Evergreen

Compact strawberry tree

Arbutus unedo 'Compacta'

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Arbutus unedo 'Compacta' grows slowly into a dense evergreen shrub or small tree. Expect roughly 6 feet in height and spread after ten years, with about 10 feet possible at maturity. In autumn, flowers may appear as fruit ripens, although this selection can flower and fruit sparingly. Its year-round foliage suits a garden specimen where there is room for its eventual width. Give it full sun where possible in Southwest Washington; partial shade is tolerated, but deeper shade can lead to leggy growth. Choose well-drained soil and shelter from cold, drying wind, which can damage foliage and flowers in winter.

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At a glance

Mature height: About 10 feet
Mature spread: About 10 feet
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Hardiness: Generally USDA zones 7–9

The right plant, the right place

Make room for something good.

Its dense evergreen habit gives a sheltered garden year-round structure. Place it where its eventual spread can be accommodated.

Where to plant

Choose full sun where possible; partial shade is tolerable. Shelter the plant from cold, drying wind.

Through the seasons

Evergreen foliage persists through the year. Autumn flowers may coincide with ripening fruit, though flowering and fruiting can be sparse.

Southwest Washington gardens

Give it a good start.

This cultivar is grown in maritime Northwest gardens. Cold winters can damage its foliage and flowers, so a sheltered position matters in Southwest Washington.

Soil, drainage & water

Plant in well-drained soil. Once established, it tolerates dry periods.

A little care goes a long way

Growing well, season after season.

Growth is slow, so allow for a plant larger than its roughly 6-foot size at ten years. Give it room to develop instead of relying on pruning to keep it in a narrow space.

Know what to look for