Madrone
Arbutus menziesii · Ericaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around madrone and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Flowering
- Fall to winter (September-December)
- Adult size
- 8 to 12 m in height, tree-like form
- Growth
- Moderate
- Hardiness
- Not very hardy, Mediterranean climate (−5 °C minimum)
- Origin
- West coast of California and Oregon
- Soil type
- Well-drained soil, slightly acidic to neutral, poor fertility
Care
Exposure
Place your Pacific madrone in full sun or partial shade to encourage abundant flowering. It tolerates intense light well and coastal conditions. Avoid dense shaded areas that slow growth.
Watering
Water regularly during the first year, then gradually space out waterings once established. In dry or Mediterranean climates, keep the soil slightly moist in summer. Reduce watering in winter; the plant tolerates moderate drought periods well.
Soil and drainage
Choose well-drained soil, as the Pacific madrone fears excess moisture and waterlogging. Poor or low-fertility soil is perfectly suitable; unnecessary enrichment promotes weak growth. Amend with sand or gravel if your soil is compact.
Pruning and structure
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a balanced shape and remove poorly oriented branches. Avoid severe pruning, which heals slowly. Thinning the center allows better air circulation.
Fertilizing
The Pacific madrone generally needs no fertilizer if planted in appropriate soil. A moderate mineral boost in spring is sufficient. Avoid nitrogen-rich formulas that encourage foliage at the expense of flowering.
Pests and diseases
Watch for powdery mildew or leaf spots in humid, poorly ventilated conditions. The roots are sensitive to waterlogging and fungal rot. In climates that are too cold or very humid, the plant gradually declines.
Did you know?
The Pacific madrone, called 'madroño' in California, produces exfoliating red-brick colored bark that is highly ornamental and renews itself each year. Native peoples of the Pacific Northwest traditionally used its tart fruits, and the tree even appears on the flag of Michoacán, Mexico, as a national symbol of botanical identity.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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- BearberryArctostaphylos uva-ursi
- Strawberry treeArbutus unedo
- Tree HeathErica arborea
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.