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Photo by Mark Pellegrini

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Arbutus 'Marina'

Also Known As

Madrone

Plant type

tree

size

H: 25'-40'
W: 20'-30'

planting zones

8b-11

More Options

Arbutus 'Marina' plant details

Arbutus 'Marina' is a broadleaf evergreen tree with blue and green foliage. In spring and summer pink and white flowers emerge followed by red fruit. Features glossy texture. Attracts bees and hummingbirds 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 average, clay, gritty, lean and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and seaside / salt tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Arbutus 'Marina'

Plant type: tree
Plant family: ericaceae
Foliage: evergreen blue and green
Mature size: 20 FT - 30 FT - wide, 25 FT - 40 FT - tall
Flowers: pink and white blooms in spring and summer
Uses: distinctive bark, peeling bark, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Arbutus 'Marina'

USDA Zones: 8b - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: heat and seaside / salt
Soil needs: average, clay, gritty, lean and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A superbly handsome 30-40' evergreen tree with lovely rosy pink urn-shaped flowers that contrast perfectly with the dark-green leathery leaves and in autumn become bright-red edible fruits; an adaptable tree with Arbutus unedo's easy-going temperament which makes it a good sub for Madrone in climates where Madrones cannot thrive. S/M/GDr

By: Forestfarm

Marina' is a hybrid Madrone variety with dark green evergreen leaves and pink flowers followed by large orange-red fruit in the fall. It is generally considered a better alternative to Pacific Madrone (Arbutus menziesii) because it is far less susceptible to root rot. Pacific Madrone is almost impossible to transplant or establish even from potted plants but 'Marina' is easily transplanted and establishes quickly. It is very drought tolerant and prefers sites with very little summer irrigation, although it will need watered for the first couple of summers while the roots get established. Good soil drainage significantly improves the tree's vigour.
Like the Strawberry Tree (which is very likely one of the hybrid parents) the fruit are large and trees are highly productive. However the rest of the tree looks much more like a Pacific Madrone and has the characteristic colorful exfoliating bark and large slightly serrated leaves that those of us in the Pacific Northwest are so familiar with.

By: Red Panda Nursery

Originally a hybrid of unknown parentage, it most resembles our native Madrone, but is otherwise like Arbutus x andrachnoides from Europe. This evergreen is drought tolerant and has reddish flowers and orange-red inner bark. The biggest specimen in the US is 45 ft. x 45 ft., but it is generally of smaller stature.

By: Heritage Seedlings

A handsome evergreen tree with glossy, green leaves and rosy-pink flowers in winter. Mature plants can reach 50' high with an equal spread. Large red fruits, like those of A. unedo, but much more flavorful. Plant in sun or part shade. Hardy to 0F. Garden origin.

By: Native Sons

This may be a form of Arbutus andrachnoides, but whatever it is, it is beautiful. This photo was taken in Feb in Oregon and shows the dark green leaves and flaking red bark which is similar to the Pacific Madrone and much sought after. But whereas the Pacific Madrone is almost impossible to keep alive, this tree can handle cultivated garden conditions (well, not too much water) that would kill a madrone in minutes. Zone 7.

By: Whitman Farms

One of the best ornamental broadleaf evergreen trees, this madrona relative was named after actor Marina Sirtis, better known as Deanna Troi in Star Trek's The Next Generation series. Not really, but we can pretend it is. Glossy green leaves are complimented by numerous white spring flowers and red berries in autumn. Growing vigorously to 40' or more, this tree is easily shaped and trained into any desired form. But who would want to do that? Left unto itself, it will assume a rugged, irregular shape which fits well with the beautiful reddish bark. Of any easily cultivated Arbutus, this one has the largest leaves (resulting in a more exotic look than A. unedo) and can be used as a substitute for A. menziesii in places unsuitable for this fussy Northwesterner. (Am I talking about myself or A. menziesii? Hmmm…) For the most sheltered Northwest Gardens, it's hardy to about 15 °F. Evergreen.

By: The Desert Northwest

Cousin of the madrone, this stunning hybrid has handsome red bark that exfoliates to a smooth, glowing tan. Strongly upright, to 30' or more, with shiny, evergreen leaves and clusters of bell flowers, white blushed pink, followed by fat "strawberry” fruit. Excellent drainage is necessary for the survival of these wonderful creatures along with lean soil, hot sun and NO summer water after planting. Cold hardy to brief moments in the mid teens °F, mid USDA Zone 8.

By: Cistus Nursery

An old hybrid with modern-day appeal. 'Marina' offers exfoliating cinnamon bark, leathery evergreen foliage, and 6"-long clusters of bell-shaped, pinkish white flowers in late summer that, under favorable conditions, become handsome red fruits. Said to be a European selection presented at a horticultural exposition in San Francisco in 1917. Re-introduced by the Saratoga Horticultural Foundation in 1984. Limb up to expose the peeling bark. 25' x 25'

By: Briggs Plant Propagators

This garden worthy madrone is probably a cross of two European species of arbutus. The stems peel to reveal the orange-copper bark. A. 'Marina' needs good drainage and a moderate climate, such as coastal Arbutus 'Marina' (cont.) Northwest or California. We once saw a big plant at the Victor Reiter, Jr. garden in San Francisco and it was a stunning tree.