Strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo)

The strawberry tree (Arbutus arbutus) originates in the Mediterranean basin. It is one of the main shrubs of the Mediterranean basin and the pine forest undergrowth of the coast. It is a large evergreen shrub or small tree with twisted branches, a short trunk, and reddish-brown, rough bark that exfoliates in plates. Its dark green, glossy leaves are oval to obovate, with few teeth, lighter on the underside, and reach a maximum length of 10 cm.

Small, bell-shaped flowers, white or tinged with pink, in curved panicles; they bloom in late summer and last throughout autumn, attracting many bees. Fruit: small (1-2 cm in diameter), round, covered with a granular skin that turns red when ripe; it ripens in autumn over two years; consequently, if not picked or eaten by birds, the flowers and fruit can be admired on the same plant at the same time. It prefers neutral and acidic soils, but also tolerates calcareous ones.

Physiological and cultivation characteristics:

• It can reach 6 to 12 meters in height and 6 to 8 meters in width.
• It belongs to the 8B rusticity zone.
• It has a medium growth rate.
• It must be in an area exposed to full sun.
• It is a melliferous plant (visited by bees).
• It attracts birds.
• Suitable for small gardens.
• It can be grown in pots, planters and flower boxes to decorate terraces, balconies, etc.
• It can be planted individually but is also suitable for forming groups (more plants of the same variety).
• Suitable for the formation of patches and groves with other different species.
• Suitable for creating shaped hedges.
• Sea resistant.