Arbutus × andrachnoides
hybrid strawberry tree
Eastern Mediterranean (hybrid origin)
Overview
Arbutus x andrachnoides is an evergreen small tree or large shrub, a natural hybrid between Arbutus unedo and Arbutus andrachne, growing 15-25 feet (4.5-7.5 m) tall and 12-20 feet (3.5-6 m) wide with a rounded, often multi-stemmed crown. The bark is smooth, cinnamon-red to orange-brown, peeling in thin flakes to reveal paler new bark beneath. The leaves are glossy dark green, oval to lance-shaped, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long, with finely toothed or smooth margins. Clusters of small white, urn-shaped flowers hang from the branch tips mainly in autumn and winter, sometimes again in spring, and draw bees on mild days. The hybrid rarely sets the round, strawberry-like fruit seen on A. unedo. Arbutus x andrachnoides originates in the eastern Mediterranean, particularly Greece, where the parent species overlap, and it tolerates drought, heat, and limy soils better than many broadleaf evergreens. It is slow-growing and is damaged by hard, prolonged frost. In gardens it is grown as a specimen and small shade tree for its bark and winter flowers.
Native Range
Arbutus x andrachnoides arises as a natural hybrid where its parents Arbutus unedo and Arbutus andrachne grow together in the eastern Mediterranean, especially Greece and the Balkans. It occurs on rocky hillsides, in scrub, and in open woodland on well-drained, often limy soils.Suggested Uses
A. x andrachnoides is grown as a specimen and small shade tree in courtyards, gravel gardens, and Mediterranean-style plantings for its coloured bark and cool-season flowers. It also suits large containers while young. Slow growth and frost sensitivity limit its use in cold-winter regions.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height15' - 25'
Width/Spread12' - 20'
Reaches mature size in approximately 20 years
Bloom Information
Clusters of small white, urn-shaped flowers hang from the branch tips mainly through autumn and winter, sometimes with a second flush in spring. Bees and other insects work the flowers on mild days. The hybrid seldom sets fruit, so the round red berries of A. unedo are usually absent.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Glossy dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow A. x andrachnoides in full sun to light shade on free-draining soil; unlike many in the heath family it accepts alkaline and limy ground. The tree tolerates drought, heat, and wind once established but is damaged by prolonged hard frost and by waterlogging, suiting USDA zones 8-10. Water through the first two or three summers to build a deep root system, then reduce. A sheltered position shields the autumn and winter flowers and the young bark from cold. Little feeding is needed on average soils.Pruning
A. x andrachnoides needs little pruning and forms a naturally rounded crown. Remove crossing, damaged, or low branches in late spring to show the coloured bark and lift the canopy. It tolerates light shaping but heals slowly from large cuts, so major limbs are not removed.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 15 gallons