Arbutus × andrachnoides

Arbutus × andrachnoides is a very beautiful small evergreen tree with dark green leaves and small, white (occasionally with a pink flush), bell-shaped flowers in winter. These flowers may be occasionally followed by red/orange strawberry-like fruit after a particularly hot summer.  The bark is a lovely reddish-brown colour once established.

Best grown for its attractive habit and eye-catching bark, with the fruits more of a bonus if you are lucky enough to see them.

• Position: Full sun.
• Soil: Any well drained, fertile soil. Arbutus are reasonably tolerant of chalky soils but will grow better in slightly acidic conditions.
• Hardiness: Reasonably hardy. This plant is wind tolerant in coastal areas but requires some shelter from the wind in cold gardens.
• Flowering Period: September - November.
• Flower Colour: White flushed with pink
• Rate of Growth: Moderate.
• Habit: Eventually a small branching tree with a densely branching, rounded crown. 
  • Height: up to 8 m (26 ft) in mild areas but smaller in the north of in cooler positions.
  • Spread: 6 - 8 m (20 - 26 ft)

• Notes: Arbutus × andrachnoides is a hybrid between Arbutus uedo and Arbutus andrachne