Quercus rubra 'Bolte's Gold'

RHS Plant Profile
red oak 'Bolte's Gold'
Trees

A small-to-medium sized deciduous tree with particularly colourful leaves with pointed lobes. In spring they open butter-yellow, then mature to yellow green. In autumn they become bright yellow for a long time before falling

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Fagaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy, Spreading branched
Potentially harmful
Pets (dogs): Harmful if eaten - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Genus
Quercus can be deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs, with entire, lobed or toothed leaves; flowers inconspicuous, followed by characteristic acorns; sometimes good autumn colour
Name Status
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in any well-drained but moisture-retentive soil in dappled shade. Slightly acidic conditions improve the colour. Ensure you plant in an area where it has plenty of room to grow. For more information see tree cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by sowing mature, plump acorns in the autumn or by grafting mid-autumn to early winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural

Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

May be susceptible to oak processionary moth, aphids, caterpillars, leaf-mining moths and oak gall wasps

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews and honey fungus