About
Quercus coccifera, the Kermes oak, is a very slow-growing, dense, bushy, evergreen shrub to 5 m with smooth, grey bark and glossy, dark-green, holly-like leaves with spiny margins 3�5 cm long. Solitary, spherical to ovoid acorns carried in spiny cups follow the inconspicuous, yellow-green spring flowers. An ornamental and architectural evergreen oak for a sunny, well-drained, Mediterranean garden.
About the genus
Quercus, the oaks, are a large genus of deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs with entire, lobed or toothed leaves; inconspicuous flowers; and characteristic acorn fruits, sometimes with good autumn colour. Many are long-lived, wildlife-supporting specimen trees.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand, Chalk
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Trees
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full heightMore than 50 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Mediterranean climate plants
Native toE Mediterranean, SW Asia
ToxicityPets (dogs): Harmful if eaten - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in well-drained soil in full sun; tolerates dry soils and drought conditions. See tree cultivation for further advice
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by sowing seed soon after it drops or by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to oak processionary moth, aphids, caterpillars, leaf-mining moths and oak gall wasps
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews and honey fungus