Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo 'Oktoberfest') is a broadleaf evergreen shrub or small tree native to the Mediterranean and British Isles, prized for its dual display of fragrant flowers and showy strawberry-like fruits appearing simultaneously in autumn. Hardy in zones 7 through 10, this plant typically grows 6 to 8 feet tall and wide, though it can occasionally reach larger proportions. Its grayish-brown bark peels to reveal striking reddish-brown inner wood, and it thrives in full sun to partial shade with moderate water and low maintenance once established. The October to December blooming period brings delicate, fragrant flowers followed by ornamental red fruits that attract birds, butterflies, and hummingbirds throughout the cooler months.
Partial Sun
Moderate
7-10
96in H x 96in W
—
Low
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The magic of Strawberry Tree lies in its remarkable timing: fragrant white flowers and jewel-like fruits appear together on the same plant from October through December, creating visual interest when most gardens are fading. Its evergreen foliage and handsome exfoliating bark deliver year-round structure, while the mature specimen typically reaches 6 to 8 feet in height and spread, fitting comfortably into mid-sized gardens. Established plants tolerate drought well despite thriving in moderate moisture, and the low-maintenance nature combined with reliable hardiness to zone 7 makes this a genuinely rewarding addition that requires minimal fussing once settled.
Strawberry Tree serves dual purposes as an ornamental flowering tree and hedge plant. Its compact, manageable size and evergreen habit make it valuable for year-round structure in borders and screening, while the autumn bloom and fruit display function as focal points in late-season gardens. The plant can be trained as a single-trunk specimen tree or left in its natural multi-stemmed form for a fuller, more informal appearance.
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Start seeds indoors at temperatures between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Stratification details are not specified in available sources, so consult seed packet guidance for this cultivar.
Transplant seedlings outdoors after hardening off once they reach adequate size and all danger of severe frost has passed. In zones 7 through 10, spring transplanting works best to allow plants to establish before winter.
Strawberry Tree can be pruned to maintain its shape as a multi-stemmed shrub or trained to a single trunk for a tree form. Light pruning after flowering keeps the plant neat and encourages branching, though this evergreen is naturally tidy and requires minimal intervention. Remove any dead or damaged wood, particularly branches affected by winter cold.
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“Arbutus unedo has deep roots in Mediterranean and British Isles ecology, where it naturally colonizes rocky slopes and hillsides in its native habitat. The common name 'strawberry tree' derives from the strawberry-like appearance of its fruits, which have intrigued gardeners and naturalists for centuries. The 'Oktoberfest' cultivar selection reflects deliberate breeding to emphasize and reliable autumn flowering and fruiting, making this a refined garden form developed for consistent ornamental performance in temperate climates.”