The strawberry tree is a tree widely used as an ornamental. We can see it grown in countless parks and gardens. Although it is best to plant it in areas that contain dirt and not on sidewalks or streets, since it releases berries that can stain the pavement. Let’s continue knowing details of the strawberry tree.

SHORT DESCRIPTION TO CATCH UP WITH THE STRAWBERRY TREE

The arbutus unedo L.  is the most famous in the capital of Spain, it is evergreen and usually reaches heights that fluctuate between 5 and 15 meters. It has reddish berry-shaped fruits that fall to the ground when ripe. It is typical of the entire Mediterranean slope and part of Western Europe, with which we can see strawberry trees in France and Ireland. Shall we move on to the part related to cultivation?

EDAPHOCLIMATIC CONDITIONS FOR ITS CULTIVATION

WEATHER

This tree or shrub is suitable for your garden because you will always see it green when the rest of the deciduous trees only show their wood. It prefers sunny areas and does not support cold conditions that generate frost.

I USUALLY

The arbutus prefers acidic soils , such as those in parks and gardens with plant covers that, when decomposed, form a compost mulching , but it is able to get used to limestone soils.

SUBSCRIBER

It requires a fertilizer of decomposed compost, that is, it has been more than a month at least since it finished its formation process. In pot conditions (yes, gentlemen, it can also be done!) There is a stipulated subscriber frequency that consists of a contribution of compost per week from flowering to October. In outdoor conditions, which is the most normal, it is usually paid once in winter and once in spring.

IRRIGATION

In the conditions of the north of Spain, rain is used well, but in the conditions of the south, where we see little water from the sky, it is necessary to maintain the humidity levels of the earth constantly. This tree grows slowly, but if its availability in water and nutrients is abundant, it will not have problems to exceed 5 meters.

MULTIPLICATION AND SOWING

We should pay attention to this issue, because the strawberry tree is a tree that can not be transplanted, and it suffers a lot under these conditions. We say this because if you are determined to plant one in your garden, which we advise you, study where you are going to place it because surely there is no going back.

The multiplication  of the strawberry is also complicated. By seeds it is difficult since it has a very slow growth, like that of the magnolia tree, remember? It takes several months of storage in the refrigerator before sowing them and then in the future the problem of transplanting difficulties occurs again. Even so, we say that if it were not impossible, there would not be so many strawberry trees in the world, right? So take it as a challenge!

The multiplication by cuttings or layering also often difficult, but offers faster results. Our advice is to try better for seeds, with patience and taking care of the advice that we have mentioned.

THE PRUNING OF THE STRAWBERRY TREE

It is not as important, as it can be, for example, in the case of the olive tree . Limit yourself to being logical: crossed branches, basal branches or in bad condition. Do it in spring or when it has come out of the freezing conditions (since it is very sensitive, as we have commented).