Overview
Quercus virginiana is a spreading branched, bushy trees in the genus Quercus, part of the Fagaceae family, with deciduous, evergreen foliage. Quercus virginiana grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include architectural and low maintenance.
About
Quercus virginiana, also known as the southern live oak, is an evergreen oak tree endemic to the Southeastern United States. Though many other species are loosely called live oak, the southern live oak is particularly iconic of the Old South.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Quercus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Quercus virginiana size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Spreading branched, Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous, Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, Low Maintenance
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Quercus virginiana
- Propagation
- Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings, Hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Oak processionary moth, Aphids, Caterpillars, Leaf-mining moths, Oak gall wasps
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews, Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Quercus virginiana?
Quercus virginiana prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Quercus virginiana need?
Quercus virginiana grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Quercus virginiana hardy in the UK?
Quercus virginiana has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Quercus virginiana?
Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings, Hardwood cuttings.
More in the Quercus genus
- Quercus acutissimaJapanese silkworm oak
- Quercus aucheriboz pirnal oak
- Quercus cerris 'Afyon Lace'Turkey oak 'Afyon Lace'
- Quercus chrysolepismaul oak
- Quercus frainetto 'Tortworth'
- Quercus gambeliiGambel oak
- Quercus garryanaOregon white oak
- Quercus georgianaGeorgia oak
