Compact Strawberry Tree | Evergreen Fruit Ornamental Shrub

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Compact Strawberry Tree

Arbutus unedo 'Compacta'

Dwarf Evergreen Shrub • Perfect for Small Spaces & Containers • All-Year Structure

$89.90

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Living Plants

Size, shape and branching naturally vary

Description

The Compact Strawberry Tree delivers all the fantastic, low-maintenance qualities of the species in a perfectly scaled package. With its slow growth, dense branching, and manageable size, it is the ultimate evergreen shrub for smaller gardens, tight spaces, or large containers. It brings year-round structure, winter color, and drought tolerance to any Bay Area landscape.

Retains all the beloved features—glossy leaves, peeling bark, winter flowers, decorative fruit—in a dwarf, shrubby form that rarely exceeds 8-10 feet tall and wide.
An ideal solution for small yards, entryways, patios, or as a low evergreen hedge or foundation planting where the standard variety would be too large.
Performs superbly in large containers on sunny decks or patios, providing structure and winter interest where in-ground planting isn’t possible.
Requires even less pruning and maintenance than the larger type, naturally maintaining a dense, rounded mound.
Shares the same high degree of drought tolerance, adaptability, and fire-smart characteristics, making it a versatile and responsible choice.

Quick Facts

Features:Foliage: Oval, leathery, glossy, dark green leaves.Flowers: Urn-shaped, white to pinkish flowers that hang in clusters, blooming in late fall and winter.Fruit: Round, warty, strawberry-like fruits that start yellow, ripening to a bright red. The fruit is edible but often bland and mealy, best used in jams. A unique characteristic is the simultaneous presence of flowers and fruit from the previous year.Bark & Habit: An evergreen large shrub or small tree with a dense, rounded, multi-stemmed habit. The bark is attractive, shredding in thin strips to reveal reddish-brown underbark.
Mature Height: 8-10 ft.
Mature Width: 8-10 ft.
Growth Rate: Slow
Light Needs: Full sun to partial shade
Key Advantages:Four-season interest with flowers, fruit, and attractive bark.Highly drought tolerant once established.Attracts pollinators and birds.Deer resistant.Fire-resistant for defensible space landscaping
Landscape Uses:Screen or large hedge.Specimen shrub for year-round interest.Foundation planting for large buildings.Water-wise and Mediterranean gardens

Faqs

Q: Can it be pruned into a formal hedge?
A: Yes, it responds very well to pruning and can be maintained as a dense, formal hedge. For a more natural look, minimal pruning is needed. The best time to shape it is in late winter or early spring before the main flush of growth.

Q: How often does it need water in a pot?
A: Water container-grown plants deeply when the top few inches of soil feel dry. It is drought-tolerant but will need more frequent watering than in the ground. Ensure the pot has excellent drainage.

Q: Does it produce as much fruit as the larger variety?
A: Yes, it is typically a prolific flower and fruit producer for its size. The combination of flowers and fruit at the same time in winter is especially charming on the compact form.

📍 Primary Delivery Area · San Francisco Bay Area

Local delivery across the Bay Area — and beyond.

San Francisco Bay Area is our primary local delivery market. Victory Nursery also serves additional California markets and selected extended delivery areas by arrangement.

Regular local delivery: San Francisco, Peninsula, South Bay, East Bay, Marin, Tracy / Mountain House and surrounding service areas.

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A good garden starts with the right size

Choose your starting point.

5 Gallon

A popular size for shrubs, screening plants and young trees. Large enough to make an immediate difference in the garden while still manageable for most residential projects.

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15 Gallon

One of the most common larger landscape sizes for trees and shrubs. It offers noticeable height and fullness while still being practical for many residential planting projects.

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24" Box

A substantial tree and shrub size with immediate visual impact. It usually requires a dolly, hand truck or similar equipment for moving, and access should be considered before delivery.

Explore 24" Box Trees

Gallon describes the container size, not a guaranteed plant height. Individual plants vary. Contact our nursery for current measurements.

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