Strawberrytrees For Sale

Arbutus Unedo – Best In NZ!

Adding trees such as Arbutus unedo (commonly known as Strawberrytrees) to your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space.
• Arbutus are known for their attractive foliage, which can be glossy green, variegated, or even silvery.
• They produce beautiful flowers in a variety of colours, including white, pink, and red.
• Some species of Arbutus produce edible fruits that can be eaten fresh, cooked, or made into jams and jellies.
• Arbutus can be used in a variety of landscaping applications, including as hedges, borders, and specimen trees.
• They can be used for provide shade, screening, and shelter.
• They attract birds.
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced.
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature.
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come.

Strawberrytrees make for a fabulous specimen, and we have the right tree for your space. Our Arbutus unedo have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Strawberrytrees, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Strawberrytree Questions

1. What are Arbutus?

Arbutus, also known as the strawberry tree, is a genus of evergreen trees and shrubs native to the Mediterranean region, North America, and Mexico. They are grown for their attractive foliage, flowers, fruits, and aesthetics.

2. What are the different types of Arbutus?

There are over 20 different species of Arbutus, each with its own unique characteristics. Some of the most popular ones are:

• Arbutus unedo: This species is known for its glossy green leaves, clusters of white flowers, and edible red fruits.
• Arbutus menziesii: This species has a large, barkless trunk, with peeling bark on the branches, and clusters of white flowers.

3. What conditions do Arbutus need to grow?

Arbutus prefer full sun or partial shade and a well-drained soil. They are tolerant of a wide range of soils, but they prefer a loam soil. They can tolerate dry periods once established but will benefit from regular watering during the growing season.

4. How do I plant Arbutus?

To plant an Arbutus, choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball of the plant and plant the Arbutus at the same depth as it was growing in the pot. Backfill the hole with soil and firm the plant in with your foot. Water the plant well once it is in. It is also a good idea to stake tree to minimise the chances of wind damage and to mulch around the tree.

5. When do Arbutus flower and fruit?

Arbutus typically flower in the spring and fruit in autumn. However, the exact timing of flowering and fruiting will vary depending on the species and growing conditions. The warmer the climate, the earlier the fruit are produced.

6. How do I harvest Arbutus fruits?

To harvest Arbutus fruits, simply pick them off the tree when they are ripe. The fruit are ripe when they are soft and have a deep red colour.

7. Is arbutus a hardwood or softwood?

Arbutus is a hardwood. It has a slow growth rate which results in dense wood. Hardwoods are often used for furniture, flooring, and other woodworking project

8. What are the interesting facts about Arbutus trees?

Arbutus trees, also known as Madrone trees, are fascinating and unique plants with a rich history and interesting characteristics. Here are some fun facts about them:

Unique Appearance:

• Evergreen with colorful bark: Unlike most deciduous trees, Arbutus trees retain their green leaves throughout the year. They also have a distinctive red or orange-colored bark that peels off in papery layers, revealing a smooth, green underneath.
• Curving trunks and branches: The trunks and branches of Arbutus trees often twist and bend in unique shapes, adding to their visual appeal.
• Beautiful flowers and fruit: Arbutus trees produce clusters of small, bell-shaped flowers in the spring, followed by clusters of edible red or orange berries in the fall.

Ecological Significance:

• Fire-resistant: Arbutus trees have a thick, fire-resistant bark that helps them survive wildfires. This allows them to thrive in regions prone to fire, providing crucial habitat and food for various animals.
• Attracts pollinators and birds: The fragrant flowers of Arbutus trees attract bees and other pollinators, while the berries provide food for birds and other wildlife.
• Nitrogen fixer: Arbutus trees have a symbiotic relationship with certain bacteria that fix nitrogen in the soil. This benefits the surrounding ecosystem by enriching the soil and promoting plant growth.

Cultural Importance:

• Traditional uses: Native American tribes used various parts of the Arbutus tree for medicinal purposes, food, and tool-making.
• Symbolism: The Arbutus tree is a symbol of strength, resilience, and renewal due to its ability to survive harsh conditions and regenerate after fire.
• Popular landscape tree: Arbutus trees are prized for their unique appearance and ecological benefits, making them popular choices for landscaping in gardens and parks.

Other interesting facts:

• Slow-growing: Arbutus trees are known for their slow growth rate, typically taking decades to reach maturity.
• Long lifespan: These trees can live for hundreds of years, making them one of the longest-living trees in North America.
• Unique wood: The wood of the Arbutus tree is very dense and hard, making it difficult to work with but highly valued for its beauty and durability.
• Limited distribution: Arbutus trees are native to specific regions of western North America and parts of Europe and Asia.

9. What does the Arbutus tree symbolize?

The Arbutus tree, also known as the Madrone, holds various symbolic meanings across different cultures and communities. Here are some of the most significant symbolic associations:

Strength and Resilience:

• The tree's ability to survive and thrive in harsh environments, especially its resistance to fire, symbolizes strength, resilience, and adaptability.
• Its thick, red bark represents protection and the ability to overcome challenges.

Renewal and Rebirth:

• The peeling bark of the Arbutus tree reveals a new, green layer underneath, symbolizing renewal, rebirth, and the cycle of life.
• Its long lifespan further emphasizes the idea of enduring and carrying the wisdom of the past into the future.

Protection and Safety:

• The Arbutus tree is often associated with protection and safety due to its ability to shelter animals and withstand harsh weather conditions.
• Native American legends often depict the tree as a guardian spirit offering refuge and guidance.

Knowledge and Wisdom:

• The Arbutus tree's long life and slow growth are seen as symbols of accumulated wisdom and knowledge.
• For some cultures, the tree represents a connection to the past and ancestral traditions.

Transformation and Change:

• The peeling bark of the Arbutus tree represents transformation and change, as the tree sheds its old layers to reveal new growth.
• This can symbolize personal growth, change, and embracing new beginnings.

Beauty and Uniqueness:

• The Arbutus tree's distinctive red bark, unique shape, and colorful berries make it a symbol of beauty and individuality.
• It represents standing out from the crowd and embracing one's unique qualities.

Harmony and Balance:

• The Arbutus tree's coexistence with fire and its ability to survive harsh conditions symbolize harmony and balance in nature.
• It represents the interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of maintaining ecological balance.

10. Can you grow Arbutus?

Yes, you can grow Arbutus trees, but it's important to know which species you're dealing with and choose the right conditions for it. Here's some information to help you decide:

There are several species of Arbutus trees, each with slightly different requirements and characteristics. Some popular choices for cultivation include:

• Arbutus unedo: This is the most commonly cultivated species, known as the Strawberry tree. It's relatively hardy and adaptable.
• Arbutus menziesii: This is the Pacific Madrone, native to western North America. It requires slightly cooler temperatures than A. unedo.
• Arbutus andrachne: This is the Eastern Madrone, also native to North America. It's less tolerant of frost than other species.

Growing conditions:

• Climate: Arbutus trees prefer mild climates with cool summers and moist winters. They can tolerate some frost, but not severe winters.
• Soil: The trees thrive in well-drained, acidic soil with a pH between 5.0 and 6.5.
• Sunlight: They prefer full sun to partial shade.
• Water: Arbutus trees need regular watering, especially during dry periods. However, avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.
• Fertiliser: A balanced fertiliser can be applied in the spring to promote growth.

Additional tips:

• Arbutus trees are slow growing, so be patient and don't expect them to grow quickly.
• Pruning is not necessary, but you can remove dead or damaged branches as needed and shape the tree.
• Protect young trees from heavy frost during the first few winters.

11. Is Arbutus a lychee?

Arbutus is not a lychee. While both fruits have a red, bumpy exterior, they are entirely different species with distinct origins and characteristics. Here's a breakdown of the key differences:

Arbutus:

• Scientific name: Arbutus unedo
• Common name: Strawberry Tree, Madrone
• Family: Ericaceae
• Origin: Mediterranean region and Western Europe
• Fruit: Round, red berries with a gritty texture and a sweet but bland flavor.
• Taste: Mildly sweet and slightly sour, with some bitterness due to tiny seeds.
• Edible: Yes, but typically eaten in jams, liqueurs, or cooked dishes.

Lychee:

• Scientific name: Litchi chinensis
• Common name: Lychee
• Family: Sapindaceae
• Origin: Southern China
• Fruit: Round, red berries with a smooth, leathery skin and a juicy, white flesh.
• Taste: Sweet and floral, with a slightly acidic note.
• Edible: Yes, typically eaten fresh or used in desserts and drinks.