Strawberry Tree Arbutus unedo Roselily = 'Minlily' (PBR)

Water

The Strawberry Tree should be watered deeply to saturate the root zone, then allowed to dry out slightly before watering again. Typically, this means watering once every week or two, depending on the climate and soil conditions. During the growing season, you might need to water more frequently, especially if the weather is dry. Ensure you provide around 1 to 1.5 gallons of water for each watering session to ensure the soil is sufficiently moist but not waterlogged. During the winter months, reduce the frequency to match the plant's reduced water needs.

Light

The Strawberry Tree does best in full sun to partial shade conditions. It thrives when it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, so a spot that receives bright, indirect light for the rest of the day is ideal. Avoid deep shade locations as this can impede the plant's growth and fruit production.

Temperature

The Strawberry Tree can tolerate a range of temperatures and is hardy in USDA zones 7 through 10. It can survive minimum temperatures down to around 10 degrees Fahrenheit, although it prefers a more temperate climate. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit to maintain optimal growth and fruiting.

Pruning

The Strawberry Tree benefits from pruning to maintain shape, remove dead or diseased branches, and promote air circulation. It's best pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Prune lightly each year, rather than doing severe pruning less frequently, to keep the plant healthy and well-shaped.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Strawberry tree thrives in well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. A mix of garden soil, peat, and perlite or sand can provide the ideal balance of drainage and moisture retention. Ensure the soil is rich in organic matter to support healthy growth.

Repotting

The Strawberry tree should be repotted every 2-3 years to avoid becoming root-bound and to replenish nutrients in the soil. Select a pot that is one size larger than the current one to provide adequate space for root growth.

Humidity & Misting

Strawberry tree prefers moderate humidity levels, typically between 40-65%. It is adaptable to less humid conditions but avoid extremely dry environments, which can lead to issues like leaf drop.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place the Strawberry tree in bright, indirect light and ensure good air circulation.

• Outdoor

  Plant in well-draining soil, partial shade to full sun, and shelter from harsh winds.

• Hardiness zone

  7-10 USDA

Life cycle

Arbutus unedo, commonly known as the Strawberry Tree, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate, often requiring specific conditions such as stratification to break dormancy. Seedlings establish themselves, developing a root system and foliage, entering the juvenile phase, where they focus on growth and can take several years to reach maturity. As the plant matures, it develops flowers that are typically white or pinkish, which upon successful pollination—often by bees—produce the distinctive red, strawberry-like fruits from which it gets its common name. The fruiting stage occurs in the fall and can last through the winter, with the fruits maturing around a year after flowering. The plant reaches full maturity in several years and can continue to grow, flower, and fruit for many years, often living for several decades. Throughout its life, the Strawberry Tree will undergo annual cycles of growth, flowering, and fruiting, typically with evergreen foliage that allows it to photosynthesize year-round.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: The most popular method for propagating the Arbutus unedo, commonly known as the Strawberry Tree, particularly the 'Roselily' variety, is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This process typically occurs during the late summer. Semi-hardwood cuttings are taken from the current year's growth that has started to harden but is still somewhat flexible. Cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) long and include several leaf nodes. The bottom leaves are removed, and the cut end is often dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. The prepared cuttings are then planted in a mix of peat and perlite or sand to provide good drainage and kept under high humidity and indirect light until roots have formed, which can take several weeks to a few months. It's crucial to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during this time.