Strawberry tree 'Compacta' Arbutus unedo 'Compacta'

Water

The Strawberry Tree should be watered deeply, with about 1 to 2 gallons every week or two during the growing season, depending on the weather conditions. Over the winter, watering can be reduced significantly and done only when the soil appears dry, as the plant is more drought-tolerant once established. It's important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Allow the topsoil to dry out between waterings, and when you do water, do so at the base of the plant to keep leaves and fruit dry.

Light

The Strawberry Tree thrives best in full sun to partial shade. An ideal spot would be one where it receives direct sunlight for at least 6 hours a day, but it can also tolerate some shade, especially in hotter climates. Avoid placing it in deep shade, as this can impede its growth and fruit production.

Temperature

The Strawberry Tree prefers a moderate climate and will do well in temperature ranges between 50°F and 80°F. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of down to about 20°F and a maximum of around 100°F, but for optimal growth, keeping it within the preferred range is ideal. Frost damage is possible but the plant is fairly robust and can usually recover from light frost.

Pruning

Prune the Strawberry Tree to maintain its shape, remove any dead or crossed branches, and encourage healthy growth. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. It does not require heavy pruning; light annual trimming is often sufficient. Pruning can also be done after fruiting to maintain its 'Compacta' form.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for Strawberry Tree should be well-draining with loamy and sandy components. It requires a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ranging from 6.0 to 7.5.

Repotting

Strawberry Trees should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.

Humidity & Misting

Strawberry Tree prefers moderate to high humidity levels but is tolerant of a wide range, making it adaptable to most environments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and avoid dry air near heaters.

• Outdoor

  Choose a sunny spot with shelter from harsh winds.

• Hardiness zone

  7-10 USDA

Life cycle

Arbutus unedo 'Compacta', commonly known as the Compact Strawberry Tree, begins its life cycle with seed germination, which is often erratic and can be facilitated by stratification or scarification to break seed dormancy. As a seedling, the plant establishes a root system and begins to develop its evergreen foliage, entering a juvenile stage where it slowly matures into an adult plant. This compact shrub or small tree reaches maturity after several years, at which point it begins to flower annually, typically in the fall, displaying clusters of white or pink urn-shaped flowers. Following pollination, the flowers give rise to red, strawberry-like fruits, which take about 12 months to mature, thus fruit and flowers can be seen simultaneously on the plant. The fruits, while edible, are not particularly palatable and are often left for wildlife consumption. The Compact Strawberry Tree can live for many decades, during which it will continue this cycle of flowering and fruiting, while also undergoing periods of vegetative growth where it can reach heights of 6-10 feet with a broad, bushy habit.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagating the Strawberry Tree, specifically the 'Compacta' variety, is through seed germination. For optimal results, seeds should be sown in the fall directly after harvest to facilitate natural stratification. However, they can also be cold stratified for up to 3 months before planting in colder climates. The seeds are sown in a well-draining, sandy seed mix, lightly covered with soil, and kept moist. Germination can be slow and erratic, often taking several months. Consistent moisture and a stable temperature range around 70°F (21°C) are crucial for encouraging sprouting. Once seedlings emerge and grow to a manageable size, they are transplanted into individual pots and grown on until they are ready to be planted out into their permanent positions.