Menziesii: Pacific Madrone
Although the Madrone is arguably one of the most dramatically beautiful of our native trees, it is not suitable for every garden! If you have the space, patience and proper growing conditions for this tree however, you will be well-rewarded with a specimen that has something of interest all year long.
Plant care & info
Family: Ericaceae
Genus: Arbutus
Common Name: Madrona, Madrone
Along the west coast region (west of the Cascades) from lower British Columbia to California.
Tall evergreen broadleaf tree; glossy, oblong leaves, white panicles of fragrant flowers in spring followed by clusters of small round fruits that turn red in fall. Its most striking feature is the dramatically peeling bark, exposing a smooth coppery surface beneath.
Madrones can grow in full to partial sun, and prefers not overly fertilized soil. It absolutely requires excellent drainage in order to thrive.
Small Madrones are faster to set roots and establish themselves in new sites, so:
- Start small
- Provide excellent drainage
- Don’t move it around the garden
- Don’t over-water
- Have patience
Subject to some fungal diseases and root rot, undoubtedly related to poor drainage.
The most striking feature is reddish bark that gradually peels away to expose the smooth coppery bark beneath. Flowers are clusters of bright white urn shapes that appear in spring, followed by small, round red-orange fruit that are a favorite of several species of birds. Evergreen leaves are long, glossy ovals of dark green.
It is no accident that Arbutus menziesii is found growing on dry, rocky slopes and bluffs — this tree is fairly adamant about having relatively poor soil and superb drainage. Typical garden irrigation usually provides more water than they want or need — a little benign neglect in a dry part of the garden once the tree is established will suit it just fine.
Madrones tend to be slow growing — slower still if receiving too much water — and unfortunately the situation can’t be gotten around by starting off with a larger plant, because larger trees have a more difficult time in transplanting and getting established.
And, with the peeling bark, dropping leaves and fruit, there is a considerable amount of “litter” that will accumulate; it makes it more suitable for a “wilder” corner of the garden.
All this is by no means meant to discourage you from planting a Madrone. It is truly a uniquely beautiful tree with year-round interest and great bird value. There are just a few cautions about what makes a successful setting for this treasured native, which hopefully gives any willing gardener the opportunity to enjoy this tree in their landscape for years to come.
Find Natives for your garden
We offer a great selection of Northwest Natives from spring through fall. The plants featured are highlighted favorites, but they do not represent ALL of the plants we carry. For a more complete list, see our Northwest Native Plant List.
