Practical
Plants

Arbutus x andrachnoides

a perennial woody evergreen member of the Arbutus genus in the family Ericaceae.

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Taxonomy and growth

Family
Ericaceae
Genus
Arbutus
Life cycle
perennial
Foliage
evergreen
Woodiness
woody
Growth rate
moderate
Height
10 m
Spread
8 m
Fertility
Self fertile, Bees
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Bees

Uses

Edible uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Fruit - raw[K]. A pleasant texture with a sweet but delicate flavour, the fruit is considered to be insipid by many people[K]. Very similar in size and taste to the strawberry tree, A. unedo[K], though it is not usually borne very freely[5].

Plant part
Fruit

Ecology and functions

Ecosystem niche
Secondary canopy

Environment

Range
S.E. Europe to W. Asia.
Habitat
Not known
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 8+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Drainage
well drained
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Seed - best surface sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Stored seed should be soaked for 5 - 6 days in warm water and then surface sown in a shady position in a greenhouse[6]. Do not allow the compost to become dry. 6 weeks cold stratification helps[3]. The seed usually germinates well in 2 - 3 months at 20°c[3]. Seedlings are prone to damp off[4], they are best transplanted to individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and should be kept well ventilated. Grow them on in a greenhouse for their first winter and then plant out in late spring after the last expected frosts[K]. This species is a hybrid and is unlikely to breed true from seed. Basal cuttings in late winter[5]. Cuttings of mature wood of the current season's growth, November/December in a frame. Poor percentage[6]. Layering of young wood - can take 2 years[1][5].

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Prefers a lime-free nutrient-rich well-drained moisture-retentive soil in a sunny position with shelter from cold drying winds, especially when young[5]. Unlike most members of this genus, this species thrives on a limy soil[4][5]. Plants are hardy to about -15°c[4]. A naturally occurring hybrid between A. unedo and A. andrachne[5]. There are some named forms, selected for their ornamental value[5]. Trees rarely produce fruit in Britain[5]. Plants resent root disturbance and are best placed in their final positions whilst young[2][3]. Give them some protection in their first winter. Plants sometimes flower in the spring, but more usually in the late autumn and early winter.

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

    ↩

  2. Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00

    ↩

  3. Rice. G. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 2. Thompson and Morgan. 1988-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3

  4. Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Shrubs. Pan Books 1989-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30258-2

    ↩1↩2↩3

  5. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6↩7↩8

  6. Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co 1948-00-00

    ↩1↩2

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