Arbutus unedo is probably one of the most beautiful ornamental plants that are cultivated in our gardens and on the balcony. The strong green colored foliage, the creamy white flower umbels and the orange-red fruits with the warty peel make it particularly attractive. The natural occurrence of this exotic species is the Mediterranean region, where it even thrives at altitudes of over 3,000 meters, where the climate is sometimes relatively harsh.
Is the strawberry tree hardy?
The strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo) is hardy down to around -15°C. Older plants can tolerate more cold than younger ones. In the garden, they should be planted in wine-growing regions near a house wall and provided with winter protection. Potted plants can overwinter indoors at 5-10°C.
How much cold can the strawberry tree tolerate?
Arbutus unedo is not as sensitive to cold as garden enthusiasts often assume. However, the older the plants are, the lower temperatures they can withstand. However, these should never fall below minus fifteen degrees, because then the leaves and the trunk will be damaged.
Even if the above-ground part of the tree dies in a very harsh winter, the underground tuber usually survives and sprouts again the next year. However, it takes some time until the plant regains its old size and splendor.
Overwintering strawberry trees in the garden
Winter temperatures are only tolerable for strawberry trees in the wine-growing regions of Germany. But here too, you should preferably plant the Mediterranean plant near a house wall and, in addition to good care, ensure adequate winter protection. Recommended are:
- A thick layer of leaves around the tree disc.
- A cover made of air-permeable plant fleece (€72.00 on Amazon) or jute.
- Water the tree occasionally to prevent frost drying.
Overwintering potted plants
If you don't want to take any risks, you can overwinter Arbutus unedo indoors. The temperature in the winter quarters should be between five and ten degrees. Ideal are:
- an unheated stairwell
- the garage
- a bright basement room
- a greenhouse that is heated in severe frost.
Water the strawberry tree only sips at a time during the winter months. The substrate should not dry out completely but should not feel wet. There is no fertilization at all during this time.
In spring, carefully get Arbutus unedo used to the changed conditions on the balcony or terrace again.
- Initially place the plant in a warm corner only during the day.
- To prevent the strawberry tree from getting sunburned, the foliage should only be exposed to sunlight in the morning or evening hours in the first few weeks.
- Water a little more little by little and fertilize every three weeks from May onwards.
Tip
Strawberry trees are extremely robust. Forest fires are always raging in the exotic animal's natural homeland. Even if all life seems to have been extinguished, you can observe after a short time how Arbutus unedo sprouts again and returns to its old size over the course of a few years.
