Arbutus unedo: A Delightful Plant with Vibrant Blooms and Decorative Fruits
Arbutus unedo, commonly known as the Strawberry Tree, is a fascinating plant that offers much more than its quirky name suggests. With beautiful flowers, delectable fruits, and several captivating variants, this evergreen plant has established itself as a welcomed addition to gardens around the world. In recent years a number of variants have become available, the most recent that I have come across is the compact low growing shrub A. Unedo’ ‘Mercurius’.
Arbutus unedo Characteristics
Arbutus unedo is a small to medium-sized tree or shrub that belongs to the Ericaceae family. It originates from the Mediterranean region, and Co. Kerry in the south west of Ireland, but has gained popularity worldwide due to its hardiness and appealing features. One of its standout characteristics is its evergreen foliage. Its leathery, dark green leaves create a lush backdrop throughout the year, ensuring a visually pleasing presence even during colder months when other plants may be dormant.
Captivating Flowers
In the autumn season, Arbutus unedo puts on a breathtaking display of small, bell-shaped flowers. These blossoms possess a delicate beauty with their white or pink hues in the case of A. Unedo’ ‘Rubra, and their subtle fragrance adds an extra element of charm. The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it a valuable addition to any wildlife garden or pollinator-friendly landscape. The combination of vibrant flowers against the backdrop of dark green foliage creates a delightful visual spectacle.
Strawberry-like fruits
One of the most appealing aspects of Arbutus unedo is its unusual fruits. These orange-red berries resemble strawberries, hence its common name of Strawberry Tree. These fruits are only aesthetically pleasing lacking great flavour. The fruits take a year to develop and ripen, the result is that you usually see current years flowers alongside fruits from last year!
There are a number of varieties available, these four are available from Johnstown Garden Centre.
Arbutus unedo ‘Quercifolia’
This variant, commonly known as the Oakleaf Strawberry Tree, stands out for its striking oak-like leaves. The foliage adds an extra layer of interest to the plant, providing a beautiful contrast against the delicate flowers and red fruits. ‘Quercifolia’ is an ideal choice for those seeking a unique twist on the traditional Arbutus unedo.
Arbutus unedo ‘Rubra’
The ‘Rubra’ variant captivates with its vibrant pink flowers, offering a more intense burst of color to the landscape. These bright blossoms against the dark green foliage create a visually striking combination. ‘Rubra’ is a popular choice for those looking to add a dash of boldness and playfulness to their garden.
Arbutus unedo ‘Compacta‘
As the name suggests, the ‘Compacta’ variant is a more compact form of Arbutus unedo. This dwarf cultivar is perfect for smaller gardens or containers, as it retains all the beauty and features of its larger relatives but on a smaller scale. ‘Compacta’ presents an excellent opportunity for urban gardeners or those with limited space who still want to enjoy the charms of Arbutus unedo.
Arbutus unedo ‘Mercurius’
‘Mercurius’ is a new and notable variant that showcases a neat and compact growth habit. With its glossy, dark green leaves and abundant flowers, this cultivar is particularly attractive. An added feature is the new growth is orange in colour. Its smaller stature makes it an ideal choice for container gardening or lining paths, where it adds a touch of elegance and sophistication. It’s mature height is said to be 40-60cm.
Conclusion
Arbutus unedo, with its stunning flowers, luscious fruits, and enticing variants like ‘Quercifolia’, ‘Rubra’, ‘Compacta’, and ‘Mercurius’, is a fantastic plant that offers considerable appeal. Whether you’re looking for vibrant blooms, unique foliage, or simply want to enjoy the gorgeous fruits, this enchanting plant will be a welcome addition to any garden. Consider adding Arbutus unedo to your garden, or the smaller varieties can be grown in pots, and prepare to be rewarded with year-round beauty, delightful culinary experiences, and a touch of magic.
Arbutus Facts
- Arbutus unedo can grow up to 10-15 feet tall and spread over 8-12 feet.
- It produces white bell-shaped flowers in late autumn to early winter.
- The plant’s distinctive strawberry-like fruits ripen in autumn and persist on the plant throughout winter.
- Arbutus unedo has glossy, dark green foliage that remains persistent throughout the year.
- It is commonly known as the “Killarney strawberry tree” due to it being native to the Killarney area of Co. Kerry, Ireland, one of the few evergreen native trees.
- Although, it is in the heather family, it is lime tolerant, not requiring acidic soils like the majority of the members of the family Ericaceae.
Ciaran The Gardener 