Quercus frainetto aka Hungarian Oak
Taxonomy
Quercus frainetto, also known as the Hungarian oak or Italian oak, is a species of oak native to southeastern Europe, including parts of Italy, the Balkans, Hungary, Romania, and Turkey. This vigorous and large deciduous tree features a massive, rounded crown and boldly lobed leaves that can reach up to 20cm in length, offering a beautiful display of autumn colors. The inconspicuous greenish flowers add to its charm. With its deep emerald green and leathery leaves, this Hungarian oak matures into a stately and elegant specimen in any garden. Its attractive oak foliage gives it a classic look, making it ideal as a single specimen in an open lawn or meadow.
Common names
Hungarian Oak, Italian Oak, Macedonian OakHow to care for Hungarian Oak
Difficulty
Hungarian Oak is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
Water
Hungarian Oak should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Hungarian Oak loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Hungarian Oak prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Dormancy
During the cold period, it is common for Hungarian Oak to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.
Toxicity
Hungarian Oak is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.
Fertilizer
The growth of Hungarian Oak is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.
Region of origin
Hungarian Oak’s native range is Europe - Hungary, S. Italy and the Balkans.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Quercus Genus
Quercus macranthera Caucasian Oak
Quercus pungens Pungent Oak
Quercus rubra Northern Red Oak
Quercus stellata Post Oak
Quercus prinus
Quercus berberidifolia California Scrub Oak
Quercus lobata Valley Oak
Quercus durata Leather Oak
Quercus muehlenbergii Chinkapin Oak
