Plant types

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Planting conditions

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Nurseries & Gardens

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Arbutus arizonica

Also Known As

Arizona Madrone

Plant type

tree

size

H: 20'-50'
W: 15'-40'

planting zones

6a-10b

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Arbutus arizonica plant details

Arbutus arizonica is a broadleaf evergreen tree with green foliage. In spring white flowers emerge followed by orange and red fruit. Attracts bees and birds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in average, gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Arbutus arizonica

Plant type: tree
Plant family: ericaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 15 FT - 40 FT - wide, 20 FT - 50 FT - tall
Flowers: white blooms in spring
Uses: distinctive bark

GROWING CONDITIONS for Arbutus arizonica

USDA Zones: 6a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: heat
Soil needs: average, gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This selection was made by our firend Sean Hogan, Cistus Nursery. Evergreen and showy with polished and exfoliating bark. Smaller than the Marina but familar too.

By: Heritage Seedlings

A small, delicate tree, to 15-20 ft in the garden and possibly taller with great age. As with others species, the leaves are glossy dark green with paler undersides, and the flowers are white to pale pink urns that appear in early spring and produce orange fruit lasting into winter. Young bark peels to a somewhat patchy cream color and older bark is mostly gray and plated with large areas of exposed reddish patches. Very picturesque. Though found in dry regions of the southwest and drought tolerant, this tree also enjoys regular garden water, but requires well drained soil. Frost hardy easily to 10F, USDA zone 8.

By: Cistus Nursery

This rare madrona comes from the mountains of Arizona, where it is found growing in moist montane forests with such plants as Quercus hypoleucoides and Yucca schottii. Possibly growing 50' or taller over time, it is commonly seen with a smooth, dark reddish trunk with some rough spots, and handsome dark green leaves, darker than those of A. menziesii. One of many beautiful, adaptable, ornamental trees whose scarcity is undeserved, it will thrive on any well-drained soil in sun or partial shade, and appreciates ample summer moisture. Hardy to about -10 °F.