Strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo) COMPACTA

Strawberry tree - Arbutus unedo is an evergreen fruit shrub, originating from the regions of the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic coast, where it is widely distributed due to its adaptability, undemanding soil conditions and resistance to drought. It belongs to the heather family (Ericaceae), but does not require acidic soil like other species in this family. As one of the few fruit plants, it can withstand fire well and is therefore an important component of natural vegetation that helps in recovery after fires. Cultivation in central Europe is possible in all viticultural areas. It prefers a sunny position, but also tolerates partial shading. The Compacta variety is also suitable for growing in a pot without the need for planting in open ground.

Origin: frost-resistant Arbutus unedo selection from the originally warmth-loving species
Vigour: weak. Forms a very graceful dense shrub with a broad-spherical compact shape. A mature shrub reaches a height of 1.5 - 2.5 m and a width of 1 - 2 m. The foliage is evergreen, leaves dark green, glossy, leathery, red stemmed. Wood initially pink, deep reddish brown on older shrubs. We recommend planting stronger plants with mature wood in open ground so that young branches are not damaged in the first winter.
Blossom: blooms in autumn, decorative white-red-colored flowers are bell-shaped. The crop ripens in autumn of the following year. The variety is self-fertile.
Fruits: round, diameter 2 - 3 cm. Fruits are either eaten fresh or processed into jams, marmalades and liqueurs.
Color of the fruit: initially light green, later orange-yellow and strawberry red when fully ripe
Flesh: yellow-orange in color, distinctly sweet, contains up to 20% sugar
Taste: when fully ripe, a sweet mixture of strawberry and apricot flavors
Harvest season: early October
Yield: very early yield onset, already bears fruit as a young plant in the pot.
Disease resistance: in central European conditions, there are no known significant pests or diseases against which protection would be necessary
Frost resistance: up to -15°C