(Strawberry Tree)
SIZE: Small (Height: 15-20'; Spread: 15').
GROWTH RATE: Slow.
FOLIAGE: Dark green, glossy, oval leaves, 2-3" long.
FLOWER/FRUIT/BARK: Attractive white or pink-tinged flowers, _" long, hang in 5" clusters, bloom October-January. Striking yellow to orange-red, strawberry-like berries, _" across, form in early summer and again in early winter. Interesting, red-brown, smooth and peeling bark.
MONTHLY WATERING NEEDS: In general, 15-20 gallons per week for the first 2 years; 15-20 gallons twice a month for the 3rd year; as needed after 3 years (varies by soil, sun, and wind conditions).
TREE CARE: Low. Requires light annual pruning to train a central leader and good shape; regular pruning needed less frequently with age. Some sidewalk clean-up during fruit drop.
TOLERANCES: Drought (once established), any soil, smog. Sun or shade. Special Considerations: Does not tolerate strong winds. Develops thrips, prone to aphids, sticky honeydew, sooty mold and powdery mildew (usually an aesthetic nuisance vs. health issue). Normal for some older leaves to yellow and drop. Fruit can be messy.
NOTABLE TRAITS: Origin of this hybrid is uncertain, but shares striking similarities with Pacific madrone (Arbutus menziesii). Most likely a hybrid of A. x andrachnoides and A. canariensis. The cultivar name 'Marina' refers to the location of the Western Nursery in San Francisco owned by Charles Abrahams, one of California's early nurserymen. A popular sidewalk and garden tree in San Francisco. Good tree for small spaces; 2x3' basins; beneath overhead wires. Fruit attracts birds and is edible for humans.
ALTERNATE FORMS: Related to Arbutus unedo, European strawberry tree, which looks similar but leaves and flowers are smaller, bark is more brown than red, and it grows more slowly.