Quercus x warei Regal Prince - Oak

Quercus x warei 'Regal Prince' is a medium-sized hybrid oak with a very architectural fastigiate habit, making it interesting for gardens with limited space and contemporary scenes. It bears decorative, large, dark green lobed leaves which turn yellow-brown mixed with orange in autumn. They are marcescent and persist on the branches throughout winter before eventually falling to the ground. This very hardy, beautiful tree thrives in deep soil, preferably moist, neutral to acidic. It enjoys sunny locations and requires little maintenance, being quite resistant to diseases.

The Oak is one of the main members of the Fagaceae family, alongside Beeches (Fagus) and Chestnuts (Castanea). There are at least 250 species of Oaks, and many more when counting the numerous hybrids. This cosmopolitan genus grows naturally in both the northern hemisphere and the tropics, in South America, and even in Southeast Asia.
The 'Regal Prince' Oak is a hybrid obtained in Jacksonville (USA) by Earl Cully in 1974 by cross-breeding Quercus robur 'Fastigiata', a variety of pedunculate oak with a columnar habit, and Quercus bicolor, a North American species that grows in wet areas. The goal was to produce a columnar Oak with improved hardiness, and the result of this cross-breeding was patented in 1998. This Oak exhibits a very fastigiate habit in its juvenile state, which broadens slightly into an elongated cone shape at maturity. 10 years after planting, it will reach 10 m in height with a width of only about 4 m, and at maturity, it can reach 15 m tall with a spread of 6 m. Its architectural silhouette also has the advantage of not being affected by wind gusts or snowfalls, with the branches remaining well erect. The ovate to obovate leaves are larger than those of the pedunculate Oak and are irregularly lobed. They grow alternately on the branches and are adorned with ten to twelve lobes. Dark green on top with a glossy surface, the underside is grey-green. The young branches are brown-grey while the mature bark is grey-green. The spring flowering, typically in April-May, is yellow-green, insignificant, and of no ornamental interest. The fruits are acorns measuring 2.5 cm, covered halfway by a scaly cupule. In autumn, the foliage takes on amber-yellow hues, oscillating between brown and orange, which are not particularly spectacular but still relatively decorative. As with many species, the foliage is described as marcescent, as it remains on the tree throughout winter before falling to the ground to make way for new leaves.

The 'Regal Prince' Oak will find its place in a contemporary setting, where its architectural silhouette will be perfectly highlighted. It can also be planted confidently in a garden with limited space, as it will not risk becoming invasive. Planted in the background of a flowerbed, its lofty stature will complement other ornamental plants with decorative habits. A weeping purple Beech (Fagus sylvatica 'Purpurea Pendula') will create a double contrast of shape and colour. You may also integrate a variegated plant into your scene to bring light amidst these dark foliage. Cornus controversa 'Variegata', a Dogwood with white variegated foliage and layered pagoda-like growth, will be a welcome addition, provided you are patient, as its growth is not very rapid. To energise your flowerbed, opt for Cercis canadensis 'Hearts of Gold', which will offer you an early pink-violet flowering directly on the wood, before the appearance of beautiful heart-shaped leaves that transition from red in spring to yellow and then chartreuse green in summer, providing a permanent spectacle!