About

Quercus frainetto, the Hungarian oak, is a fast-growing, spreading, deciduous tree ultimately reaching 30 m. The dark-green leaves up to 20 cm long with numerous rounded lobes turn yellow-brown in autumn and the greenish flowers are followed by small clusters of acorns. A vigorous and ornamental specimen tree for a large, sunny 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, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6

Plant details

Plant typeTrees
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full heightMore than 50 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toS Italy Turkey Balkans
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 deep, fertile, well-drained soil
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by grafting in mid-autumn or late winter
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