All Species > Quercus coccifera

Kermes Oak

Evergreen oak with small leaves and rugged bark; strong apical dominance.

Seasonal Care Guide

Placement & Seasonal Notes

  • Placement: Full sun
  • Notes: Sunlight essential to reduce internode length.
  • Winter: Very cold hardy; protect container roots in deep freeze.
  • Summer: Tolerant once established; reduce water in extreme heat.

Leaf Traits

  • Persistence: Evergreen
  • Form: Broadleaf

Watering & Fertilization

  • Watering: Moderate
  • Notes: Let soil surface dry slightly between watering.
  • Season: Spring → Autumn
  • Fertilization: Balanced
  • Notes: Light feeding in early spring and midsummer.

Training Techniques

  • Wiring: Spring or Autumn
  • Notes: Wire early; bark scars easily and heals slowly.
  • Pruning: Structural in early spring, maintenance after flowering
  • Notes: Responsive to hard pruning; control apical growth.
  • Repotting: Every 2-3 years
  • Notes: Repot in spring; use well-drained soil with some grit.

Propagation

  • Method: Cuttings or seed
  • Notes: Can be grown from acorns or air layered.

Zone 8b Considerations

Protect roots if temps < 20 F