El arbutus It 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 soil 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
El arbutus unedo L. It is the most famous in the capital of Spain 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. Prefers sunny areas and does not support the cold conditions that generate frost.
Land
The strawberry tree prefers acid soilss, like those of parks and gardens with vegetal mantles that when decomposed form a mulching compost, but 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. On 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, the rain is used well, but in the conditions of the south, where we see little water from the sky, it is necessary to keep 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
Strawberry berries
We should pay attention to this issue, because the strawberry tree is a tree that it cannot be transplanted, and suffers a lot under those 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.
La multiplication strawberry tree is also complicated. For seeds is difficult since it has a very slow growth, like that of the magnolia tree, Do you 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!
La multiplication by cutting or layering is also usually difficult, although it 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 may be, for example, in the case of olive. Just act logically: crossed branches, basal branches or in poor condition. Do it in spring or when it has come out of the frosty conditions (since it is very sensitive, as we have commented).
And you, how do you take care of your strawberry tree?
