About

Quercus cerris 'Argenteovariegata' is a compact deciduous tree that can reach about 10 meters in height after two decades. Its elongated, dark green leaves are characterized by pronounced, pointed lobes and feature distinctive creamy white edges. The acorns can grow to a length of 4 centimeters, with their caps adorned in coarse scales.

About the genus

Quercus includes trees or shrubs that can be either deciduous or evergreen. The leaves may be entire, lobed, or toothed. Flowers are not prominent, but they are succeeded by distinctive acorns. Some species may display notable autumn foliage.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect
West-facing, South-facing, North-facing, East-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H6

Plant details

Plant type
Trees
Habit
Spreading branched
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
4-8 metres
Spread
4-8 metres
Time to full height
10-20 years
Suggested uses
City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Coastal
Toxicity
Pets (dogs): Harmful if eaten - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants

Care notes

Cultivation
Grows well in most deep, fertile soils
Pruning
Pruning group 1, though if a grafted tree, any suckers from beneath the graft point, should be removed as soon as possible
Propagation
Propagate by seed, sown as soon as ripe, in a cold frame or by grafting
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to oak processionary moth, aphids, caterpillars, leaf-mining moths and oak gall wasps
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to powdery mildews and honey fungus