The western strawberry tree is used to other temperatures, but can also be kept as a container plant in Germany. We'll show you what to look out for when planting.
Your neighbors will be amazed! If you plant the sea cherry, strawberries will grow on your trees from now on. Admittedly, botanically the fruits of the strawberry tree have little in common with the native fruit, but visually there is a certain similarity.
Strawberry trees (Arbutus unedo) belong to the heather family and come from central Almerica. Those who spend their holidays more often in Portugal or Sardinia will probably have already seen the strawberry trees. In our latitudes, the plants are truly exotic. We have put together useful information about planting strawberry trees so that you can grow the bizarre plants in your garden.
Facts about the Strawberry Tree
Strawberry trees are evergreen plants that grow as shrubs or trees. The strong, single leaves have a striking sheen. The bark is reddish-brown to grey. The small, warty berries develop from the white to red panicle flowers. These have a sweet taste and appear mealy. In the countries of origin, wine or jam are made from the fruits of the strawberry tree. The typical schnapps Medronho is distilled in Portugal.
Find the right location
In their original habitat, the trees grow up to an altitude of 3,000 meters. This gives hope that the strawberry tree will also thrive in our low mountain ranges and in rather rough locations.
Important: Strawberry trees are not hardy in Central Europe.
The strawberry tree should not be kept as a houseplant. Potted plants get a location on the balcony or terrace in summer. The plants tolerate both sun and partial shade and prefer a slightly sheltered location. If the plant is placed in the shade, it will probably show flowering laziness. Although the strawberry tree comes from Mediterranean regions, the plant is less sensitive than might be assumed. Cool nights in autumn are just as bad for the plantsdamage, such as late spring frosts. However, permafrost does not get the Mediterranean plants.
Tip: The strawberry tree is also suitable for the balcony in a city apartment, because exhaust fumes do not affect the plant.
The ideal location in keywords:
- Sun to partial shade
- light
- warm
- wind protected
Selecting the ideal substrate
The strawberry tree is not very demanding when it comes to the soil. The plants also thrive in nutrient-poor soils. The ideal basis for growth is sandy and not too heavy loamy soil. The irrigation water should be able to drain off well so that waterlogging does not occur. Soil with a rather acidic pH value is also good for the strawberry tree.
Tip: Rhododendron earth is suitable for cultivation in tubs.
Heavy soil tends to become waterlogged and should be made more permeable by adding peat or humus. Gravel or sand are less suitable as they increase the pH of the substrate.
The right substrate in keywords:
- loamy
- sandy
- loose
- sour
Planting a strawberry tree - step by step
- Select Location
- Prepare substrate
- Dig planting hole
- Put drainage
- Insert plant
- Fill substrate
- Close planting hole
- Water the plant well
The described planting outdoors is only recommended to a limited extent in our latitudes. Strawberry trees are not hardy and would have to be planted out in unfavorable locations in autumn and placed in the bucket. This does not suit the strawberry tree, because the plants have the peculiarity of staying where they are and not wanting to be moved. Outdoor cultivation only makes sense in climatically favorable regions, such as the river valleys of the Rhine and wine-growing areas on the Moselle, Nahe or Saale.
Planting strawberry trees - an overview of things worth knowing
| Measure | Explanation |
| Select Location | The strawberry tree spends the summer on the balcony or terrace.
The location should be in the sun or partial shade. Cultivated as a shade plant, the strawberry tree does not bloom. A sheltered location is advantageous. |
| Prepare substrate | The soil should be loose and permeable.
The plant tolerates waterloggingnot. A slightly acidic loamy soil is particularly suitable. Soils rich in limestone are less suitable. |
| Planting Process | In the first few years, the strawberry tree is kept in a tub.
The planter should be of sufficient size and have enough drainage holes for the irrigation water. Drainage in the bottom of the container protects against waterlogging. |
Keeping strawberry trees in pots
Young plants should generally be cultivated in tubs. Those who live in mild regions, such as the Rhine Valley or the Lake Constance area, can consider moving outdoors from about the fifth year of life. In rougher locations, the plant stays in the bucket and overwinters indoors.
Planting a strawberry tree in a bucket - step by step
- Select Planter
- Prepare substrate
- Insert drainage into the bottom of the vessel
- Fill substrate
- Insert plant
- fill up remaining substrate
- Press the plant well
- Water the plant
The plant pot should not be too small. Since the strawberry tree does not want to be transplanted, the planter should offer it enough space for the first few years. In addition to a sufficient size, there should also be enough drainage holes for the irrigation water.
Note: Potted plants are particularly susceptible to waterlogging.
Waterlogging is not tolerated by the plants and the roots rot. Drainage of the irrigation water is improved by installing a drainage system. Shards of pottery or gravel are placed on the bottom of the pot before the substrate is filled in. Slightly acidic soil with a low lime content is ideal for keeping in buckets. Rhododendron earth offers the ideal composition.