There are some trees that earn their place in a garden for a few spectacular weeks of the year. And then there are those that quietly offer something beautiful in every season. Arbutus unedo, better known as the strawberry tree, is one of those rather special evergreens. With glossy green foliage, attractive reddish-brown bark, delicate clusters of bell-shaped flowers and round, strawberry-like fruits, this Mediterranean native brings a wonderful combination of texture, colour and understated elegance to the garden. And autumn is when much of its charm becomes apparent.
At The Norfolk Olive Tree Company, we have always believed that a garden should be about more than a fleeting summer display. The right trees provide structure, character and interest throughout the year, creating a garden that continues to reward you long after the last summer flowers have faded. The strawberry tree is a lovely example of exactly that.
What is Arbutus unedo?
Arbutus unedo belongs to the Ericaceae family, which also includes heathers and other familiar ornamental plants. Native to the Mediterranean region and parts of western Europe, it is an evergreen tree or large shrub that has become increasingly valued in gardens for its distinctive appearance and extended season of interest.
Its botanical name is worth knowing if you are searching for one. While strawberry tree is the familiar common name, Arbutus unedo is the name you will find in horticultural references.
We are seeing the value of botanical names in the way people research plants. They help gardeners identify the precise tree they are interested in, distinguish it from similar plants and discover more specific information about its eventual size, growing requirements and suitability for their garden. For anyone creating a considered planting scheme, that precision matters.
Why the strawberry tree is so beautiful in autumn
Autumn can be a challenging time for garden design. Many deciduous trees are shedding their leaves, summer flowers have finished, and the garden can begin to lose some of its visual richness. Arbutus unedo offers a different perspective. Evergreen foliage throughout the year. Its glossy, deep-green leaves provide a dependable backdrop in every season. Rather than disappearing into the background, the foliage gives the garden structure when other plants are becoming dormant. It works beautifully alongside ornamental grasses, silver-leaved Mediterranean plants and architectural evergreens such as the Olive tree.
The fruits resemble strawberries, hence the common name, although they do not taste like the familiar garden strawberry. Although the fruits are edible when properly ripe and are used in some countries to make preserves and liqueurs, the tree is often grown in British gardens just for its ornamental qualities.
As the tree matures, its reddish-brown bark and branching structure add another layer of interest. It has a characterful, slightly Mediterranean appearance without demanding the formal treatment sometimes associated with traditional specimen trees. Given room to develop naturally, Arbutus unedo can become an elegant focal point, bringing a softer, more relaxed quality to a garden.
Where should you plant Arbutus unedo?
The strawberry tree suits a variety of garden styles, from contemporary courtyards to established country gardens. It can be particularly effective as a specimen tree, where its evergreen canopy, flowers and fruit can be appreciated throughout the year. It also works well in Mediterranean-inspired planting schemes, alongside olives and other carefully chosen evergreens. For the best results, choose a position in full sun or light partial shade, ideally with some shelter from cold, drying winds. Most importantly, good drainage is essential.
Arbutus unedo will tolerate a range of soil types, but it does not appreciate persistently waterlogged roots. This is particularly relevant in an English autumn and winter, when heavy rainfall can leave poorly drained ground saturated for prolonged periods. If your garden has heavy clay soil, consider the drainage carefully before planting. A raised or naturally free-draining position may be more suitable than a low-lying area where water collects.
At The Norfolk Olive Tree Company, we are particularly drawn to plants that combine horticultural substance with genuine aesthetic appeal. Arbutus unedo does both. It is evergreen without being ordinary, colourful without being showy, and distinctive without looking out of place in a British garden. It offers a little of the Mediterranean atmosphere we love, while providing the year-round structure that makes a garden feel complete.
If you are looking for an evergreen specimen with autumn flowers, decorative fruit and beautiful foliage, the strawberry tree is certainly worth discovering. Our new Arbutus unedo arrivals from Tuscany are due next week. If you would like to explore this distinctive Mediterranean tree for your own garden, please get in touch with us about availability and the sizes arriving.
Frequently asked questions about Arbutus unedo
Is Arbutus unedo evergreen?
Yes. Arbutus unedo is an evergreen tree or large shrub with glossy green leaves that remain on the plant throughout the year.
Does the strawberry tree grow well in the UK?
Yes. Arbutus unedo can grow successfully in many UK gardens, particularly in a sunny or lightly shaded, sheltered position with well-drained soil. Young plants may need additional protection during severe frosts.
When does Arbutus unedo flower?
The strawberry tree typically flowers in late summer and autumn. Its small, bell-shaped flowers can appear while the previous season’s fruits are ripening, creating an attractive combination of flowers and red fruit.
Can you eat the fruit of a strawberry tree?
The ripe fruits are edible and are used to make preserves and liqueurs in some countries. However, Arbutus unedo is generally grown in UK gardens as an ornamental tree, and the fruits do not taste like conventional strawberries.
Does Arbutus unedo tolerate heavy clay soil?
It may grow in clay soil if drainage is adequate, but it does not tolerate persistently waterlogged conditions. In heavy or poorly drained gardens, choose the planting position carefully.
Is autumn a good time to plant Arbutus unedo?
Autumn can be a suitable time to plant container-grown specimens while the soil remains workable and is not waterlogged. Water thoroughly after planting and monitor conditions as the tree establishes.
