Arbutus unedo var. ROTUNDIFOLIA strawberry tree
Arbutus
The strawberry tree is a Mediterranean woody plant that you may easily miss passing by local rocks and plains, because there it is just as naturalized, ubiquitous, and often oddly shaped as, for example, the common elder is in Central European countryside. Somewhat surprisingly, the genus Arbutus belongs to the heath family (Ericaceae) and includes several species of evergreen shrubs and small trees distributed throughout the Mediterranean region along its entire perimeter, European, African, and Near Eastern, as well as in adjacent parts of western Europe. It belongs among ancient woody plants that were already growing here around 20 million years ago, at a time when the local climate and the character of Mediterranean vegetation were only beginning to take on their present form. Under the typically harsh conditions of the maquis, strawberry trees survived cooling periods, recurring droughts, fires, and other repeated disturbances of the landscape. It is therefore no surprise that this combination of evergreen elegance, long-term drought tolerance, and the ability to regenerate after stress has rapidly brought the strawberry tree to the forefront of growers’ interest at the beginning of the new millennium. It is a prime candidate for the changing climate of today’s Central Europe, where rainfall and soil moisture are declining.
The common strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo) is the most widespread representative of the genus and is abundant in Mediterranean landscapes. It naturally forms the lower and middle layers of woodland. It was first scientifically described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753 in his work Species Plantarum. The species name unedo originates from the Latin phrase unum edo: “I eat only one” traditionally attributed to Pliny the Elder (23–79 AD, Roman Italy). This refers to fruits, which are edible and sometimes quite sweet, but rather bland in flavour. This brief remark, whether meant seriously or with irony, reminds us that the strawberry tree was observed and named long before the emergence of modern botany. For centuries it remained a symbol of southern regions, where its adaptability to summer drought and its striking appearance made it popular in gardens and urban greenery, while more northerly areas were long considered beyond its reach. That has now changed.
Rotundifolia is a rare form of strawberry tree with foliage that is way different. Unlike the species of arbutus unedo with lance-shaped leaves, Rotundifolia has short, oval to rounded leaves without a conspicuous tip. They are evergreen, leathery, irregularly notched along the entire margins, about 4 cm long, deep green and partially glossy. It has not been registered as a separate variety, it is still referred to as a selection with a provisional varietal name.
The twigs are mahogany brown during the growing season and they turn deep maroon in autumn and winter. As the bark ages, it becomes shredded and changes to a pastel brown colour, peeling off in small flakes.
The flowers are urn-shaped, pastel pink, and composed in pendent racemes. They make a splendid show opening in autumn when almost nothing else blooms. Depending on weather and climate type, flowers may continue blooming until late spring, and sporadically throughout summer, too. Meanwhile mature small, spherical, and edible fruit which is bright red when mature hence the name strawberry tree. It contains as much as 20% of sugars but the taste is rather dull, so it is mostly used in preserves and liquors.
Strawberry tree grows moderately into an upright and slightly spreading shrub with a domed canopy. I saw beautiful specimen plants trained into small multi-stemmed trees which reveal their attractive bark. To do so, select 3-5 main branches as a strong framework, remove all laterals until the top and clip its canopy into a mushroom head every summer. Thus, you can achieve a beautiful Mediterranean-style jewel. In its natural habitat it can grow 8 m tall or even more, however, in C.E. climate it makes about half of that.
Being from the heather family (Ericaceae) one would expect it would demand the same conditions as for example rhododendron. Not exactly. It needs extremely well-drained, humus rich soil in full sun or only light shade. Slightly acidic soil enhances the depth of green colour in leaves but is not essential. Always avoid compacted or water-logged ground where the roots may rot. It will need even moisture after transplanting but once established stay away from watering. We have not been able to observe its hardiness under all possible conditions but so far it has withstood -17 °C here which makes it suitable for at least USDA 7 without any protection. However, North American growers plant it up north to zone 6 claiming it can withstand -23°C without damage. Choose older plants for growing in zone 6 and provide good mulch for winter. It is disease free and as far as pests vine weevil attacks it rarely.
Last update 29-09-2024
