The Regal Prince Oak, Quercus x warei ‘Long’, is a popular landscape tree known for its distinctive features and adaptability. This hybrid oak, a cross between the English Oak (Quercus robur ‘Fastigiata’) and the Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor), offers a strong central leader and a narrow, upright crown. Its glossy dark green foliage, which often has silvery undersides, adds to its appeal. The Regal Prince Oak is also recognized for its disease resistance, particularly to powdery mildew, and its resilience to cold temperatures.
Understanding Regal Prince Oak Growth Rates
Growth rate refers to how much the Regal Prince Oak increases in height each year. While oak trees are generally considered slower-growing, the Regal Prince Oak is noted for a faster growth rate among oaks. On average, oak trees can grow between 1 to 2 feet annually, though some species can reach up to 3 feet per year under ideal conditions.
A newly planted Regal Prince Oak can be expected to gain noticeable height each growing season. This translates to the tree reaching a substantial size within a reasonable timeframe, providing shade and vertical accent in the landscape. Consistent growth contributes to its eventual mature height.
Factors Influencing Growth
Several elements affect the growth rate of a Regal Prince Oak, including environmental conditions and care practices. Sunlight exposure plays a significant role; these trees prefer full sun (at least six hours daily) for robust development. Soil conditions also impact growth, with the Regal Prince Oak adapting to a wide range of soil types, including both moist and dry conditions, though it prefers moist, well-drained loams.
Water availability is important, especially for young trees, as consistent moisture supports root establishment and overall growth. Nutrient levels in the soil contribute to the tree’s vigor; healthy soil with sufficient nutrients provides an optimal environment. Climate zone suitability is important, with the Regal Prince Oak thriving in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 9. Overall tree health, including the absence of severe pests or diseases, allows for uninterrupted growth.
Promoting Optimal Growth
To encourage the best growth rate for a Regal Prince Oak, specific planting and care practices are beneficial. When planting, select a location that provides ample space for future growth and receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Digging a hole large enough to accommodate the root ball and tamping down the soil firmly after planting helps establish the tree. Applying mulch around the base helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds, which can compete for nutrients.
Consistent watering is important, particularly for young trees, with deep watering once a week often sufficient to help roots establish. Checking soil moisture about three inches down indicates when watering is needed. While young trees should not be fertilized in their first year, established trees benefit from annual fertilization, ideally with a slow-release product. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring to remove crossing or dead branches and maintain the tree’s structure, which supports healthy development.
Mature Characteristics and Long-Term Development
At maturity, the Regal Prince Oak develops into a notable landscape tree with distinctive characteristics. It typically reaches a height of 40 to 60 feet, with a spread of about 15 to 25 feet. Its most notable feature is its narrow, columnar to oval crown, with branches that grow upward, creating a dense and upright form. This unique habit makes it suitable for spaces where a broader oak might not fit.
The foliage remains a glossy dark green throughout the growing season, transitioning to shades of yellow, golden yellow, or yellowish-brown in the fall. The Regal Prince Oak is known for its longevity, with the potential to live for centuries under ideal conditions. This long lifespan, combined with its relatively contained mature size and aesthetic appeal, makes it a good addition for various landscape uses, including as a specimen tree, for screening, or along property lines.