Quercus
Oak
- Height × spread
- 2.5m – 33m × 1.5m – 25m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
There are around 530 species of oak tree. They are widely spread over many regions in the northern hemisphere and some are found growing in very warm, even tropical locations in Southern America. Many of them make magnificent specimen trees with distinguished growth habits, beautiful in winter without leaves, often having exceptional autumn colour. As a tree they have great symbolic value with their rugged, stable, even heroic appearance. There are both deciduous and evergreen forms. The evergreen most commonly encountered in the UK is Quercus ilex, the holm oak. The two 'British' oaks are Quercus robur and Quercus petraea. In the USA Quercus coccinea provides much of the fall colours that are such a feature of New England. Beyond these famous oak trees are a huge range of forms that include Quercus gambelii, which may only reach a couple of feet in height in arid areas of south western USA. In the UK it is possible to find interesting hybrids of 'our' oaks that include columnar forms with foliage in shades of purple and gold as well as more dwarf varieties such as Quercus robur 'Menhir'.
- Flower colour
- Yellow
- Foliage colour
- Green, White, Yellow
- Fruit colour
- Brown
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Bell, Cone, Dome, Oval
- Height
- 2.5m – 33m
- Spread
- 1.5m – 25m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Autumn, Winter
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Winter garden, Seaside garden, Mediterranean garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- All types
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil, Dry soil, Drought resistant
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, some are not hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Hedge, Structural, Architectural, Bee attraction, 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 in dry periods
Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.
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
Outdoors
Water some varieties differently
Some plants within this genus have additional requirements for water. It is best to look up your specific plant, or the species it belongs to for watering guidance.
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
More Quercus
Quercus robur
Common oak, English oak, Pedunculate oak
Quercus alnifolia
Golden oak of cypress, Golden oak
Quercus cerris
Turkey oak, Bitter oak
Quercus cerris
Turkey oak, Bitter oak
Quercus cerris 'Argenteovariegata'
Variegated turkey oak, Mossy oak, Moss-cupped oak
Quercus coccinea
Scarlet oak
Quercus coccinea
Scarlet oak
Quercus coccinea 'Splendens'
Scarlet oak