Quercus robur Miky - Oak

Quercus robur Miky is a very unique horticultural variety of the classic Pedunculate Oak. It differs from it in size, forming a miniature tree that is wider than it is tall and reaching a height of about 3m, far from the dimensions of the giant in the countryside. Its foliage is also distinct, giving it its ornamental interest. The wavy and heavily cut, dark green leaves give a very graceful aspect to the plant. This compact Oak is rare in cultivation and grows slowly. It likes the sun, but not drought, and rich, humus-bearing, moist soils. Resistant to cold and urban pollution, it is a good subject for small city gardens.

The Oak is a member of the Fagaceae family, like the Beech and the Chestnut. There are 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 has very different forms, like the Chestnut-leaved Oak... There are approximately 240 named cultivars, such as Miky.
This miniature tree, whose uncertain origin may be Hungarian, is astonishing in more ways than one, starting with its silhouette. It is slow-growing and eventually reaches a height of about 3m with a spread of 4m, due to its relatively flexible branches that tend to spread. The young branches are a light green colour that contrasts pleasantly with the brown-grey bark, and especially with the mature dark green leaves. The young shoots, on the other hand, have a very soft chartreuse green colour, which, combined with the delicacy of the leaves, gives a special grace to this extraordinary plant. The leaves, which can measure up to 15cm long and 7cm wide, are alternate and carried by a chartreuse green petiole of approximately 3cm, which extends into a well-marked midrib. The leaf blade is deeply incised into numerous lobes, with a pointed tip, and of irregular and varied shape. Some lobes are almost straight, others are curved upwards or downwards, some may have a branching outline or even a small formed lobe... In addition, the leaves are wavy, giving a very pleasant tousled appearance to the branches. While the lower surface is a matte green, the upper surface is a slightly shiny dark green, with a lighter central vein that is clearly visible in each lobe.

The Miky Oak is quite accommodating in terms of growing conditions, accepting moderately acidic to limestone soils without excess. Its main requirement is moisture, as it does not like drought. A moist, humus-bearing soil and a sunny exposure are ideal. In drying sandy soil, its size will be reduced and its growth affected. Hardy to approximately -23°C, it will grow in continental and oceanic zones but will suffer from dryness in the Mediterranean region.

Quercus robur Miky will delight enthusiasts of rarity and decorative foliage. Far from the classic image of the king of the forest, this reduced-size Oak will be perfect in a mixed bed or planted alone in a small urban garden, as it is resistant to urban pollution. Play with different foliage to create a contrasting and original scene. In neutral soil, plant a Cercis canadensis Merlot, an Eastern Redbud whose foliage is purple, then dark green in autumn, contrasting both in colour and heart-shaped form. Its pink flowering directly on the bare wood at the beginning of the season is also a delightful spectacle. You can also go for gold, like with Cotinus coggygria Golden Lady, a Smoke Bush whose oval leaves take on yellow-green, golden yellow, and orange shades depending on the season. This moderately sized shrub tolerates severe pruning and will not harm your small Oak. You can also plant a variety of Heucheras at its base, charming perennials that come in practically all existing plant colours, green, grey, orange, purple, pink...