Photo of Arbutus xalapensis form by Miguel Vieira

Photo by Miguel Vieira

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Arbutus xalapensis

Also Known As

  • Texas Madrone

Plant type

tree, shrub

size

  • H: 15'-20'
  • W: 12'-20'

planting zones

  • 7a-10b

Arbutus xalapensis plant details

Arbutus xalapensis is a broadleaf evergreen shrub or tree with green foliage. In spring white flowers emerge followed by red fruit. Attracts bees and birds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in alkaline, average, clay, gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Arbutus xalapensis

Plant type: shrub or tree
Plant family: ericaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 12 FT - 20 FT - wide, 15 FT - 20 FT - tall
Flowers: white blooms in spring
Uses: peeling bark, xeric

GROWING CONDITIONS for Arbutus xalapensis

USDA Zones: 7a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: heat
Soil needs: alkaline, average, clay, gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A lovely relative of the madrone or Arbutus menziesii, the Texas madrone is native in the southwest, from west Texas and New Mexico south into Central America, appearing as a multistemmed shrub or small tree, up to 20' tall, with all the features we love -- evergreen leaves that are dark on top and lighter beneath, white bell flowers in spring followed by bright red berries in the fall, and, best of all, exfoliating bark that peels away revealing smooth new bark in colors ranging from white to apricot to deep red. Very soil tolerant as long as the drainage is excellent. Requires little to no summer water but tolerates occasional water if, again, the drainage is excellent. A perfect addition to the dry garden. Frost hardy to 0 °F, USDA zone 7.

Gardening facts about Arbutus xalapensis plant

How to Grow Arbutus xalapensis

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular - drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry in summer
  • Soil Needs

    • clay
    • alkaline
    • adaptable
    • average
    • lean
    • well-drained
    • rocky
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • white
  • Wildlife

    • birds
    • bees
  • Fruit

    • red
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
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