Arbutus canariensis

Name: Arbutus canariensis
Brand: Evergreen Trees Direct
Price: 305.00 AUD
Availability: InStock

$305.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

100 in stock

Size: 40cm/45L

40cm/45L

Current Stock Height Guides

40cm/45L: 1.5m – 2m Approx.

Trade Customers

We supply advanced trees to landscapers, developers, architects, and councils Australia-wide. Trade clients receive fast quotes, expert advice, and access to premium stock with reliable freight.

About Arbutus canariensis

Arbutus canariensis – Canary Madrone is a distinctive evergreen tree from the Canary Islands, reaching up to 10 metres high with a 4–5 metre spread. It features striking ornamental bark, dark green serrated leaves up to 15 cm long, and creamy white flowers tinged with pink in late autumn. Decorative red, strawberry-like fruits follow, adding seasonal interest.

Well-suited to coastal and Mediterranean-style landscapes, Arbutus canariensis – Canary Madrone thrives in full sun, tolerates salt spray, and requires little maintenance. Its rounded crown and dense foliage make it ideal for gardens, street plantings, or feature use in dry, exposed conditions.

Key Information to Know

Evergreen / Deciduous

Arbutus canariensis is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 5 m – 10 m

Mature Width: 3 m – 6 m

Arbutus canariensis is expected to grow 30 – 60 cm/year.

Frost Tolerance

Is Arbutus canariensis frost tolerant?

Arbutus canariensis is Frost Sensitive – May suffer damage from frost, best in frost-free or protected spots.

Flowering Information

Arbutus canariensis produces clusters of creamy-white, urn-shaped flowers in spring. These delicate bell-like blooms hang beneath the foliage, offering a subtle yet elegant seasonal display and providing a nectar source for bees and other pollinators.

Native Information

Is Arbutus canariensis an Australian Native? No

Arbutus canariensis is Native to The Canary Islands, where it grows in laurel forests and rocky slopes.

Wildlife Value

Its nectar-rich flowers attract native bees and pollinating insects, while the ornamental berries that follow provide food for fruit-eating birds. The dense evergreen canopy also offers shelter and contributes to a biodiverse, wildlife-friendly garden environment.

Sunlight Information

Arbutus canariensis will thrive best in:

Full Sun

Preffered Soil

Arbutus canariensis performs best in well-drained sandy or loam soils and tolerates slightly acidic to slightly alkaline conditions. It can struggle in heavy clay or waterlogged areas unless improved with organic matter and coarse material to increase drainage. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then transition to deep, occasional watering as it matures and develops excellent drought resilience.

Botanical Information

Common Name: Canary Madrone, Canary Islands Strawberry Tree

Genus: Arbutus

Botanical Species: canariensis

Family: Ericaceae

Botanical Name: Arbutus canariensis

Landscape Uses

Feature Tree
Plant in Pots (or) Suitable for Pots
Shrubs

Arbutus canariensis works in an:

Mediterranean Style Garden – timeless courtyard look with stone, pots, and bold greenery.
Woodland Garden – layered, naturalistic design under dappled light.
Modern Garden – sleek, minimal, and design-led planting.
Heritage / Traditional Garden – timeless, classic plantings for period homes.
Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

Planting, Spacing & Care

Planting Tips: Ensuring a Strong Start

Site Selection: Choose a location with full sun and well-draining soil.
Digging the Hole: Dig twice as wide as the root ball but at the same depth to encourage strong root establishment.
Soil Preparation: If needed, improve drainage with compost and coarse sand.
Watering: Deeply water after planting and continue for the first 12 months.
Mulching: Apply a 5-7cm mulch layer around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Hedging & Screening: 1.5 m – 2 m – Can work as an informal screen

Feature Tree: 3 m – 5 m – Highlight interesting bark and ornamental form

Avenue Planting Trees: 4 m – 5 m – For structure and year-round interest

Caring for Your Arbutus canariensis

Watering

Establishment Phase (First Year): Water deeply once a week, more frequently in hot or dry conditions.
Mature Trees: Drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional deep watering in prolonged dry spells.

Pruning

Timing: Prune lightly in late winter or early spring to remove dead wood and shape the tree.
Method: Avoid excessive pruning; allow its natural form to develop.

Fertilization

When to Fertilize: Apply a slow-release balanced fertilizer in early spring.
How to Fertilize: Spread around the root zone, avoiding direct contact with the trunk.

Pest & Disease Monitoring

Pests: Generally pest-free but may occasionally attract aphids or scale insects.
Diseases: Rarely affected by disease, but proper drainage prevents root rot.

Mulching

Benefits: Helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Application: Apply a 5-7cm organic mulch layer, keeping it a few centimeters away from the trunk.

Winter Care

Naturally frost-tolerant, but young trees may benefit from wind protection in colder regions.

Enhancing Soil for Vibrant Growth and Ornamental Appeal

Ideal Drainage: Arbutus canariensis thrives best in well-drained, fertile soil, which promotes its ornamental appeal and fruit production.

Well-Draining Soil: This soil type is excellent for Arbutus canariensis, supporting both its growth and decorative aspects seamlessly.

If you have the following soil, here are some tips for you:

Sandy Soil: Arbutus canariensis performs well in sandy soil due to its excellent drainage properties. To further enhance the soil, consider enriching it with well-rotted manure or compost, which will improve fertility and support more vigorous growth.
Clay Soil: Although Arbutus canariensis prefers well-draining conditions, it can certainly be grown in clay soil with some modifications. Improve the structure and drainage by amending with organic matter and coarse sand. This will help mimic the ideal conditions by preventing water from pooling around the roots, thus promoting healthier growth.
Loamy Soil: Arbutus canariensis flourishes in loamy soil, which typically provides a balance of drainage and nutrient retention. Continue to enrich this soil with organic amendments to maintain high fertility, ensuring that the tree remains vibrant and productive.
Peaty Soil: While Arbutus canariensis prefers well-drained conditions, peaty soil can be made suitable by enhancing its drainage with sand or fine gravel. This adjustment helps avoid waterlogging and makes the rich organic content of peaty soil beneficial for the tree's growth.

These recommendations are crafted to accentuate the positive qualities of each soil type while providing practical advice on how to adjust less than ideal conditions, ensuring that Arbutus canariensis not only survives but thrives in a variety of garden settings.

Arbutus canariensis is expected to grow 30 – 60 cm/year.

Medium Growth Rate

Root Ball Dimensions (Width × Depth) For Planting

Use this as a reference when digging your planting hole. We recommend digging at least 10% wider than the dimensions below to encourage strong root development.

30cm Pot: 33cm (W) × 30cm (D)
40cm/45L Pot: 44cm (W) × 41.5cm (D)
50cm Pot / 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (D)
150L Bag: 66cm (W) × 55cm (D)
200L Bag: 71.5cm (W) × 60.5cm (D)
300L Bag: 88cm (W) × 63.8cm (D)
400L Bag: 99cm (W) × 66cm (D)
500L Bag: 122cm (W) × 66cm (D)
750L Bag: 134cm (W) × 69cm (D)
1000L Bag: 146.3cm (W) × 71.5cm (D)
2000L Bag: 176cm (W) × 82.5cm (D)

Ideal Conditions

Subtropical QLD (Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast)
Northern NSW (Byron, Coffs, Armidale)
Sydney & Central Coast
South Coast NSW (Illawarra to Bega)
Inland NSW / Tablelands (Orange, Bathurst, Canberra)
Melbourne & Surrounds (Metro, Bayside, Geelong, Bellarine, Mornington)
Western District & Central VIC (Ballarat, Bendigo, Hamilton)
Gippsland (Latrobe Valley, East Gippsland)
Adelaide Metro & Coastal
Adelaide Hills & Barossa

Thrives in

Full Sun

Frost Tolerance

Frost Sensitive – May suffer damage from frost, best in frost-free or protected spots.

Drought Tolerance

As a young tree it benefits from regular watering, but once established Arbutus canariensis develops strong drought tolerance. It performs reliably in hot, dry and coastal conditions, maintaining its smooth bark and evergreen canopy with minimal supplementary watering.

Flowering Information

Does Arbutus canariensis flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Autumn
Winter

Flower Type:

Clustered

Flower Colour:

White

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is Canary Madrone best known for?
A. It’s prized for its smooth, colourful bark, creamy-pink flowers, and bright red strawberry-like fruit, offering year-round visual appeal.

Q. How tall and wide does it grow?
A. It typically reaches 5 – 10 m tall and 3 – 6 m wide, with a dense, rounded canopy.

Q. When does it flower and fruit?
A. Flowers bloom in late autumn to early winter; red fruit follows, creating seasonal interest.

Q. Is it suitable for coastal gardens?
A. Yes — it tolerates salt spray and performs well in coastal climates.

Q. What are its water requirements?
A. Moderate — once established, it is drought-tolerant but appreciates regular watering in dry conditions.

Q. Is it high maintenance?
A. No — it requires only occasional pruning to shape or remove dead wood.

Q. What kind of foliage does it have?
A. It features deep green, serrated leaves up to 15 cm long, with red-bronze tones on new growth.

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