Family
Ericaceae
Botanical Name
Arbutus x andrachnoides
Plant Common Name
Arbutus
General Description
The stately hybrid strawberry tree has pretty white flowers and colorful, flaky bark. It is a large, broad, upright shrub or small tree that is a naturally occurring hybrid between the Mediterranean natives, strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo) and Grecian strawberry tree (Arbutus andrachne).
Mature specimens adopt a roughly rounded habit and have beautiful serpent-like branches.
Fully evergreen, ovate leaves of dark green cover the tree. These have a leathery texture and may be susceptible to sun scald and wind desiccation in winter. The trunk and branches are covered with papery cinnamon bark that exfoliates to reveal smooth yellow-green to light brown under layers. Bloom time is variable and depends on geographic location. Most specimens flower in spring and rebloom in autumn and early winter. The pendulous clusters of urn-shaped flowers are creamy white and pollinated by bees. This tree rarely produces the colorful strawberry-like fruits so famed by other species of ornamental Arbutus.
Hybrid strawberry tree grows best in full to partial sun and fertile soil with excellent drainage with a slightly acid to neutral pH. It is quite drought tolerant once established. Growth tends to be better where summers are dry and winter weather is cool and wet. Shelter from winter winds and provide more shade and irrigation where growing conditions are dry. Hybrid strawberry tree is a good choice for Oceanside plantings and makes a lovely specimen plant for yard and garden. This plant is highly variable, so it’s best to hand select plants at the nursery.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 6
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USDA Hardiness Zone
7 - 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, Partial Shade
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Height
15'-25' / 4.6m - 7.6m
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Width
8'-12' / 2.4m - 3.7m
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Bloom Time
Spring, Late Spring, Fall, Late Fall, Early Winter
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Native To
Hybrid Origin
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Drought, Salt
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Growth Rate
Slow
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Twisted/Contorted
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White
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Fruit Color
Red
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, 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
Yellow Green, Light Green, Brown, Sienna
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Bark Color Modifier
Multi-Color, Striped/Striated
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
Yes
