Quercus cerris 'CURLY HEAD'^®

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.

Among oaks, too, you can find specialties which sometimes do not bear any resemblance to the original tree they came from. Curly Head is one of them. This dwarf variety of dubu rakouského bears dark green, curly, glossy leaves that are only about a third of the size on the species. They are deciduous but once they dry out in autumn they often remain on the plant until new leaves emerge in spring.

This oak has a snail-speed growth rate. Being a new plant mature height is not confirmed yet but is estimated to be about 3m in a few decades. Such a small plant is ideal for larger rockeries, small front yards or large tubs and outdoor containers. You can trim it and shape it in early spring, it can definitely make a beautiful bonsai, too.

Oaks are not fussy about soil type, this one even grows on chalky soil. Turkey oak can take drought once established but cannot take water-logging. It prefers warm, preferably drier locations. Pest and disease free. Grow it in full sun or part shade. Fully hardy to min. -24°C (USDA zone 6), perhaps a little more.

Last update 07-01-2011