Quercus suber Cork Oak

$330.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Size: 40cm/45L

40cm/45L 100L

Current Stock Height Guides

40cm/45L: 1.1m – 2.5m Approx.
100L: 2.2m – 3.8m Approx.

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you mustconfirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 10m to 20m (approx.)

Mature Width: 10m to 15m

Quercus suber Cork Oak is expected to grow 30cm to 50cm per year (moderate) (approx.).

Root Ball Dimensions

Use this as a reference when digging your planting hole. We recommend digging at least 10% wider than the dimensions below to encourage strong root development.

30cm Pot: 33cm (W) × 30cm (D)
40cm/45L Pot: 44cm (W) × 41.5cm (D)
50cm Pot / 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (D)
150L Bag: 66cm (W) × 55cm (D)
200L Bag: 71.5cm (W) × 60.5cm (D)
300L Bag: 88cm (W) × 63.8cm (D)
400L Bag: 99cm (W) × 66cm (D)
500L Bag: 122cm (W) × 66cm (D)
750L Bag: 134cm (W) × 69cm (D)
1000L Bag: 146.3cm (W) × 71.5cm (D)
2000L Bag: 176cm (W) × 82.5cm (D)

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Contact

Have a question or a list to send through to us?

Email: sales@evergreentrees.com.au

Phone: (03) 7042 3318

About Your New Quercus suber Cork Oak

Quercus suber, the Cork Oak, is a broad evergreen tree with a spreading, rounded canopy and small glossy grey-green lobed leaves. Its defining feature is the thick, deeply fissured corky bark, which builds up over decades into a pale, sculptural trunk. Insignificant spring catkins are followed by acorns.

It wants full sun and free-draining soil, and it is at its best in Mediterranean and warm temperate climates through southern Australia. Growth is moderate at roughly 30 to 50 centimetres a year. Established trees handle drought, poor soil and moderate frost, and ask for very little attention.

Cork Oak suits rural properties, estate driveways, parks and large gardens where year round shade matters more than autumn colour. It carries dry summers without irrigation once settled, so it works well on broadacre sites and low water landscapes. A long lived shade tree that keeps its leaves.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Cork Oak

What is a Cork Oak?

Quercus suber is a broad evergreen oak from the western Mediterranean, grown for its thick corky bark and small glossy grey-green lobed leaves. The bark is the same material used for wine corks and builds into a pale, deeply furrowed trunk over many years. It holds its foliage right through winter.

How big does Cork Oak grow?

In an open Australian garden or park setting expect 10 to 20 metres in height with a canopy 10 to 15 metres wide. The habit is broad and spreading rather than upright, so allow room for the crown to develop. Trees on dry, exposed sites will sit at the lower end of that range.

How fast does Cork Oak grow?

Growth is moderate, roughly 30 to 50 centimetres a year once the tree is established. It is not a quick screening tree, and it puts as much effort into trunk and bark development as it does into height. Good soil preparation and deep watering through the first two summers make a noticeable difference.

Is Cork Oak drought tolerant?

Yes. It evolved in hot, dry Mediterranean country on poor stony soil, so an established tree carries a dry summer without irrigation. Deep, infrequent watering during the first couple of years builds the root system that makes this possible. It also handles moderate frost, wind and low fertility soils.

Is Cork Oak evergreen or deciduous?

Evergreen. It keeps its grey-green foliage all year and sheds old leaves gradually rather than dropping the lot in autumn, so you get shade in summer and cover in winter without a heavy leaf fall to clean up. That makes it useful near driveways, paths and outdoor living areas.

How far apart should Cork Oaks be planted?

For a feature tree allow 3 to 4 metres from other trees and structures so the full canopy and form can develop. For avenue planting, 3 metres apart gives a uniform line. Given the mature spread of 10 to 15 metres, keep single specimens well clear of buildings, fences and services.

How do I care for a Cork Oak?

Very little is needed. Plant in full sun and free-draining soil, water deeply while it establishes, and mulch out to the drip line while keeping mulch off the trunk. Formative pruning in the first few years sets a clean central leader. Leave the corky bark alone, since stripping it damages the tree.

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

Enriched Planting Mix is a certified organic blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent, bagged in 30L. It is built to be dug through existing garden soil at planting time rather than used on its own, and the gypsum is what sets it apart from a plain compost.

Gypsum helps break up heavy clay so water and roots can move through it, while the compost and manure return organic matter and nutrient to tired ground. The coarse bark holds structure and keeps air around the root zone, and the wetting agent keeps moisture in the soil longer after rain or watering.

Use it when planting trees, shrubs, roses, fruit trees and exotic garden plants, particularly into clay. Dig a hole twice the width of the pot and 7 centimetres deeper, then mix roughly one third planting mix through the excavated soil. Spread 7 centimetres of that improved soil in the base before setting the plant in.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Enriched Planting Mix

What is Enriched Planting Mix made from?

It is a blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent. Each part has a job. The compost and manure supply organic matter and nutrient, the gypsum works on clay structure, the bark keeps air around the roots and the wetting agent holds moisture in the soil.

What plants is it suitable for?

It suits exotic garden plants, including roses, ornamental and deciduous trees, fruit trees, shrubs and perennials, and it earns its keep most on heavy clay sites. It is a planting mix rather than a potting mix, so its job is improving soil at planting time. Phosphorus sensitive natives are the one clear exception.

Is it safe for natives?

No, not for the phosphorus sensitive ones. The composted animal manure in this blend lifts phosphorus well above what Proteaceae such as Banksia, Grevillea, Hakea and Protea will tolerate, and the result can be leaf burn, dieback and plant death. Use the Native Potting Mix for those species, or plant them into unimproved local soil.

Is it certified organic?

Yes. It is a certified organic product with no chemical additives, which is why the manure and compost in it are fully composted rather than raw. That makes it sound around fruit trees and vegetable beds, and it means you are adding genuine organic matter to your soil rather than a synthetic conditioner.

How much do I need?

Work on roughly one third planting mix to two thirds of the soil you dug out of the hole. For a shrub out of a 200 millimetre pot that is only a few litres. An advanced tree going into a large hole will take considerably more. Judge the quantity by the volume of the hole rather than the size of the plant.

Can I use it in pots?

It is not a potting mix and should not be used on its own in a container. The blend is designed to be diluted through garden soil, and used straight in a pot it holds too much water and settles badly. For containers, reach for a premium potting mix, or the native mix if you are potting natives.

Does it need to be watered in?

Yes. Water the plant well several hours before you plant it, then water thoroughly again once the hole is backfilled and the soil firmed down. That first deep watering settles the improved soil around the root ball and drives out air pockets. Keep the water up over the first few months while the roots establish.

View full details

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Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

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Uses in my Garden

Avenue Planting
Shade Tree
Street Tree
Feature Tree
Rural Property Planting

Quercus suber Cork Oak works in an:

Mediterranean Style Garden – timeless courtyard look with stone, pots, and bold greenery.
Heritage / Traditional Garden – timeless, classic plantings for period homes.
Woodland Garden – layered, naturalistic design under dappled light.
Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

Is Quercus suber Cork Oak Evergreen or Deciduous?

Quercus suber Cork Oak is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 10m to 20m (approx.)

Mature Width: 10m to 15m

Quercus suber Cork Oak is expected to grow 30cm to 50cm per year (moderate) (approx.).

Growth Rate of Quercus suber Cork Oak

Quercus suber Cork Oak is expected to grow 30cm to 50cm per year (moderate) (approx.).

They are considered to have a:

Medium Growth Rate

Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Quercus suber Cork Oak

Is Quercus suber Cork Oak frost tolerant?

Quercus suber Cork Oak is Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

Does Quercus suber Cork Oak Flower?

Quercus suber produces small, inconspicuous catkins in spring. These blooms are not ornamental and are followed by woody acorns, which add subtle seasonal interest and are a characteristic feature of oak species.

Does Quercus suber Cork Oak flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Spring

Flower Type:

Not Applicable

Flower Colour:

Not Applicable

Is Quercus suber Cork Oak an Australian Native Tree?

No

Quercus suber Cork Oak is Native to The western Mediterranean, including Portugal, Spain, southern France, Italy, and North Africa, where it grows in dry forests and open woodlands.

What is the Wildlife Value of Quercus suber Cork Oak ?

Its thick, rugged canopy provides excellent shelter and nesting opportunities for small birds, while the foliage supports a variety of beneficial insects that contribute to a healthy garden ecosystem. Mature Cork Oaks also offer habitat hollows and textured bark that attract invertebrates, enhancing biodiversity in larger landscapes.

How much Sunlight does Quercus suber Cork Oak need?

Quercus suber Cork Oak will thrive best in:

Full Sun

Preferred Soil?

Quercus suber performs best in well-drained sandy or loam soils with an acidic to neutral pH. It will also tolerate poorer, drier soils provided drainage remains reliable. Avoid heavy clay, compacted or waterlogged areas unless significantly improved, as excess moisture can restrict root development and reduce long-term vigour. Keep the soil evenly moist during establishment, then gradually reduce watering as the tree matures and develops its natural drought resilience.

Is Quercus suber Cork Oak Drought Tolerant?

Is Quercus suber Cork Oak Drought tolerant?

As a young tree it requires regular deep watering to establish a strong root system. Once established, the Cork Oak develops excellent drought tolerance and thrives in hot, dry conditions thanks to its thick bark and deep roots. It maintains strong vigour and canopy density with minimal supplementary watering, even in exposed sites.

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How To Plant Your Quercus suber Cork Oak

Site: Choose a well-drained position in full sun to part shade with room for the canopy to develop.

Soil preparation: Enrich the planting area with quality compost and aged manure for a strong establishment phase.

Hole: Dig twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth.

Planting: Position level with the surrounding soil, backfill gently, firm in, then water deeply to settle the roots.

Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Quercus suber Cork Oak

Feature tree: 3 to 4 metres apart to allow the full canopy and form to develop.

Avenue planting: 3 metres apart for a uniform soft-textured avenue.

Quercus suber Cork Oak is expected to grow 30cm to 50cm per year (moderate) (approx.).

Medium Growth Rate

Long Term Care For Your Quercus suber Cork Oak

Watering: Water deeply twice weekly through the first 12 months. Once established, this is drought tolerant and only needs a deep soak during extended dry periods.

Mulching: Apply a 5 to 7 centimetre layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it 5 centimetres clear of the trunk.

Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Light tip prune in late winter to maintain shape, and remove lower branches as the tree grows to develop a clean feature trunk.

Fertilising: Apply a slow-release general-purpose fertiliser in early spring and again in autumn for steady growth and consistent foliage colour.

Pest and disease: Hardy against most pests and diseases. Occasional inspection in warm humid conditions is all that's needed.

Planting Your Quercus suber Cork Oak in Different Soil

Quercus suber performs best in free-draining loam or sandy loam with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Adaptable to a wide range of soils when drainage is sharp.

Sandy soil: Free-draining and ideal. Mulch lightly to moderate surface temperature.

Clay soil: Improve drainage with gypsum and coarse organic compost before planting.

Loam: The preferred soil for steady root development and consistent growth.

pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline preferred. Avoid waterlogging at all times.