About
A very slow-growing deciduous shrub, becoming a tree eventually reaching around 3m in height. The leaves are green and sharply lobed but turn bright red-orange in autumn.
About the genus
Quercus can be deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs, with entire, lobed or toothed leaves; flowers inconspicuous, followed by characteristic acorns; sometimes good autumn colour
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeTrees, Shrubs
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Coastal
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 any well-drained but moisture-retentive soil in good light, as long as it isn't too alkaline. May be suitable for a large container. For more advice see tree cultivation
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by hardwood cuttings in autumn
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