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Key characteristics

Family: Ericaceae
Height: 3 to 4 feet
Width: 3 to 4 feet
Flower color: White or pink
Foliage color: Glossy dark green
Bloom time: Autumn
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Moderate; prefers well-draining soil
Maintenance: Low; minimal pruning required
Growing zone: 7 to 10
Wildlife: Attracts birds with its fruit

Shrubs

Arbutus unedo ‘Compacta’

Compact Strawberry Tree

Arbutus unedo 'Compacta', commonly known as the Compact Strawberry Tree, is an evergreen shrub prized for its attractive appearance, compact growth habit, and ornamental qualities. In autumn, small clusters of white or pink bell-shaped flowers appear, adding a delicate charm to the plant with its glossy, dark green foliage. These flowers are followed by spherical red fruits resembling strawberries, which ripen in the fall and persist into winter, providing additional visual appeal and attracting wildlife such as birds.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Moderate; prefers well-draining soil

Bloom time

Autumn

Find this plant

Works well in

Containers
Rock Gardens
Specimen Plants
Borders

Companion plants

Yucca · New Zealand flax · Ice plant · Red hot poker · Crocosmias · Smoke bush

Design tip

Plant this compact shrub where you can enjoy its flowers and colorful fruit from a patio, entry, or favorite garden path. Pair it with evergreen companions and long-blooming perennials to keep the planting attractive through every season.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)