The Pros and Cons of Growing a Strawberry Tree

The strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo) is a beautiful ornamental tree with pretty red berries and peeling bark. It can also be a nice addition to a yard with its white flower clusters and evergreen leaves. But, like any plant, the strawberry tree has pros and cons that you should think about before you decide to grow it. We’ll talk about the main pros and cons of the strawberry tree in this article to help you decide if it’s right for your garden.

An Overview of the Strawberry Tree

The strawberry tree is a shrub or small tree in the Ericaceae family that is native to the Mediterranean region. It typically grows to be between 16-35 feet tall and 8-15 feet wide. The leaves are dark green, oblong and shiny. During the fall and early winter, it produces dangling clusters of small, bell-shaped white or pink flowers. These are followed by red berries that superficially resemble large strawberries, hence the common name. However, the flavor is fairly mild and not very strawberry-like.

The peeling, multicolored bark in gray, brown and orange shades is another signature feature of the strawberry tree As the common name Arbutus unedo indicates, it tends to be a long-lived tree, with some specimens surviving up to 400 years. Next, let’s look at some of the biggest advantages and drawbacks of choosing to grow a strawberry tree

The Pros of Growing a Strawberry Tree

Low-Maintenance & Easy to Grow

One of the best things about the strawberry tree is that it is generally low-maintenance and easy to grow. It adapts readily to a range of soil types and climates. Strawberry trees tolerate drought, wind, salt and pollution well. Once established, they don’t require very much water or care to thrive. This makes them an excellent choice for beginner gardeners.

Attractive Flowers & Fruit

With its dangling white or pink blooms and vibrant red, strawberry-like fruits, the strawberry tree certainly provides aesthetic appeal in the garden. It can add pops of color at a time of year when most other plants have died back. Birds love snacking on the berries too.

Evergreen Foliage

The strawberry tree’s long, shiny green leaves stay on the plant all year. This is fun to look at in the winter, when most trees have lost their leaves. The evergreen leaves can help block the wind and give shelter.

Ornamental Bark

As the strawberry tree gets older, the orange, brown, and gray bark starts to peel off. This one-of-a-kind, multicolored bark can be very interesting to look at, especially when the tree is leafless in the winter.

Can Live Hundreds of Years

If the conditions are right, a fully grown strawberry tree can live for hundreds of years. Because they live a long time, you may be able to enjoy them in your garden for a long time or give them to someone else.

Attracts Wildlife

In addition to producing berries that birds love, strawberry trees also attract bees, butterflies and other beneficial wildlife to your yard. Their flowers provide nectar while their branches offer places for nesting and shelter.

Tolerates Poor Conditions

Thanks to their adaptability, strawberry trees can grow well in poor, dry soils and challenging environments where other plants would struggle. This makes them a good choice for urban settings or growth in coastal areas.

Edible Fruit

While not the tastiest for fresh eating, the berries can be used to make jams, jellies and liqueurs. Some people also enjoy eating them dried. So the fruit is technically edible, adding to this plant’s versatility.

The Cons of Growing a Strawberry Tree

Slow Growing

Strawberry trees grow at a very slow pace—usually no more than 12 inches per year. It can take many years for them to reach maturity and start producing significant amounts of flowers and fruit. This means you’ll need patience to enjoy the full benefits.

Large Mature Size

These trees can ultimately grow up to 35 feet tall and 15 feet wide. Make sure you have ample room to accommodate their substantial mature size before planting one. Their large size may make them unsuitable for some smaller gardens.

Messy Fruit Drop

Though the berries are initially attractive on the tree, they eventually fall to the ground and can make a mess on hardscaping below if not cleaned up promptly. The dropped fruit can also attract less desirable wildlife like rodents.

Needs Well-Drained Soil

While strawberry trees are adaptable to different soil pH levels, they do require soil that drains well. Poor drainage can lead to root rot issues. Avoid planting them in areas with clay soil or where water collects.

Dislikes Humid Climates

These trees thrive in Mediterranean environments and do best in dry climates. Too much moisture and humidity can lead to problems with diseases like root rot. Consider the climate before planting.

Long-Term Commitment

Due to their potentially centuries-long lifespans, planting a strawberry tree represents a long-term commitment. They can be difficult to remove if you later change your mind about having them.

Can Harbor Pests

Strawberry trees are prone to some pests like borers, caterpillars, aphids and scale. These insects can damage the tree or require pesticide applications to control heavy infestations.

Poisonous Leaves

While the berries are edible when ripe, the leaves of the strawberry tree are toxic. This means you need to take care when planting them around children or pets.

Needs Good Air Circulation

Insufficient air circulation can promote fungal diseases. When siting these trees, make sure to leave adequate space between them and surrounding plants to allow good airflow.

Should You Grow a Strawberry Tree?

In considering the pros and cons of the strawberry tree, a few key factors like your climate, available space, soil drainage and patience for slow growth will determine if it’s a good fit for your particular garden. For many people, the aesthetic benefits, low-maintenance nature and adaptability of the strawberry tree outweigh minor drawbacks like messy fruit drop or large mature size. If you have room for a large evergreen tree and desire unique ornamental qualities, planting a strawberry tree can be highly rewarding. But those with tiny yards or short time horizons may want to opt for a smaller tree instead. Weigh the pros and cons carefully before adding this distinctive plant to your outdoor space.