Pleached Arbutus Unedo - Strawberry Tree Pleached

Pleached Arbutus Unedo (Pleached Strawberry Tree) is an evergreen tree-on-stilts with dark green foliage and strawberry shaped fruits. This pleached-form tree a good choice for above fence screening. This unusual tree is native to southern Europe and Western Ireland. Despite its common name ‘the Killarney strawberry tree’ it’s not a true strawberry but more closely related to the fig tree.

Arbutus Unedo is a beautiful evergreen with serrated deep green leaves and cinnamon brown bark all year round. In early autumn, small creamy flower clusters appear attracting pollinators and eventually maturing into distinctive strawberry like fruits over the year. Flowers and fruits are often found in early winter. We sell strawberry trees in a number of styles, but this pleached version has a single clear trunk and square crown trained on a frame. They make excellent above-the-fenceline screening trees in warm areas of the UK.

Height And Spread Of Pleached Arbutus Unedo (Pleached Strawberry Tree)
Strawberry Trees will reach a maximum height of four metres over 10-20 years. Maintain the pleached size / height with a yearly trim. 

How Hardy Is Pleached Arbutus Unedo (Pleached Strawberry Tree)
Pleached Arbutus Unedo is hardy in the UK if its roots are well drained. It prefers full sun and copes with warm coastal conditions.

How To Use Pleached Arbutus Unedo (Pleached Strawberry Tree)
Best used as above fence screening, an evergreen Pleached Strawberry tree will block out neighbours and traffic noise all year round.
It’s also an excellent choice to line a pathway or a way to create shady privacy screens that section off areas of the garden.
The fruits can be used in jellies or jams and they are loved by blackbirds.

How To Care For Pleached Arbutus Unedo (Pleached Strawberry Tree)
These trees are trained on a frame and will need a yearly prune to keep their shape. Tie in loose whips and trim back excess to maintain a manageable ‘hedge on stilts’ but be aware that fruits grow on the previous year’s flowers so only trim away what is needed. Strawberry trees grow in the majority of soils and enjoy full sun.Young trees need lots of water even if it has rained. Water regularly and apply a thick layer of mulch to the roots for the best flower and fruit displays.