Arbutus unedo seeds - Strawberry tree
Arbutus unedo seeds - Strawberry tree
Arbutus unedo seeds - Strawberry tree
Arbutus unedo seeds - Strawberry tree
Arbutus unedo seeds - Strawberry tree
Arbutus unedo seeds - Strawberry tree
Arbutus unedo
Strawberry tree, Madrone
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Available in 3 sizes
Available in 1 sizes
Available in 2 sizes
Available in 1 sizes
Available in 1 sizes
Available in 2 sizes
This plant carries a 6 months recovery warranty
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We guarantee the quality of our plants for a full growing cycle, and will replace at our expense any plant that fails to recover under normal climatic and planting conditions.
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Description
Arbutus unedo, commonly known as the strawberry tree, is a small tree that is both ornamental and useful, deserving a prime spot in gardens that aren't too cold. Its name comes from its round, red fruits, resembling strawberries, though they have a rather bland flavour and a surprisingly granular texture. Its elegant and nectar-rich autumn flowering consists of small white to pink bell-shaped flowers, similar to those of lily of the valley, which appear from late August.
The strawberry tree belongs to the Ericaceae family, just like heathers and ericaceous bushes. Native to the Mediterranean basin and the Atlantic regions of Western Europe, it grows naturally on rocky, well-drained soils in southern France, the Iberian Peninsula, and even as far as Ireland, where it adapts to temperate climates. Arbutus unedo is particularly appreciated in winter for its dense, evergreen foliage. Its elliptical, alternate leaves, finely toothed along the edges, measure 6 to 9 cm in length. Dark green and glossy on top, they contrast with its reddish young shoots. Its trunk and branches are covered in reddish-brown bark that peels into thin strips with age, creating a decorative texture, especially visible in winter. From late August, a nectar-rich flowering adorns the bush with pendulous clusters of small white to pink bell-shaped flowers. These flowers, resembling those of lily of the valley, attract bees and other pollinators, enhancing garden biodiversity. Flowers and berries at different stages of ripening coexist on the tree, creating a charming multicoloured display. In the wild, some birds that eat the berries help reseed the strawberry tree here and there. A year after flowering, the flowers give way to fruits that start green, turn yellow, and then become bright red when ripe. These round, 2 to 3 cm diameter, round berries are covered in small bumps and look like strawberries, hence the bush's common name. They are edible with a sweet and slightly tangy flavour, though their granular texture may be surprising. They can be used to make jams, jellies, liqueurs, or even pastries.
Hardy down to -15°C, the strawberry tree adapts well to mild oceanic and Mediterranean climates. It thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil and tolerates both full sun and partial shade. Its growth is slow but steady, reaching between 3 and 5 metres in height, or even more under favourable conditions. Since the strawberry tree doesn’t transplant well, it’s essential to choose its location carefully from the start.
Arbutus unedo seeds - Strawberry tree in pictures
Flowering
Foliage
Plant habit
Botanical data
Arbutus
unedo
Ericaceae
Strawberry tree, Madrone
Mediterranean
Other Arbutus - Strawberry tree
View all →Available in 3 sizes
Available in 1 sizes
Available in 2 sizes
Available in 1 sizes
Available in 1 sizes
Available in 2 sizes
Planting and care
Growing strawberry trees from seed requires patience and some precautions, particularly due to the dormancy of the seeds, which are not always fresh when sold in packets. To maximise germination, it is essential to stratify them before sowing.
First and foremost, it is recommended to soak the seeds in lukewarm water for 24 to 48 hours to soften their casing and remove any that float, as these are often non-viable. Once this step is completed, cold stratification is essential to break their dormancy. For this, the seeds should be placed in damp sand or a mixture of turf and vermiculite, then sealed in a perforated plastic bag or an airtight container. Store this container in the refrigerator, between 2 and 5°C, for 6 to 8 weeks. It is important to regularly check that the substrate remains slightly moist.
Once stratification is complete, the seeds can be surface-sown in a tray filled with a light, well-drained, slightly acidic substrate, composed of seed compost, sand and perlite. They should only be covered with a thin layer of substrate (1 to 2 mm maximum), then gently watered by misting to avoid displacing them. The tray should be placed under shelter, in a bright environment but without direct sunlight, at a temperature between 18 and 22°C. Maintaining constant humidity is crucial, without saturating the substrate. Using a propagator or transparent plastic bag can help create a favourable microclimate. Germination can be slow and irregular, taking from 1 to 6 months depending on the freshness of the seeds and growing conditions.
When the young plants have developed two to three well-formed leaves, they can be carefully transplanted into deep individual pots filled with a light mixture. They should be gradually hardened off before planting out, preferably the following spring. It is essential to choose their location carefully from the outset, as strawberry trees tolerate transplanting poorly once established.
Sowing period
Intended location
Planting & care advice
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Hardiness is the lowest winter temperature a plant can endure without suffering serious damage or even dying. However, hardiness is affected by location (a sheltered area, such as a patio), protection (winter cover) and soil type (hardiness is improved by well-drained soil).
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The flowering period indicated on our website applies to countries and regions located in USDA zone 8 (France, the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Netherlands, etc.)
It will vary according to where you live:
- In zones 9 to 10 (Italy, Spain, Greece, etc.), flowering will occur about 2 to 4 weeks earlier.
- In zones 6 to 7 (Germany, Poland, Slovenia, and lower mountainous regions), flowering will be delayed by 2 to 3 weeks.
- In zone 5 (Central Europe, Scandinavia), blooming will be delayed by 3 to 5 weeks.
In temperate climates, pruning of spring-flowering shrubs (forsythia, spireas, etc.) should be done just after flowering.
Pruning of summer-flowering shrubs (Indian Lilac, Perovskia, etc.) can be done in winter or spring.
In cold regions as well as with frost-sensitive plants, avoid pruning too early when severe frosts may still occur.
The planting period indicated on our website applies to countries and regions located in USDA zone 8 (France, United Kingdom, Ireland, Netherlands).
It will vary according to where you live:
- In Mediterranean zones (Marseille, Madrid, Milan, etc.), autumn and winter are the best planting periods.
- In continental zones (Strasbourg, Munich, Vienna, etc.), delay planting by 2 to 3 weeks in spring and bring it forward by 2 to 4 weeks in autumn.
- In mountainous regions (the Alps, Pyrenees, Carpathians, etc.), it is best to plant in late spring (May-June) or late summer (August-September).
The harvesting period indicated on our website applies to countries and regions in USDA zone 8 (France, England, Ireland, the Netherlands).
In colder areas (Scandinavia, Poland, Austria...) fruit and vegetable harvests are likely to be delayed by 3-4 weeks.
In warmer areas (Italy, Spain, Greece, etc.), harvesting will probably take place earlier, depending on weather conditions.
The sowing periods indicated on our website apply to countries and regions within USDA Zone 8 (France, UK, Ireland, Netherlands).
In colder areas (Scandinavia, Poland, Austria...), delay any outdoor sowing by 3-4 weeks, or sow under glass.
In warmer climes (Italy, Spain, Greece, etc.), bring outdoor sowing forward by a few weeks.