Arbutus Tree Care

Soil

• In its native habitat, arbutus grows on well-drained, rocky soil and is best adapted to similar conditions under cultivation. Use a variety of well-drained soils including clay, loam or sand. Once established, arbutus plants are very drought tolerant. Though the plant is tolerant of alkaline or acidic soils, it prefers an acidic soil, recommends garden author Marie Harrison in "Flowering Shrubs and Small Trees for the South".

Light and Water

• Plant the tree in an area of full to partial sun. Arbutus does best in a shaded site when grown in hot desert regions. Water newly planted tree regularly until established. The tree has deep taproots and does well even with minimal watering. Established trees in the desert areas require irrigation only in fall and winter.

Climate

• Arbutus is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture planting zones 7 to 10 and thrives in regions that have a Mediterranean weather characterized by moist, cool winter and mild, dry summer. The plant tends to do poorly in areas with very cold winter and humid, hot summer. The high tolerance for salt makes arbutus well suited for use in areas near the coast. The drought tolerance makes it well adapted to desert areas when provided with shade.

Uses

• The tree is used in shrub borders and in woodland gardens. However, though the plant responds well to pruning, avoid trying to prune it into a hedge. The spring blooming flower panicles, bright red fruit and the grayish brown, flaking bark make it a good specimen plant. The tree is not a good choice for use on patio or near pools as fruit is messy. Use smaller sized cultivars like Compacta and Elfin King in containers for use on decks.