The strawberry tree, Arbutus unedo, is generally not hardy. Leaving it outside during the cold season is therefore not a good idea. Ice and snow can cause considerable damage very quickly. However, it may still be possible to spend the winter outdoors. This depends on the variety, the specific location and the age of the tree. In the meantime, the trade in Central Europe does indeed sell varieties that can survive outdoors at temperatures as low as minus 15 degrees Celsius. In Spain or Portugal this is usually not a problem. German winters are on average considerably colder.
The question of location
In Germany, too, winters differ considerably from region to region. In other words: in order to be able to determine whether the tree will survive a winter outdoors, you have to know exactly in which winter hardiness zone you live. In addition, the so-called microclimate in the garden plays a role that should not be underestimated. In general, however, it can be said that even for supposedly hardy strawberry trees, only very few areas in Germany are suitable for wintering outdoors.
Age
The important thing is in
in this context also the age of the sapling. The following applies: Young or relatively young strawberry trees are definitely not suitable for wintering in the garden. They are not hardy under any circumstances. On the other hand, it looks a bit different with little trees, the wood of which is already well matured and which therefore have a few years under their belt. It is unfortunately not possible to give precise details as to the age from which one can consider wintering outdoors, as plants develop fundamentally differently.Secure page
By now it should have become clear that leaving a strawberry tree outdoors is a very unsafe matter. In any case, the risk is very high that he will suffer considerable damage as a result. It is therefore advisable to play it safe. And that means that the tree does not overwinter in the garden, but moves into winter quarters where it can be safely housed from frost and snow.
Hibernate in winter quarters
In principle, all of them are suitable for wintering a strawberry tree
- Temperatures within a range of three to eight degrees Celsius
- dry room
- possible incidence of light (window)
- Possibility of ventilation
Winter gardens have proven to be ideal winter quarters for strawberry trees. You bring everything you need so that the tree can safely survive the cold season. If you don't have a winter garden, basement rooms or stairwells are ideal. They should absolutely meet the above requirements and must not be heated under any circumstances.
Concretely overwinter
The strawberry tree is brought to its winter quarters in early autumn. The ideal time for this is usually early to mid-October. This is the best way to rule out the possibility of the tree being damaged by the first night frosts. Of course, it remains in its planter. It inevitably follows that he was also housed there outdoors. A tree planted in the garden can in principle also be dug up and overwintered. However, there are then greater dangers. Under no circumstances should an excavated tree be put in a planter for the winter. It promises more success to completely enclose the root ball including the soil with a fleece.
Much rest
You do your strawberry tree the greatest favor if you leave it largely alone in its winter quarters. It is already too late for maintenance or pruning measures. At most you should water the plant a little now and then. But be careful: too much water is harmful. A few splashes of water are all you need. After all, the plant is in a
Rest phase and therefore requires very little fluid. You can and must do without fertilizer altogether. In the worst case, this can even be counterproductive.Ventilation and temperature
When overwintering, it is important to ensure that the temperatures in the room do not exceed eight degrees Celsius. If, for example, it is necessary to heat the stairwell or the basement due to too cold outside temperatures, only a change of location will help. In general, regular temperature control is recommended. And the supply of fresh air can't hurt either. However, the room should only be ventilated for a short time and only when there are no arctic conditions outside. Air that is too cold can damage the plant. By the way, it shouldn't stand directly in a draft - regardless of the temperatures outside.
After wintering
When winter comes to an end and spring is emerging, Arbutus unedo has to slowly get used to the higher temperatures and larger amounts of light. From around February, but no later than March, he should move from his winter quarters to a window on the south side of the apartment. With the move you can also start watering the tree a little more. The amount of water should be increased slowly and gradually. From March or April the strawberry tree can be taken outdoors by the hour every day - either directly in the garden or on the balcony. This period of time is also being increased step by step. To be on the safe side, however, he should not spend the nights outdoors until around mid-May, as night frosts can still threaten.