Arbutus, Killarney Strawberry Tree, Strawberry Tree 'Compacta'

I have had two Arbutus unedo 'Compacta' trees in large barrels for over 2 years and they are in full sun, get minimal water even in droug...Read Moreht, and look stunning all year round! The fruit has a beautiful looking texture as well. My trees were on the front of my property along a very busy traffic street. These trees never got any diseases and/or pests nor did they ever have problems. Unfortunately, a car slid on ice and did a hit and run into my arbutus unedo trees.. I loved them so much that I searched out my local nursery and had to replace them. Birds never bothered the fruits, but then again, I am on a busy street and they would hang out in trees that are farther away from the traffic and on the lake side of my property. Since my trees were in large barrel planters, the fruit would always fall into the barrel and not get messy on the ground. I would recommend this plant to anyone in my zone who is interested in drought tolerant 4 season interest plant. The have a pretty natural growth, but I would always trim back a little of the lower branches so that the interesting bark was always exposed enough.

I needed to plant something in a round planter that is the focal point of my small front yard. I wanted it to be something of manageable...Read More size, drought tolerant, ever-green, and shade-producing for my westward living room. After considerable deliberation, I settled on this specie of arbutus, and now, three years later, I am richly rewarded. This photo was taken in November 2012. After a weekend of gentle rain, the tree is looking its best, the graceful ebony tree bark beautifully complements the vivid green of the leaves. Although not easily seen in the photo, small bright red and yellow fruits dot the foliage like so many tiny Christmas lights.
The only drawback is that the fallen fruits make a mess on the ground - but that's a small price to pay. Care is minimal.

This lovely shrub has 4-season interest: evergreen leaves, peeling bark, tiny white urn-shaped flowers, and best of all, fruits that hav...Read Moree the texture of strawberries and the shape of cherries. The fruits are edible, though tasteless. I even have one growing in the most shady part of my zone 8b yard; while it doesn't produce much fruit, it still looks nice.