Quercus suber
The Cork Bark Oak, so-called because its Bark is thick and corky and was commonly used in the making of corks for wine bottles in Europe. A medium-sized evergreen tree, it can grow to 20 meters and is native to Southwest Europe and Northern Africa.
Styles & Sizes: They make Medium to Large sized Bonsai in most upright forms.
Position: The prefer a full-sun area, though at the height of summer some bonsai may prefer a dappled shade location. Cork Bark Oaks being are not as hardy as other Temperate Oaks and as such benefit from being overwintered in an unheated greenhouse.
Feeding: Feed with a balanced organic feed, every two weeks if using a liquid feed, every other month if using a pelletised version or after the pellets have fully dissolved away. Feed the bonsai from early spring until the end of summer.
Repotting: Young Oak’s grow roots rapidly and need to be repotted every year. Older trees can be re-potted as necessary, generally, if the growth in the current year is not as healthy as it can be it will benefit from a repotting in the following spring. Use a well-mulched bark, sharp sand, in equal parts. Alternatively, you can use a mix of Akadama, Pumice in equal parts.
Pruning: Trim back shoots to leave 3 leaves on stem once the stem has fully extended. It is wise to make substantial pruning cuts late in the season, to avoid excessive sap ‘bleed.’
Wiring: The ‘clip and grow’ method is best for styling the Oak. If wiring is required, wire in autumn, and remove before spring sets in entirely.
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