Description
The dwarf strawberry tree Mercurius® 'Bocarm' is a compact and highly ornamental form of Arbutus unedo, also known as the strawberry tree. This evergreen shrub is valued for its rounded habit, slow growth, and reduced height, making it ideal for small gardens, rockeries, or container growing. It retains all the qualities of the species: glossy dark green foliage, autumnal bell-shaped flowers, and decorative red berries that resemble strawberries. The 'Bocarm' cultivar is prized for its excellent performance in pots and moderate cold tolerance, well suited to temperate climates. Decorative year-round, it offers foliage, flowers, and fruit all in one. It's also a great autumn nectar source, attracting pollinators at a time when few other plants are in bloom. Once established, it tolerates drought well and thrives in well-drained soils with minimal care. Its modest size also makes it perfect for low hedges or structured planting schemes.
Geographical origin: For the species: Mediterranean basin and western Europe. 'Bocarm' is a Belgian horticultural selection.
Botanical family: Ericaceae
Notable features: The name “Mercurius” evokes agility and balance, reflecting the plant's compact, structured form. 'Bocarm' was selected for its dense, dwarf growth, ideal for small spaces. The strawberry tree is symbolic of resilience and longevity in Mediterranean landscapes.
Mature height: 80 to 120 cm depending on exposure and soil.
Mature width: Around 80 to 120 cm, naturally rounded.
Habit: Compact, bushy, well-branched from the base.
Bark: Reddish-brown, lightly exfoliating with age.
Foliage: Evergreen, dark green, glossy, lanceolate, finely toothed.
Growth rate: Slow to moderate. Ideal for containers and small spaces.
Hardiness: Down to -10/-12 °C in well-drained soil. Prefers mild winters.
Flowering period: September to November.
Flower description: Small white-pink bell-shaped flowers in panicles, decorative and nectar-rich.
Fruit: Round red berries maturing a year after flowering. Edible but mealy in texture. Harvest in October–November.
Wildlife value: Excellent autumn nectar source for bees; berries eaten by birds.
Ideal exposure: Full sun, sheltered from cold winds.
Suitable soil: Light, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral. Sensitive to excess moisture.
Soil preparation tips: Mix sand or pumice into planting soil for drainage. On heavy soils, plant on a raised mound.
Spacing between plants: 80 cm to 1 m for low hedges or mass planting.
Soil type: Light, draining, slightly acidic to neutral, poor to moderately rich.
At planting: Regular watering the first year, without waterlogging.
At maturity: Drought-tolerant; water only in periods of intense heat.
When and how: Minimal pruning. Light shaping after flowering if needed. Avoid hard pruning.
Methods: Semi-hardwood cuttings in summer, grafting in nurseries.
Ideal placement: Container on terrace, sunny border, rock garden, Mediterranean-style bed, low decorative hedge.
Recommended companions: Lavender, rosemary, cistus, teucrium, helichrysum, ornamental grasses.
Historical uses: Fruits eaten fresh or made into jam. Hard wood used locally. Iconic plant of Mediterranean scrublands.
Potential issues: Powdery mildew in poorly ventilated spots; root rot if overwatered.
Natural prevention: Plant in well-drained soil, allow airflow, avoid overfeeding.
Practical advice: Choose a sunny, sheltered location. Avoid disturbing roots. Requires little maintenance. Suitable for poor, dry soils.
'Bocarm' is a very compact, floriferous dwarf selection with dense foliage, ideal for container growing. Unlike the species, it remains under 1.2 metres and keeps a neat shape without pruning.
The dwarf strawberry tree Mercurius® 'Bocarm' is a compact evergreen shrub, highly decorative with its glossy foliage, autumn flowers and winter fruit. Ideal for pots, small gardens or low hedges. Hardy, undemanding and nectar-rich, it embodies natural elegance. It’s relatively hardy and drought-tolerant once established. Ideal for sunny, sheltered spots with well-drained soil, it provides year-round interest with foliage, flowers and fruit. In autumn, it attracts bees and pollinators when few plants are in bloom. Easy to care for, it needs little pruning and adapts to dry, poor soils. A perfect fit for Mediterranean-style landscaping or urban patios.
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