Arbutus Unedo (Strawberry tree)

dukeofdoom · Post by **dukeofdoom** » Thu Oct 18, 2012 7:03 pm

Any tips on growing and Arbutus Unedo in zone 6b, Windsor, Ontario. I purchased the tree today on clearance for under $20. Not a huge investment, so willing to risk overwintering it outside if at all feasible.

Tree is currently about 7 feet tall. Plan on planting it on the south side of my house. I know that these will grow in Vancouver. Not sure if they can survive the east coast climate. The tag says its rated for zone 7, I'm just a bit shy of that. But plan on planting it on south side of my house, next to a parking lot that I hope will reflect some heat.

1) Can I plant it now, or do I need to wait until the spring?
2) Other than mulch, how would I protect it? Tree seems to have been pruned into a lollipop shape. Do I protect the trunk or the top?
3) I would like to plant it about 4 feet away from the wall. Will planting it closer to the wall help the tree be warmer in winter?

seedscanada · Post by **seedscanada** » Fri Oct 19, 2012 6:07 am

Duke, our A unedo has been unprotected here in 7a for two years. It has first sun and a fence to the west (shelter from winter prevailing winds). Planting by a south wall is not a bad idea. But it is too late in the season for any roots to get established. Root damage from cold is much more likely when planted this late. It sounds like a good deal you got for a good sized plant! We would love to see pictures.

dukeofdoom · Post by **dukeofdoom** » Fri Oct 19, 2012 6:04 pm

Thanks for your help. I planted the thing in the ground for now. Will take out in December before winter hits and keep it in the garage.
It seems like this is a dwarf variety, as it only grows to 10 feet.

Here are a few pictures. Hope this works

DesertZone · Post by **DesertZone** » Fri Oct 19, 2012 8:45 pm

That looks nice, zone 7 wow.

lucky1 · Post by **lucky1** » Sat Oct 20, 2012 9:16 am

Yes, that's a beauty.

Any relation to the red-barked Arbutus trees around Vancouver BC?
Have never heard the term Strawberry tree.

http://vancouverislandbigtrees.blogspot ... broad.html

Great advice, Andy.

Barb

Jubaea · Post by **Jubaea** » Sat Oct 20, 2012 10:27 am

I know that Arbutus unedo is a tough plant here in California. It needs little water and can tolerate abusive pruning. Here they are usually low branching forming a large bush to small tree. The way it is pruned is not the normal way that they grow. They produce ediable fruit that tastes terrible. The fence will give the trunk some protection but not much to the canapy. Especially as a young plant it would be best not to stress it much. Hopefully you will have some mild winters to get it established.

Arbutus unedo is native Europe including an isolated population in Ireland. Arbutus menziesii is the native from California on up to BC. They are the same genus but from different continents.

dukeofdoom · Post by **dukeofdoom** » Sat Oct 20, 2012 11:46 am

Thanks for the help. In this location its also about 4 feet away from a south facing wall. Hope that will make a difference next winter.
I would like to move it to the front of the house, but its very windy there in winter.

Found a video of this plant growing in Salt Spring Island BC, for anyone interested.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQlLjWqwjRM

seedscanada · Post by **seedscanada** » Thu Mar 07, 2013 6:35 am

Hows yours looking now?
Mine completely browned out after a rain-freeze event in Feb., But there was more new growth in late feb, believe it or not!

TimMAz6 · Post by **TimMAz6** » Thu Mar 07, 2013 7:37 am

nice to hear it's OK.......let us know how it recovers and grows for you.

andym · Post by **andym** » Thu Mar 07, 2013 9:52 am

These plants grow exceptionally well in Southern Ireland which has lots of rain and much milder Winters than most of the UK to the point they have become naturalised there. Its commonly called the Killarney Strawberry tree. Mine is 12ft tall and is useful to shade my tree ferns from our baking hot Summer

I have found that mine didn't take kindly to sharp pruning and have some dieback on lower branches
I hope Dukes nice specimen has survived well

dukeofdoom · Post by **dukeofdoom** » Thu Mar 07, 2013 7:34 pm

It seems to be alive, but it has many brown leaves. I planted it late in the fall and only protected the roots with some tiles. This winter turned out to be much harsher than last. It dropped to -17.5 C one night, and we had a two day stretch below -15 C temperatures at night. We also had very strong winds that knocked down part of my fence. In retrospect, I wish I protected the leaves and planted it closer to the house wall.

I'll try and take some pictures tomorrow.

dukeofdoom · Post by **dukeofdoom** » Fri Mar 08, 2013 10:44 am

Some photos taken today of the arbutus. I would estimate about 80% of the leaves are browned. It seems to have more green leaves on the wall side away from the sun. But it looks like it's alive, maybe it will defoliate:

Used tiles and some leaves to protect the roots.

Is there anything I can do to help the plant out now?
Should I protect it from the sun?

Also, pictures of some of the camellia bushes I have:
No protection was used

From a wind sheltered spot on the south side of my house:

High wind area, west side

TimMAz6 · Post by **TimMAz6** » Fri Mar 08, 2013 1:04 pm

I wouldn't mind if the leaves brown in winter as long as the branches are fine.......keep us updated on it's progress.

PalmsNorth.com

Arbutus Unedo (Strawberry tree)

Arbutus Unedo (Strawberry tree)

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