When does Arbutus unedo bloom?

Arbutus unedo blooms in september, october, november.

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Broadleaf Evergreen Shrubs

Arbutus unedo

strawberry tree

Ericaceae

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators

Drought Tolerant

Container Friendly

Maintenancelow

Overview

Arbutus unedo is a versatile evergreen tree or large shrub that brings Mediterranean character to Pacific Northwest landscapes while offering remarkable adaptability to regional growing conditions. This ornamental broadleaf evergreen produces an extraordinary display when its cream-white autumn flowers appear simultaneously with ripening red fruits from the previous year's bloom. The strawberry-like fruits, while edible, have a distinctive grainy texture that inspired the Latin name 'unedo' meaning 'I eat one only.' Beyond its ornamental qualities, A. unedo demonstrates excellent tolerance for the challenges of Pacific Northwest gardening, including adaptation to both the region's naturally acidic soils and seasonal drought periods common in summer months. Its moderate growth rate, pollution tolerance, and resistance to many common diseases make it an exceptional choice for urban landscapes throughout western Washington and Oregon. The peeling cinnamon-colored bark provides year-round interest, while its dense evergreen canopy offers habitat value for birds and provides effective screening in residential landscapes.

How to Identify

Arbutus unedo can be identified by its glossy, leathery, evergreen leaves that are oblong to elliptical in shape with serrated margins, measuring 2-4 inches long and arranged alternately along the stems. The foliage has a distinctive deep green upper surface with a slightly paler underside, and new growth often emerges with reddish tints before maturing to dark green. The most recognizable characteristic during autumn and winter is the simultaneous presence of clusters of small, bell-shaped white to pale pink flowers alongside rounded fruits that resemble strawberries, ripening from yellow-orange to bright red. The fruits measure approximately 3/4 inch in diameter with a bumpy, granular surface texture. Another distinctive feature is the cinnamon-red bark that peels in thin strips on mature wood to reveal a smooth, tan layer beneath. Arbutus unedo can be distinguished from the native Arbutus menziesii (Pacific Madrone) by its smaller stature, more finely serrated leaf margins, smaller fruits, and generally more garden-adaptable growth habit. The leaves of A. unedo are also typically darker green and less glaucous on the underside than those of A. menziesii.

Appearance

Colors

Flower Colors

cream

white

Foliage Colors

green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

Fall

Growing Conditions

Soil Requirements

Drainage

well drained

Water & Climate

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Pruning

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing