shrub

Dwarf Strawberry Tree*

Arbutus unedo 'Compacta'

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Dwarf Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo 'Compacta') at Millcreek Gardens

Dwarf Strawberry Tree

Dwarf Strawberry Tree

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Dwarf Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo 'Compacta') at Millcreek Gardens

Dwarf Strawberry Tree fruit

Dwarf Strawberry Tree fruit

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Dwarf Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo 'Compacta') at Millcreek Gardens

Dwarf Strawberry Tree flowers

Dwarf Strawberry Tree flowers

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

* This is a "special order" plant - contact store for details

Height:  5 feet

Spread:  5 feet

Sunlight:  full sun 

Hardiness Zone:  6b

Other Names:  Apple of Cain; Cane Apple

Description:

An interesting smaller version of this evergreen tree great for smaller spaces; pendulous clusters of flowers are produced in autumn followed by edible red fruit; drought tolerant but best when watered; deep rooted for soil retention

Ornamental Features

Dwarf Strawberry Tree features showy clusters of white bell-shaped flowers hanging below the branches in mid fall. It has green evergreen foliage which emerges light green in spring. The glossy oval leaves remain green throughout the winter. The peeling brown bark and red branches are extremely showy and add significant winter interest.

Landscape Attributes

Dwarf Strawberry Tree is a dense multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance shrub, and should only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's flowers. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Dwarf Strawberry Tree is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Accent
  • Mass Planting
  • Hedges/Screening
  • Rock/Alpine Gardens
  • General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Dwarf Strawberry Tree will grow to be about 5 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 5 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 1 foot from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 80 years or more.

This shrub should only be grown in full sunlight. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist growing conditions, but will not tolerate any standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for xeriscaping or the moisture-conserving landscape. It is not particular as to soil type, but has a definite preference for acidic soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This is a selection of a native North American species.

 

* This is a "special order" plant - contact store for details

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight Soil pH Preference
Characteristics
Accent  Massing  Screening  Rock  Garden 
Applications
Flowers  Bark 
Ornamental Features