Quercus robur Jan Zamoyski - Oak

Quercus robur Jan Zamoyski is an old Polish selection of the pedunculate oak with variegated foliage, which reappeared on the market in the early 2000s. This beautiful tree, with relatively slow growth, is distinguished by its green leaves speckled with white. The large lobed leaves are initially variegated with yellow, which gradually turns white, giving a very bright aspect to the vegetation. This very hardy, unusual oak tree grows in most soils as long as they are sufficiently moist, as it does not like drought, which slows down its growth. Over time, it reaches a height of about twelve metres and is suitable for planting in isolation, in a sunny position, in a large garden.

The oak tree is a member of the Fagaceae family, like the beech and the chestnut tree with approximately 600 species worldwide, deciduous and evergreen, mainly in the northern hemisphere, in arid, temperate, or humid tropical climates. The Quercus genus particularly inspires collectors, as it is rich in diversity with species like the chestnut-leaved oak... There are approximately 240 named cultivars, such as Jan Zamoyski.
This variety, originally introduced to the market in 1903, has an original history. Selected by Feliks Rożyński, then director of the Podzameckie nurseries, owned by the Zamoyski family, he named it Jan Zamoyski in honour of a wealthy Grand Hetman of the Crown (the highest military title in Poland in the 16th century). Commercialised until 1938, its production ceased during the Second World War and it eventually fell into oblivion, until Bronisław Szmit, a Polish nurseryman, rediscovered and identified a surviving specimen in 2003.
Now available again, this variety deserves attention, as it is truly ornamental. This beautiful tree, slightly slower growing than the botanical species, also has a less imposing development. Over the years, it eventually reaches a height of about twelve metres (maximum 15 m under good conditions) and approximately 8 m in width or more. Its silhouette is essentially the same as that of the oak tree found in the countryside, it is mainly the foliage that differs. It bears large, very long, (20 to 25 cm), relatively narrow leaves, with 3 to 6 rounded lobes on each side, of irregular size. When they emerge, the leaves are speckled with yellow, then as they age, they become more leathery and the yellow turns to cream and then white. The young leaves are the most colourful, as they age, the proportion of green becomes predominant over white. Due to their size, the leaves borne on short petioles droop downwards. The bark of the young branches is a tender green, slightly yellow, and gradually darkens to become brownish-brown like the trunk bark. The rather insignificant flowering in spring produces the same acorns as the typical species.
This oak tree is extremely hardy, tolerating temperatures as low as -23°C to -26°C. It grows in full sun, also tolerating light shade without affecting its variegation. It is rather accommodating regarding soil pH, accepting moderately chalky to slightly acidic soils. However, it requires a certain level of humidity and humus-bearing soil to develop well.

Quercus robur Jan Zamoyski will delight enthusiasts of bright foliage. Ideally, it should be planted in front of a backdrop of dark green vegetation, such as conifers, to better enjoy its beautiful speckled variegation. It is very attractive and can be planted in isolation in the middle of a lawn, in a garden large enough to accommodate it. Other trees of similar size and with colourful foliage can accompany it, such as the Golden Honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos Sunburst). With its very graceful compound leaves, changing from golden to anise green before returning to orange-yellow in autumn, it will create a superb contrast with the oak tree. Liquidambar styraciflua Golden Sun, with its beautiful palmate leaves, golden in spring, turning green in summer before the autumnal blaze of carmine red tinged with purple, will also be an excellent companion. For an even stronger contrast, opt for Acer platanoides Crimson Sentry, a Norway maple with magnificent purple palmate leaves, turning coppery red in autumn.