Arbutus: looking for short (less than 5 feet) strawberry tree

In Olympia, WA- we want to plant a strawberry tree in our front yeard, but the tree needs to be no more than 5 ft- any recommendations?

 

'Elfin King'. Will have to hunt to find it, maybe even order through the mail. <i>Have</i> seen it on local (garden center) market in past, but not lately. Also check on height expectation for 'Oktoberfest'.

 

Thanks for the lead- I have a few "regular" madrones on our property, but the little guy is what we want in front.

MCB

 

Try a manzanita (Arctostaphylos)

 

I had not thought of manzanita, perhaps it will grow here in the Northwest of the US? I am familiar with it from my time in Califiornia, though. MCB

 

One of the manzanitas featured in Botany Photo of the Day (BPotD) a year or two ago, if I remember the text rightly, it was growing in the UBC gardens and lasted quite a number of years but was finally killed in an unusually hard winter. Maybe Daniel can clarify, or see if there's a searchable index to BPotD.

 

Hairy manzanita is native to region but can be hard to locate in commerce, keep good-looking in garden. Nevertheless, mature specimens are scattered about Seattle properties.

 

This is the manzanita Michael is referring to.

 

Yep, that was the one I was thinking of, thanks!

 

A. manzanita is does well in gardens here, makes a handsome specimen but tends to exceed 5 ft. The 'Dr Hurd' cultivar has been on the local market recently, background information for this one has also been on the web.

 

Pity you are not in London UK, you could have had the one I have for free, already in a tub!

I have already advertised it on this forum for anyone in U.K to pick it up for free!

Best regards.

 

Thanks all for your responses to date. The ideas of the responses have helped a great deal.

MCB