October
strawberry tree
Arbutus unedo 'Oktoberfest'
Also Known As - Apple of Cain; Cane AppleThe strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo 'Oktoberfest') is a truly unique and amazing plant. Abundant clusters of white bell-shaped flowers bloom in the fall and give way to glossy red fruit in winter, thus resembling large red strawberries! In spring, its appealing evergreen foliage appears, giving a lush and colorful look year-round. Not to mention its attractive bark and the sweet smell of its flowers and fruit! The proud size of 6-10 feet and its ornamental shape make it a real eye catcher in any garden. Add to this its ability to tolerate drought and coastal conditions and it is a truly amazing plant!
Cycle:
Perennial
Watering:
Minimum
Propagation:
Greenwood Cuttings,Greenwood Cuttings,Hardwood Cuttings,Seed Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
7
Flowers:
Pinkish white Flowers In Winter
Sun:
Full sun, Part sun/part shade, Sheltered
Soil:
Well-drained
Fruits:
green,red,yellow Fruits In Autumn Ready In Fall
Edible:
Yes
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green
Growth Rate:
Moderate
Maintenance:
Low
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
The strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo 'Oktoberfest') should be watered deeply once per week, providing 1 to 2 inches of water in the summer months and 1 inch of water in the winter months. During periods of drought, the tree can benefit from an additional 1 to 2 inches of water per week. As with most plants, it's better to provide the water slowly over a few hours, rather than all at once. The soil around the strawberry tree should be allowed to dry out between waterings.
sunlight
Strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo 'Oktoberfest") requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive. During summer months, the tree should receive full sun in the morning and late afternoon while avoiding the strongest hours of direct sunlight in the afternoon. In winter, when the days are much shorter, the oktoberfest arbutus should receive a good amount of sun throughout the day, preferably morning sun, in order to keep it healthy and promote blooms.
pruning
Strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo 'Oktoberfest') is best pruned in late winter or early spring. Pruning should be done gradually over a 3-4 year period to maintain the plants’ natural shape and promote thicker foliage. Pruning should be minimal overall; remove no more than 1-third of the plant’s canopy in any year. Remove dead, damaged, and diseased branches, as well as branches that are too close together. Pruning should focus on maintaining an even canopy of young shoots to promote good air circulation and minimize pest and disease problems. Thin out small branches and shoots that cross each other and also those that appear congested.
Season
Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering
Harvest Fruit
The best time to start harvesting the fruits from the Arbutus unedo 'Oktoberfest' is October.
Hardiness Map
FAQ
How long does it take for strawberry plants to produce fruit?
Strawberry plants typically take 3-4 weeks from flowering to the production of a ripe berry. The entire process of planting and producing fruit can take up to 3 months, depending on the variety of strawberry being grown, climate and growing conditions. Some strawberries may bear fruit as early as 2 months from planting. Minature varieties are often the fastest ripening varieties, while larger varieties may take longer to bear fruit.
Do strawberry plants have shallow or deep roots?
Strawberry plants have shallow fibrous roots that typically grow close to the soil surface, with a spread of 8 - 10 inches. Although they do not have a long, deep root system like some other plants, they do possess an extensive root system that helps to capture moisture and nutrients. The shallow rooting system is beneficial when it comes to protecting strawberry plants from frost and drought.
