Greek Strawberry Tree Plant Care

Greek Strawberry Tree (Arbutus andrachne) belongs to the Ericaceae family within the Arbutus genus. Greek Strawberry Tree is native to the Mediterranean region and the Middle East. Greek Strawberry Tree is also known as Andrachne Strawberry Tree.

Greek Strawberry Tree displays a small to medium-sized evergreen tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Greek Strawberry Tree produces clusters of small, bell-shaped white or pink flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Greek Strawberry Tree every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Greek Strawberry Tree thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Arbutus andrachne tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Greek Strawberry Tree prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining acidic soil with high organic matter, such as a mix of peat moss, pine bark, and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Greek Strawberry Tree to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Greek Strawberry Tree every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining acidic soil with high organic matter, such as a mix of peat moss, pine bark, and perlite. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Greek Strawberry Tree is suited to USDA Zone 8a – 9b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Greek Strawberry Tree can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 20 ft (6.1 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Greek Strawberry Tree while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Greek Strawberry Tree is hardy down to USDA zone 8a, so once established it can stay outdoors through winter in that zone and warmer ones.

Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.

Young and container-grown trees need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.

Greek Strawberry Tree can be propagated through seeds, semi-hardwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to arizona madrone plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Greek Strawberry Tree is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, aphids. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Greek Strawberry Tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. Greek Strawberry Tree is native to the Mediterranean region and the Middle East.