QUERCUS x hispanica ‘Waasland Select’

Description

The Plant

QUERCUS x hispanica ‘Waasland Select’ (syn. Q. hispanica ‘Waasland’), also known as hybrid Spanish oak, is a remarkable evergreen oak.

Its lovely foliage, deep green on top and white underneath (see photo), clearly stands out from other oaks.

Indeed, it is a cross between the Turkey oak (QUERCUS cerris) and the cork oak (QUERCUS suber), selected in the Waasland region of Belgium.

Moreover, this hybrid Spanish oak is renowned for its resilience and its ability to tolerate calcareous soils.

It grows slowly and therefore reaches a much lower height compared to other oaks such as QUERCUS robur. For example, the one in the Jardin de Vallonchêne is about 5 meters tall after around twenty years (see photo).

Finally, due to its evergreen nature, it plays a significant role in the design of gardens where evergreen plants are scarce.

How to plant and care for QUERCUS x hispanica ‘Waasland Select’?

The Planting

Even though the Waasland oak is known for its resilience, consider the following points:

1. Find it a spot in full sun or partial shade, either as a standalone specimen or within a planting bed.
2. The soil can be light, medium, or heavy with an acidic, neutral, or alkaline pH.
3. The location can be cool to moist, moderate, or dry.
4. For proper preparation of the planting hole, we have designed specific instructions available here.

The Caring

During the first two years after planting, ensure regular watering during dry periods to guarantee successful establishment. Also read our tips on how to water effectively and save water here.

Without requiring special maintenance, this oak tolerates pruning very well. It can be done in March, before the new shoots appear.

History and Origin

The species QUERCUS x hispanica is a natural hybrid between QUERCUS cerris (Turkey oak) and QUERCUS suber (cork oak). This cross likely occurred in regions of southern Europe where both species are present. The hybrid was first described by Jean-Baptiste Lamarck in 1785, based on a specimen from the Royal Garden of Trianon (originating from Gibraltar).

The cultivar QUERCUS x hispanica ‘Waasland Select’ was named after the Waasland region in Belgium, where it was selected for its exceptional hardiness during harsh winters, its evergreen foliage, ornamental appeal, and its ability to grow in calcareous soils. This makes it a particularly suitable plant for landscapes and gardens in northern Europe.