Holm oak (Quercus rotundifolia)
Care, watering, light and tips for Holm oak on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Fagaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Holm oak
Quercus rotundifolia, commonly known as Holm Oak, is a medium to large evergreen tree native to the Mediterranean region, renowned for its robustness and longevity. It features dense, dark foliage with leathery, elliptical leaves and a broad, rounded canopy, making it a magnificent specimen for large gardens, parks, or as a shade tree in rural areas.
Native range
Mediterranean region (southern Europe and northern Africa)
Care tips
Holm Oak thrives in full sun for optimal growth, though it tolerates some partial shade. It is highly drought-tolerant once established, requiring occasional watering during prolonged dry periods, especially in its early years. It adapts to a wide range of soils but prefers well-drained ones, even poor and calcareous. Avoid waterlogging, as it is prone to fungal diseases in excessively wet conditions.
How to save a dying Holm oak
- Warning signs
- Yellowing or browning leaves falling massively, brittle dry branches, lack of growth.
- First aid
- Check watering (dry or waterlogged soil), prune dead branches. If potted, consider repotting. Ensure good drainage.
- What kills it
- Prolonged over or underwatering, compacted soil, lack of direct sunlight. Doesn't tolerate waterlogging.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if you act quickly. Holm oaks are resilient but need proper conditions to recover from stress.