Content
- Is the attractive strawberry tree hardy?
- How much cold does the strawberry tree tolerate?
- Winter strawberry trees in the garden
- Winterize potted plants
- Tips
Strawberry trees grow even in colder regions
Is the attractive strawberry tree hardy?
Arbutus unedo is probably one of the most beautiful ornamental plants cultivated in our gardens and on the balcony. The rich green colored foliage, the creamy white flower umbels and the orange-red fruits with the warty shell make the special charm. The natural occurrence of this exotic is the Mediterranean, where it thrives even at altitudes of over 3,000 meters, which sometimes has a relatively harsh climate.
How much cold does the strawberry tree tolerate?
Arbutus unedo is not as sensitive to cold as gardening enthusiasts often assume. However, the older the plants, the lower the temperatures. Below minus fifteen degrees, these should never fall, because then the leaves and the trunk take damage.
Even if the aboveground part of the tree dies in a very harsh winter, the subterranean tuber usually survives and reboots next year. However, it takes some time for the plant to regain its old size and splendor.
Winter strawberry trees in the garden
Only in the wine-growing regions of Germany are the winter temperatures for strawberry trees compatible. But even here you should preferably put the Mediterranean plant in the vicinity of a house wall and, in addition to good care, provide adequate winter protection. Recommended are:
Winterize potted plants
If you do not want to take any chances, you can overwinter Arbutus unedo indoors. In winter quarters, a permanent temperature between five and ten degrees should prevail. Ideal are:
During the winter months, only pour the strawberry tree in sips. The substrate should not completely dry out, but should never feel wet. It is not fertilized at this time.
In the spring, you will get used to Arbutus unedo gently again to the changed conditions on the balcony or the terrace.
Tips
Strawberry trees are extremely robust. In the natural habitat of the exotic forest fires rage again and again. Even if all life seems to be extinguished, it can be seen after a short time how Arbutus unedo drives out again and returns to its old size within a few years.