Quercus myrsinifolia

Oaks are common trees of our natural woodlands. They border our ponds, occur naturally in our mixed forests, and make magnificent specimen trees in our parks and arboretums where less common species or rare varieties can be seen.

Bamboo-leaf oak, or sometimes also called Chinese evergreen oak is a rare evergreen tree that is not widely used in cultivation in Europe which is a great pity. It has evergreen, bamboo-like, lance-shaped, narrow leaves that emerge bronze-purple and mature to a dark green. Compared to cherry laurels or Portugal laurels that can also be grown on stems while keeping their shrubby looks, bamboo-leaf oak forms a nice tree-shape canopy without any extra effort because it is naturally a small tree with compact, rounded crown.

This tree is currently grown in warmer parts of the USA, southern Asia, and milder parts of Europe where it is considered a rare plant. Landscape designers use it when they want to bring an extraordinary evergreen feature. It looks great in a mixed border with compact Japanese azaleas or low growing conifers. Grown as a specimen plant it looks terrific in front of modern houses where mostly glass and concrete is used.

Bamboo-leaf oak is not fussy about soil pH but for best results as far as foliage colour we would suggest growing it in slightly acidic soil. As with every evergreen plant the soil has to be well-drained and rich in humus. It will wither and may die in heavy clay, water-logged soils especially if the winter is harsh. Pruning is possible in spring after the frosts. It responds great to pruning by developing an even bushier canopy with lustrous foliage. It does well in USDA zone 7 where temperature does not often drop below -18°C but has proved living well in winters of zone 6. Before winter and during frost-free periods provide extra watering.

Last update 20-06-2010, 19-02-2012