Arbutus: Strawberry Tree

Am I wasting my time trying to grow a strawberry tree in a pot? It seemed fine fo a couple of years but is looking very sad at the moment.

 

Repot in fresh medium. If that does not seem pertinent, then describe cultural history of plant (what you have done do it), and what, exactly "sad" consists of.

 

In the ground or in a pot, its not going to be easy........re-potting every 2 years is the only way to keep it happy.

Easier container plants would be Chamaerops humilis (same pot for 5 years here with no feeding)
Choisya ternata Sundance (looks fantastic)
Pittosporum tobira Variegata
Phormiums and Cordyline
Yucca gloriosa Variegata
Olea europaea (you may have to move to a sheltered site for winter)

 

Thank you for replies. I have repotted it, it had been in same pot for over 2 years. I have been watering it frequently which I realise now I should not do.
The leaves are going brown and crumbly although it continues to grow.
Soooo with less water and the repotting perhaps I will see an improvement. I am much obliged.
Ellarose

 

Sounds like a leaf fungus problem, which is common on these. But, it doesn't have to be that.

 

To RonB
Have had a good look at the leaves this morning and have found a small caterpillar in the brown leaves which are stuck together. Do I use a spray? You must realise by now that I am not an expert gardener! Had a very small piece of land made into a tiny garden area during the autumn. It has been set out beautifully and I want to keep it as healthy as possible. Not doing too well so far! Have a feeling I could be asking you experts lots of daft questions.

 

Ellarose; I was doing the same thing, plus putting it in the shade, to my Arbutus before I found this site and learned better. Ron B and others are a great source of knowledge.

Michael