Quercus robur Variegata - English Oak

The Quercus robur 'Variegata' is a variegated form of the English Oak, which is highly ornamental and rare in cultivation. Slightly smaller than the king of our forests, with slower growth, it is mainly distinguished by its remarkable foliage, glossy and irregularly margined with cream tones. Its less regular but more picturesque habit is an additional asset. Over time, this oak will become an exceptional feature in the garden. Plant it in a large area for posterity!

The English Oak, also known as the pedunculate oak, English oak or common oak, belongs to the Beech family, depending on the region. It is native to a large part of temperate Europe. This species thrives in sub-oceanic to oceanic climates or continental climates without excess and relatively humid. Quercus robur is widespread in our plains and low-altitude hills but rare in the southern Alps and Mediterranean region, which are too dry and hot. In its natural habitat, it can reach a height of 50m with a spread of 25 to 30m, while its trunk can measure up to 2m in diameter. With pretty exceptional longevity, this oak can live up to 2000 years, according to some estimates. Deciduous oaks can produce excellent and abundant soil favourable for growing plants germinating under their cover.

The Quercus robur 'Variegata' is often considered the most beautiful cultivar derived from the English Oak. With slow growth, this tree will reach a height of about 15m at maturity, and its crown will reach 12m in spread. Its canopy is dense and irregular but overall oval in shape. The relatively short trunk is initially green and smooth, then becomes dark, thick, and deeply fissured. Its young branches are glabrous, grey-brown, and shiny. The foliage, which is late deciduous, consists of alternate, soft, obovate leaves that can reach 5 to 15cm in length and 3 to 8cm in width. Each leaf is divided into 5 to 7 pairs of asymmetrical rounded lobes, separated by relatively deep sinuses. The base of the lamina is narrow and has two small lobes. The colour of the lamina is a dark green with irregular pale yellow to cream margins. The lower surface is paler. The leaves turn brown late in autumn and remain attached to the branches before falling. The flowering of this oak occurs in April-May, shortly after the appearance of the foliage on the annual shoots. The female flowers are placed in a cupule carried by a long peduncle, which is the origin of the species name "pedunculata". The male inflorescences are elongated, pendulous catkins tinged with yellow. They are produced on older branches. The female flowers give way to oval and elongated acorns measuring 1.5 to 3cm long. They are often grouped in pairs or threes and attached to a long peduncle. A cupule covered with scales covers one-third of the acorn. The colour changes from green to brown at maturity in September and October. The root system of this tree is deep and powerful, with both a taproot and extensive lateral roots, providing a solid and durable anchorage in deep and compact soils.

The variegated English Oak is a landscape accent tree. Given its significant development, it is only adopted in a park or large garden. The light that emanates from a mature specimen is unique. It can be planted in isolation or accompanied by one or two trees with a finer, denser, or darker silhouette to create contrast. It also provides the advantage of offering pleasant shade, reflecting light in winter. Its fruits, sometimes abundant, feed small animals such as squirrels and jays. For example, it can be paired with the Provence cypress, the Crimson Sentry maple, the hackberry (hardy even in cold regions), or the Arnold Select lime in a large park.