Cork oak frost protocol?

[Jason_mazzy]

Was looking at a cork oak and I see it is a zone 8 tree. Being in a pot it is probably even more sensitive to cold changes. I'm in 7/7b so it should be doable but will it be more trouble than it is worth?

Any advice?

 

[JudyB]

Was looking at a cork oak and I see it is a zone 8 tree. Being in a pot it is probably even more sensitive to cold changes. I'm in 7/7b so it should be doable but will it be more trouble than it is worth?

Any advice?

I'm in zone 5, and have one this year for the first time. I'm confident that my setup will allow me to keep it safely. It is about the most fun tree I have, grows like a weed, fun to wire, and sets branches easily. I recommend them even if they need a bit of protection...

 

[tmmason10]

I'm in zone 5, and have one this year for the first time. I'm confident that my setup will allow me to keep it safely. It is about the most fun tree I have, grows like a weed, fun to wire, and sets branches easily. I recommend them even if they need a bit of protection...

Do you have a thread on your oak?

 

[JudyB]

you bet...

here it is, and if I get pics tomorrow I'll post an update.
http://bonsainut.com/forums/showthread.php?11376-Cork-Bark-oak

 

[Jason_mazzy]

What is your frost setup for it? Anyone know at what temp does it go dormant?

 

[JudyB]

I have a cold greenhouse, with both air heating (only comes on at around 25) and heat mats. I have 2 zones of heat mats, this one will go on the "warm" side.

 

[GrimLore]

I have a cold greenhouse, with both air heating (only comes on at around 25) and heat mats. I have 2 zones of heat mats, this one will go on the "warm" side.

Can the tree just be brought inside for the winter? I was planning on getting a few this Spring and was thinking that would work but if not... oh well

 

[JudyB]

Can the tree just be brought inside for the winter? I was planning on getting a few this Spring and was thinking that would work but if not... oh well

I think it would need some dormancy, but I don't know for certain. I would love to hear from others who know these better. Also if anyone in a colder zone is growing them.

 

[JudyB]

bump

Still looking for information from anyone in colder climes how they overwinter these....

 

[coh]

Have you checked with Brent at evergreengardenworks? I know he carries them, and while he is not in a really cold location, he has mentioned in his blog (and emails to me) that temps at his nursery can get well down into the 20s and even the teens at times. Though obviously not the deep, prolonged cold that you get in Ohio, it might give you an idea of what they can take.

Chris

 

[JudyB]

Thanks Chris, I am hoping that someone who has these in a cold climate can add something here, I think that longevity of freezing weather is an important point. I am really starting to wonder if these really need a true dormant period as they are native to such warm climates. If they do not need dormancy then I can overwinter like I do my EU olive, that is easy.