Quercus rubra
Red oak, Northern red oak, American red oak
Also known as Quercus borealis
- Height × spread
- 2.5m – 30m × 1.5m – 20m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
The red oak originates in the eastern and central part of North America. This has large lobed leaves that are green in summer and red in autumn. There are a number of cultivars available which have gold or yellow foliage for part of the year. The cultivar 'Magic Fire' has paler leaves that are red in spring and turn yellow in autumn. The tree prefers acidic soil.
- Foliage colour
- Green, Yellow
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Bell
- Height
- 2.5m – 30m
- Spread
- 1.5m – 20m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- Acid (ericaceous), Neutral
- Drainage
- Well drained soil
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Architectural, Bird attraction
- Maintenance
- Easycare – low/no maintenance
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed young plants with slow release fertiliser
Spread a slow release fertiliser around the base of the plant to the edge of the foliage spread, so that it can feed the roots. It is helpful for this to be applied for several years.
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost until the plant becomes well established.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water during dry periods
For plants in the ground, when there has been little or no rain for a period of 7-10 days and the soil is dry, give it a deep watering and repeat weekly until there is a downpour of rain. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.
Planting & general
Planting
Protect & support young trees
Attach a newly planted tree or tall shrub over 1m to a tree stake to give support and prevent windrock. Use a tree guard to stop tree bark being eaten by animals, especially in areas with deer - removing bark injures a tree and in worst case can kill it.
Found in
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