Quercus cerris Variegata - Oak

Quercus cerris Variegata is a rare variegated variety of the Hairy Oak, easily recognisable by its very original and bright foliage. The leaves have a pleasant and quite irregular serration, and their green is adorned with a bright yellow, which occupies a variable surface depending on the leaves. Each leaf is therefore unique, giving a very ornamental aspect to this variety. Slower growing than the botanical species, it eventually forms a medium-sized tree, slightly taller than wide, with a rounded crown. Growing in sunny exposure, it tolerates partial shade and accepts limestone soils as well as coastal areas.

The Hairy Oak belongs to the Fagaceae family, like the Beech and the Chestnut. It is native to southeastern Europe, and widespread from the Balkan Peninsula to the western shore of the Black Sea and central Europe. It is a species of warm temperate climate, which appreciates limestone soils but dislikes prolonged droughts.
The fast-growing botanical species reaches an average height of 20m with a spread of 10-12m, but shows a very variable habit, more or less spreading, irregular. This oak develops a widely conical crown that rounds out over time. It is not uncommon for its main branch to rise and extend to the top, taking over from the trunk by spreading into robust branches that will form the crown. The trunk is covered with a rough and channelled bark, fragmented into long plates.
The horticultural variety Variegata has a more limited development than the typical species, and also slightly slower growth. This is typical of variegated plants, as the green surface of the leaves is less important, and since it is the green surface that ensures photosynthesis, the plant has a lower growth potential (the yellow parts of the leaves do not contain the chlorophyll necessary for photosynthesis). With a pyramidal to conical shape, the more or less irregular silhouette eventually rounds out over time to give a beautiful tree slightly wider than tall, about 15m tall and 12m wide.
The leaves measure from 6 to 12 cm in length, are narrow and elongated, and have a very irregular serration. The leaf blade has lobes of varying sizes, some triangular, others with curved hooks. The original dark green is strongly mixed with yellow, this very irregular variegation can be limited to a margin along the edge of the leaf, or cover more than half of its surface. The leaves are arranged alternately on olive green branches, and the vegetation is dense, giving a very bright appearance to this tree. The leaf surface is slightly glossy, which further enhances their ornamental interest. In autumn, the foliage takes on a golden amber colour before drying out and remains on the tree for a long time before falling.
The flowering, which blooms in May, is yellow and quite discreet. This Oak is recognized by the curious appearance of its fruits: the majority of the acorns are enclosed in a hemispherical cupule, densely covered with long frizzled scales, curved backwards, and covered with grey felting. The large, elongated acorns, measure 2.5 to 4 cm in length and 2 cm in width. They are solitary or grouped in 2 to 4, orange at the base and brown-green at their tip.
The root system of this Oak is deep and powerful, of the taproot type, thus ensuring a solid and lasting grip in the deep soils it appreciates. Preferring limestone, it grows in most soils, except those that are too acidic, and tolerates proximity to the seashore. It prefers sunny exposures but can tolerate light shade, which it will brighten with its superb foliage. It is hardy and withstands frost down to -20°C, although this can sometimes cause its bark to crack.

The Hairy Oak is a tolerant species that adapts to most regions, as long as it is planted in sufficiently deep and not too dry soil. Its variegated yellow variety is rare, yet it deserves a place in our gardens. However, you must have enough space to properly showcase this beautiful tree, either by isolating it on a lawn or by making it the centrepiece of a diverse bed. You can create a magnificent contrast by planting a Sambucus nigra Black Lace at its base, a superb Elderberry with almost black, laciniate foliage. In early summer, it will reward you with beautiful pale pink flowers. To enliven the autumn, plant a Winged Euonymus (Euonymus alatus) in the foreground, a discreet shrub whose foliage turns fiery red as soon as the first autumn cold sets in. Its somewhat wild appearance will perfectly match the spirit of your bed. And to stay in a natural tone, add an Amelanchier Ballerina that will reward you with magnificent white spring flowers, followed by decorative and edible red fruits, while the foliage concludes the season with a fireworks display of red, orange, and purple!