English Oak Tree | Quercus robur
The king of all trees
Grown by Mike
Roots' Cotswolds Valley Nursery
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English Oak Tree
Quercus robur
- Arguably our most iconic tree, the English oak supports more wildlife species than any other native tree, including insects, nesting birds and small mammals, with the acorns providing food for woodland animals such as deer, squirrels and badgers. In total, a staggering 2,300 species are supported by it.
- Clusters of lobed, deep green leaves are borne on gently twisting branches, with long yellow catkins appearing in spring and acorns seen later in the year. The leaves turn orange and golden-brown as the autumn months roll around.
- A fully hardy, fast-growing tree which will reach a height of more than 12 metres (unless pruned to be kept shorter). Grows well in all types of soil and in full sun or partial shade. As your oak matures it will form a broad crown and a traditional, rounded shape.
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Plant as a feature tree in a spacious lawn, in a border or as part of a traditional woodland garden. Oak also makes a great hedging plant as its shallow tap root won't deprive nearby plants of water or nutrients.
- Our trees are usually between 18 and 36 months old at the time of dispatch.
- Our trees are professionally pruned before dispatching.
What to expect
Supplied as
Height on arrival
Eventual height
Eventual spread
Flower colour
Habit
Hardiness
Will this grow in my garden?
Can I grow this in a pot?
While possible in a very large container (80cm+) initially, English Oak Tree is a large, vigorous tree and is not suited to long-term pot cultivation. It should be planted in the ground after 1-3 years.
How big does it get?
The English Oak Tree is a large, majestic tree, reaching a mature height of 20 to 30 metres and a spread of 15 to 20 metres, although it can be maintained at a smaller size with regular pruning.
How much sunlight does this need?
English Oak Tree prefers full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive.
What kind of soil does this plant prefer?
English Oak Tree prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil, but is quite adaptable to most soil types including clay, loam, and chalk. It tolerates winter ground temperatures down to -10°C. Plant in a hole at least 50cm wide for best results.
How much watering does this plant need?
English Oak Tree requires regular watering, especially during its first few years of establishment. Provide approximately 10 to 20 litres of water per week, ensuring the soil remains moist but well-drained. During hot weather above 25°C, increase watering frequency to prevent the roots from drying out.
Will this plant need pruning?
English Oak Tree should be pruned in late winter or early spring while dormant, removing any dead, diseased, or crossing branches.
How hardy is this plant?
Quercus robur is incredibly hardy with an RHS rating of H7, surviving temperatures below -20°C even in exposed upland locations in the UK.
The wider garden
Roots' Cotswolds Valley Nursery
Meet Mike
Tree-growing skills honed right across the globe
Having started out in Australia, studied in Northern Ireland and volunteered at an organic farm in Sweden, it’s fair to say Mike’s done his fair share of travel on his horticultural journey, so far! Having happily laid down roots here at Roots, Mike is the don behind our tree-growing operation, imparting each and every one of his globally-honed skills to benefit your garden. Grown in our purpose-built nursery, in the ideal climatic conditions of the fertile Vale of Evesham, we’re proud to supply only the happiest, healthiest and hardiest trees.
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