John Rickard
Family
Ericaceae
Botanical Name
ARBUTUS 'Marina'
Plant Common Name
Marina Strawberry Tree, Strawberry Tree
General Description
The parents of this small ornamental tree come from Mediterranean regions where winters are mild and rainy and summers long, hot and dry. ‘Marina’, which is a cross between Arbutus unedo and A. andrachne, has exceptional tolerance to summer drought making it the perfect evergreen for arid western gardens.
This ericaceous tree is noted for its beautiful cinnamon-colored bark that sheds periodically helping it maintain good color. The branches bear large, dark green, serrated leaves that are bronze when they first emerge. Bunches of pendulous, urn-shaped, pink flowers flushed with white are produced in spring. These continue to appear sporadically through summer. A second heavy bloom occurs in fall. The fruits of spring mature to red when those of summer are still yellow offering a nice contrast of colors. Mature fruit has gritty flesh but is edible and has a mild, sweet, kiwi-like flavor.
Grow hybrid strawberry tree in full sun and very well-drained, somewhat dry soil with average to poor fertility. It is nearly pest and disease free if these cultural requirements are met. During extended periods of drought, provide some water to keep trees looking their best. Remove dead and dying branches as needed. Otherwise, prune ‘Marina’ minimally and selectively. Shearing will destroy its pleasing upright, spreading habit.
This is an ideal small accent tree for western and southwestern landscapes. It is also well-suited for planting along large foundations.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 6
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USDA Hardiness Zone
8 - 9
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Sunset Zone
8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Tree
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
40'-0' / 12.2m - 0.0m
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Width
20'-30' / 6.1m - 9.1m
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Bloom Time
Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall, Fall, Late Fall
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Native To
Mediterranean
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Light Pink
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Fruit Color
Yellow, Red
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Dark Green
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Bark Color
Sienna
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
Yes
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
Yes
