Photo of Arbutus unedo 'Elfin King' flower, fruit by Cistus Nursery

Photo by Cistus Nursery

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Arbutus unedo 'Elfin King'

Also Known As

  • Strawberry Tree

Plant type

tree, shrub

size

  • H: 8'-12'
  • W: 4'-10'

planting zones

  • 7b-11

Arbutus unedo 'Elfin King' plant details

Arbutus unedo 'Elfin King' is a broadleaf evergreen shrub or tree with green foliage. In fall and winter pink and white flowers emerge followed by orange and red fruit. Attracts bees, birds and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and occasional - 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, pollution tolerant and seaside / salt tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Arbutus unedo 'Elfin King'

Plant type: shrub or tree
Plant family: ericaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 4 FT - 10 FT - wide, 8 FT - 12 FT - tall
Flowers: pink and white blooms in fall and winter
Uses: distinctive bark, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Arbutus unedo 'Elfin King'

USDA Zones: 7b - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: heat, pollution and seaside / salt
Soil needs: average, clay, gritty, lean and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A small (8'-12') evergreen shrub. The white flowers appear in fall and winter. The fruit are 1/2" wide and look like round strawberries, hence the name. This year-round shrub has some attractive feature all the time.

Gardening facts about Arbutus unedo 'Elfin King' plant

How to Grow Arbutus unedo 'Elfin King'

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • occasional - drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry in summer
  • Soil Needs

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

    • heat tolerant
    • pollution tolerant
    • seaside / salt tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • white
    • pink
  • Wildlife

    • birds
    • bees
    • hummingbirds
  • Fruit

    • red
    • orange
  • Flower Season

    • winter
    • fall
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
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