Arbutus unedo
Killarney strawberry tree, Djina
- Height × spread
- 10m × 10m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Flowers
- Autumn
Availability
Generally all year, largest selection in Spring & Autumn
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
The strawberry tree is elegant and accommodating, happy in both lime and peaty soils. It has wonderful, ruddy cinnamon bark which shreds. The leaves are neat and well ordered, long and oval in shape and glossy green. They look fine against their red stalks, and the rich tints of the wood. The tree flowers late in the year, from October to December, the flowers are in clusters of small white bells. The fruits develop from the previous year's flowers and are ripe when the new blossom is open. The strawberry-shaped fruits which give the tree its name hang in short stalked clusters, giving an opulent and luxurious display. The fruit is generally considered inedible.
- Flower colour
- White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Fruit colour
- Red
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, honey-almond
- Shape
- Bell
- Height
- 10m
- Spread
- 10m
- Height in 10 years
- 2m
- Spread in 10 years
- 2m
- Season of interest
- Autumn, Winter
- Flowers in
- Autumn
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Winter garden, Small scale garden, Seaside garden, Scented garden, Mediterranean garden, Gravel garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade, tolerates light shade
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil, Drought resistant
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Wall cover, Architectural, Rabbit resistant, Bee attraction, Bird attraction
- Walls
- North, West facing
- Deer
- May be browsed by deer
- Maintenance
- Easycare – low/no maintenance
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed young plants with slow release fertiliser
Spread a slow release fertiliser around the base of the plant to the edge of the foliage spread, so that it can feed the roots. It is helpful for this to be applied for several years.
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost until the plant becomes well established.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Spring-Autumn · Planting
Prune to maintain young trees
While it is still possible to safely reach up and into the tree, remove dead or damaged foliage, and crossing or misplaced branches in early spring while the plant is still dormant.
Planting & general
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.
Planting
Protect & support young trees
Attach a newly planted tree or tall shrub over 1m to a tree stake to give support and prevent windrock. Use a tree guard to stop tree bark being eaten by animals, especially in areas with deer - removing bark injures a tree and in worst case can kill it.
Found in
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