El Quercus ilex 'Rotundifolia' It is a fairly large tree, and as it also has a wide crown, over time it provides excellent shade. In addition, it is one of the best cared for, since it grows in all types of soils and is able to withstand both high Mediterranean temperatures and moderate frosts.
So if you are thinking of having it in your garden, Below we explain how you should take care of it so that he is healthy.
Origin and characteristics
Our protagonist it is an evergreen tree (that is, it remains evergreen) originating in the continental or subcontinental Mediterranean areas, as well as the coast as long as the summer is rather dry and warm. In Spain it is found in most of the Iberian Peninsula, except for the north and northwest. It usually forms forests from sea level to 1400 meters above sea level. Its scientific name is Quercus ilex subsp. rotundifolia.
Grows to a height of up to 13 meters, with a rounded crown of up to 6mThe leaves are elliptical-lanceolate, the younger ones with spines. The fruit is an acorn, edible for humans, but in recent times its consumption has been reduced to feeding pigs. For more information about the plant, you can consult the article on the oak leaf.
What are their cares?
If you want to have a copy, we recommend that you provide it with the following care:
- Location: outside, in full sun.
- Earth:
- Pot: universal growing substrate mixed with 30% perlite, but it is not a plant that can be kept in a container throughout its life.
- Garden: It is indifferent, it grows in all types of soil. If you want optimal soil, make sure it has good drainage, as well as in the bauhinia care.
- Irrigation: 3 times a week in summer, and a little less the rest of the year, avoiding waterlogging that could affect the root system as occurs in other trees such as the pine insignis.
- Subscriber: from early spring to late summer with organic fertilizers, once a month.
- PruningAt the end of winter, dry, diseased, or weak branches should be removed. For more details on proper maintenance, see the article on pruning holm oaks. It is also important to consider pruning shade trees, such as the Quercus ilex.
- Multiplication: by seeds in autumn (they need to be cold before germinating).
- Rusticity: withstands cold and frosts down to -18ºC.
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