Oak 'Lucombeana' Quercus × crenata 'Lucombeana'

Water

The Lucombe Oak should be watered deeply and infrequently to mimic its natural environment and encourage root development. Typically, the tree needs about 1.5 to 2.5 gallons of water every two weeks in the absence of rainfall. It is essential to adjust the watering frequency based on the season, with less water required during the winter dormancy period, and more during the hot summer months. Water should be applied slowly at the base of the tree to ensure deep soil penetration and to prevent runoff. It's crucial not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot, so always check the soil moisture before watering to make sure it is necessary.

Light

For optimal growth, the Lucombe Oak prefers full sunlight, which means it should be planted in a location where it can receive at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight daily. Though it is adaptable and can tolerate partial shade, growth may be less vigorous and the tree might not develop as fully. The best spot for the Lucombe Oak is an open area, away from tall buildings or other structures that could block sunlight.

Temperature

The Lucombe Oak thrives best in a moderate temperature range typical of temperate climates. It is resilient and able to withstand temperatures as low as 20°F and as high as 100°F, though it prefers to grow in conditions between 50°F and 80°F. Proper acclimatization is necessary for young trees when exposed to temperature extremes to reduce the chances of damage.

Pruning

Pruning the Lucombe Oak is important for maintaining its structure, health, and aesthetic appeal. Ideally, pruning should be done during the dormant season, usually in late winter before new growth starts. This timing helps prevent disease entry and excessive sap loss. It's necessary to remove any dead, broken, or diseased branches and to thin the canopy if needed to let in light and air. Occasional pruning may also be done to shape the tree or control its size.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Lucombe Oak prefers well-draining soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. A mix of loam, compost, and coarse sand or perlite is ideal for creating the right conditions. Ensuring adequate organic content will also help to mimic its natural growing environment.

Repotting

Lucombe Oaks, being large trees, are not typically repotted. Instead, they should be planted in a location where they can grow undisturbed. Should they start in containers, they can be repotted every 2-3 years or until they are established enough to be planted in the ground.

Humidity & Misting

The Lucombe Oak thrives in outdoor conditions where humidity is naturally regulated by the environment. It does not require any special humidity considerations outside of its natural habitat preferences.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Not suitable for indoor growth, requires outdoor space to thrive.

• Outdoor

  Plant in well-draining soil, full sun to partial shade, with adequate space for growth.

• Hardiness zone

  7-9 USDA

Life cycle

Quercus × crenata 'Lucombeana', also known as Lucombe Oak, begins its life cycle as an acorn which, when conditions are right, germinates and sends down a taproot while a shoot emerges above ground. The sapling stage follows, characterized by rapid vertical growth and the development of a branching structure and leaves capable of photosynthesis. As the tree matures into its adult phase, it develops a broad canopy and robust trunk; this is when it becomes reproductive, producing catkins which are wind-pollinated, leading to the production of acorns. After decades, or even centuries, the Lucombe Oak enters a period of senescence where growth slows, and it may be more susceptible to pests, diseases, and environmental stresses. The final stage is the death of the tree, which can occur due to a variety of factors such as extreme weather, infections, or old age; once dead, the tree decomposes, returning nutrients to the ecosystem and potentially providing habitat for wildlife even as it breaks down. Throughout its life cycle, the Lucombe Oak serves as an important source of food and habitat for various animals, from insects to birds and mammals.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most common method of propagation for the Lucombe oak, which is a hybrid between the Turkey oak and the Cork oak, is by grafting. Grafting involves joining the tissues of plants so that they can grow together. This technique is usually carried out in late winter or early spring. A piece of a stem with leaf buds, known as a scion, is taken from a desirable parent tree and then joined to a section of a rooted stem, called the rootstock, from another oak species that is grown for its hardiness and vigor. The scion and the rootstock are carefully cut at complementary angles, bound together, and sealed to prevent drying out. The grafted section is then kept in a humidity-controlled environment to encourage the scion and rootstock to fuse. After a successful graft, the tree inherits the characteristics of the Lucombe oak, such as its foliage, along with the rootstock's resilience and adaptability.