making it useful in dyes and leather making. The strawberry-like fruits are palatable to both wild and human foragers. Having a sweet, woodsy flavor somewhat reminiscent of apricot and guava, the ripe fruit is high in vitamin C and can be eaten fresh, cooked into jams or added to pies, or made into wine or spirits. More often, the fruit is appreciated by birds and small mammals. Note: if consumed, under-ripe fruit can cause nausea and overripe fruit can cause mild intoxication. The name unedo is attributed to Pliny the Elder, a Roman author and naturalist, who in 50 AD allegedly claimed "unum tantum edo," meaning "I eat only one." |
| Average Size at Maturity | Grows 6 to 8 ft. tall, 5 to 6 ft. wide in 10 years; slightly larger with age. |
| Bloom Time | Fall to Late Winter |
| Design Ideas | This handsome evergreen shrub can be grown as a large shrub or multi-trunk small tree, and is best planted where its ruddy, peeling bark can be admired as it matures. Use as a striking year-round focal point in a large waterwise border or on a front bank. Plant in pairs to flank an entryway path; space at least five feet from a patio or path to allow natural, artistic branching to develop and avoid need for pruning. Position three or five, randomly spaced along a back fence or property line to create visual interest. The twisted branching and dark green foliage create an attractive and easy backdrop for lower shrubs, grasses or groundcovers. Plant en masse to create an informal, minimal-care hedge. Flowers and fruit often appear at the same time. Cut stems and boughs make appealing centerpieces for fall and holiday tables, when the flowers and fruit are in prime season. |
| Deciduous/ Evergreen | Evergreen |
| Flower Attribute | Repeat Flowering, Showy Flowers |
| Flower Color | White |
| Foliage Color | Green |
| Garden Style | Mediterranean, Rustic |
| Growth Habit | Round |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Landscape Use | Border, Firescaping/Fire Wise, Hedge, Mass Planting, Privacy Screen, Specimen, Cutting Garden, Wildlife Garden |
| Light Needs | Full sun, Partial sun |
| Soil Needs | Tree & Shrub Food |
| Special Feature | Attractive Bark, Dwarf Plant, Easy Care, Edible, Ornamental Berries, Tolerates Poor Soils, Waterwise, Bird Friendly |
| Water Needs | Low |
| Watering Needs | Once established, water deeply, occasionally. |
| Key Feature | Versatile Waterwise Shrub |
Easily grown in lean, well-drained soil. Water deeply, regularly during the first growing season to establish an extensive root system. Once established, reduce frequency; tolerates drought. Apply a slow-release fertilizer before new growth begins in spring. Prune annually to shape.
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