Arbutus unedo 'Compacta'

compact strawberry tree

Evergreen Shrub

"Outstanding Qualities
Compact strawberry tree is a four-season evergreen shrub with outstanding flowers, fruit, leaves, and bark. The branching is denser and the growth rate is slower than the typical form. Small, urn-shaped, whitish-pink flowers are produced from October to December. Round, ¾-inch, knobby fruits gradually ripen to orange-red and are often in color when the shrub is in full flower. Choose a protected site to ensure fruit every year. The dark green glossy foliage is beautiful, as is the attractive, cinnamon-colored bark. Prune shrubs to accentuate the sculptural qualities of the branching and bark.

Culture Notes
This versatile shrub tolerates a wide variety of soil conditions including sand and clay, but it must have a well-drained location. The growth is best in full sun to open shade and is drought tolerant once established. Foliage and flowers may be damaged in unusually cold winters, but it will recover in the spring. Plants in protected locations are more reliable fruit producers." --Courtesy Great Plant Picks

Growing Conditions

Zone: 7, 8, 9

Exposure: Full Sun, Part Sun, Filtered Sun, Open Shade

Water Needs: Drought-tolerant, Occasional

Description

Size: 72 - 120 tall x 72 - 120 wide
Shape / Form: Rounded
Foliage Texture: Medium
Foliage Quality: Medium

Features: Attractive Bark or Stem, Attractive Foliage, Attracts Bees, Attracts Birds, Attracts Hummingbirds, Drought-tolerant / Water wise, Dwarf / Compact Plant, Exfoliating Bark, Flowers, Native Plant, Showy Fruit or Berry, Winter Interest, Year-round Interest

Foliage Color: Green
Leaf Shape: Elliptical

Flower Color: White, Ivory / Cream
Bloom Season: Winter, Oct, Nov, Dec, Late Fall / Early Winter

Fruit Description: Red, Showy / Decorative, Bird / Wildlife Forage
Fruit Description: Brown / Chocolate

Uses and Applications

Landscape Uses: Banks and Slopes, Food for Foraging Wildlife, Habitat, Hedges and Screens, Structure / Foundation
Special Situations: Low Water / No Water
Wildlife: Bees, Birds, Hummingbirds, Pollinators

More Design Considerations

Season of Interest: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall, Pleasing Seasonal Changes, Year-round Interest, Three Seasons of Interest
Position / Role: back drop
Plant Behavior: Messy
Collections: Great Plant Pick

Care and Maintenance

Maintenance Level: medium