Does it need full sun?

It prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade.

Is it drought tolerant?

Yes, it is quite drought tolerant once established.

Plant guide

Strawberry tree.

Arbutus unedo

Pronounced ar-BYOO-tus YOO-neh-doh

Also known as Irish strawberry-tree, Killarney Strawberry Tree, Strawberry Tree, Strawberry-Tree, Western Strawberry-tree, arbutus

The strawberry tree is a lovely evergreen shrub that brings year round interest to your garden. It produces charming white bell shaped flowers alongside bright red fruits that look just like strawberries. You will enjoy how it adds a Mediterranean feel to your landscape.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Evergreen shrub or small tree
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 15 to 30 feet
Growth rate: Medium
Hardiness: USDA 7 to 10
Bloom time: Late autumn to early winter

Care

Plant this shrub in a spot with well draining soil and protection from harsh winds. Keep an eye out for yellowing leaves which might suggest poor drainage or nutrient issues. It is quite hardy once established but appreciates a steady supply of moisture during its first few years.

Watering: Water deeply once the top few inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
Feeding: Apply a balanced slow release fertilizer in early spring to support healthy growth.
Pruning: Prune lightly in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and remove dead branches.
Repotting: Repot only when the roots have completely filled the current container.
Soil: Well draining soil, from acidic to alkaline, including chalky soil
Soil pH: 5.0 to 6.5
Temperature: -12 to 35°C
Humidity: 40 to 70%
Drought tolerance: High
Lifespan: Long lived, often 50 plus years.
Fragrance: Light
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of drainage holes
Stunted growth
Soil drying out too quickly

Safety

People: The plant is generally considered non toxic, though excessive consumption of the fruit is not recommended.
Children: The berries are safe to handle, but they can be a choking hazard for very small children.
Contact allergens: No specific skin irritants are known.
Airborne allergens: The pollen may cause mild reactions in sensitive individuals.
Edibility: The fruit is edible but bland and can cause mild stomach upset if consumed in large quantities.

How to identify it

Glossy dark green serrated leaves
Clusters of white bell shaped flowers
Rough textured reddish brown bark
Round bumpy red edible fruits

Height: 2.5 to 8m
Spread: 2.5 to 8m
Leaves: dark green, evergreen
Flowers: white, pale pink, 0.5 to 0.8cm
Fruit: red, orange, Autumn

Problems to watch for

AphidsCommon
Leaf SpotCommon
CankerUncommon
Leaf ScorchUncommon
PhytophthoraUncommon
Root RotUncommon
Scale InsectsUncommon
ChlorosisRare

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: seed, cuttings
When to plant: spring, autumn
Overwintering: In colder regions, provide a thick layer of mulch to protect the roots from freezing.
In containers: It can be grown in large containers, but it prefers being planted in the ground.

Semi-hardwood cuttings

1. Take 10 cm cuttings in late summer.
2. Remove lower leaves.
3. Dip in rooting hormone.
4. Place in a well draining mix.
5. Keep humid until rooted.

Pair with other drought tolerant shrubs to create a low maintenance Mediterranean style border.

Grows well with

Lavender · They share similar requirements for sun and well drained soil.
Rock Rose · These plants thrive in the same Mediterranean conditions.

Similar species

Manzanita · They share similar evergreen foliage and shrubby habits.

Science

Family: Ericaceae
Genus: Arbutus
Order: Ericales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Mediterranean region and western Europe.
Conservation: This species is not of conservation concern and is widely cultivated.

It thrives in rocky, well drained soils and is well adapted to Mediterranean climates.

Value to wildlife: nectar source, bird food source
Pollinators: bees
Uses: ornamental shrub, wildlife garden, coastal hedging

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 4/9
Soil reaction: 5/9
Light: 7/9
Temperature: 7/9
Moisture: 4/9
Nutrients: 4/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Does it need full sun?: It prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade.
Is it drought tolerant?: Yes, it is quite drought tolerant once established.

Where the name comes from

Arbutus is the classical Latin name for the tree, while unedo refers to the fruit's taste.

Good to know

The name unedo is derived from the Latin unum edo, meaning I eat one, referring to the bland taste.
It is the national tree of Italy.
The fruit is often used to make jams and liqueurs.

Also in

Drought-tolerant plants

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This guide was generated with AI on September 26, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.