Oak (Quercus × warei 'Long' REGAL PRINCE)
The Quercus × warei 'Long' REGAL PRINCE Oak offers narrow, upright architecture, excellent mildew resistance, and low maintenance for urban landscapes.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Quercus × warei ‘Long’ REGAL PRINCE is a highly valued hybrid Oak, resulting from a cross between two distinct Oak species, offering the best attributes of both parents in a refined package. Gardeners prize this cultivar, often sold under the trade name REGAL PRINCE, for its strong, narrow, cylindrical, and upright growth habit, making it an exceptional choice for restricted urban spaces where traditional Oaks spread too wide. This durable Tree handles a wide variety of soil conditions and exhibits excellent winter hardiness along with remarkable resistance to common afflictions like powdery mildew.
As a stately specimen, the Quercus × warei ‘Long’ REGAL PRINCE provides dependable structure and cooling shade without the expansive footprint often required by its relatives. Its glossy, dark green foliage turns a pleasant yellow-brown in autumn, providing good seasonal interest during the transition period. For low-maintenance landscape solutions requiring a definitive vertical accent, this Oak cultivar proves highly practical.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Fagaceae
- Plant Type: Tree
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 40-60 ft
- Spread: 20-25 ft
- Bloom Time: April
- Bloom Description: Yellowish green
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Plant the Quercus × warei ‘Long’ REGAL PRINCE in the spring or fall when establishment is easiest, ensuring it receives full sun exposure for optimal health and upright form. While adaptable, this Oak thrives best in moist, slightly acidic to neutral, well-drained loams. Good soil drainage is critical to avoid root issues, even though the plant tolerates drier conditions once established.
Once situated, this low-maintenance specimen requires medium water, especially during prolonged dry spells in its first few years. Avoid over-fertilizing, as excessive feeding can sometimes encourage softer growth susceptible to pests. Pruning should be minimal, focusing primarily on removing crossing or broken limbs, as the natural, narrow architecture of the Quercus × warei ‘Long’ REGAL PRINCE is one of its main attractions.
This cultivar demonstrates superior tolerance to drought once mature, a major benefit for street tree applications where consistent supplemental watering can be impractical. Be sure to monitor for general Oak issues, though the REGAL PRINCE selection is noted for its specific resistance profiles.
Landscape Uses
The distinctive columnar habit of the Quercus × warei ‘Long’ REGAL PRINCE makes it an indispensable tree for formal and constrained landscapes. It excels as a striking architectural specimen, drawing the eye upward without demanding excessive horizontal space in courtyard settings or small yards. Furthermore, its suitability as a Street Tree means it performs reliably along boulevards and property lines where overhead clearance needs managing.
For screening purposes, planting several Quercus × warei ‘Long’ REGAL PRINCE trees in a tight row creates an effective, narrow visual barrier that maintains vertical definition year-round. Consider pairing this Oak with lower-growing, broadleaf evergreens or ornamental grasses at the base to contrast its strong vertical lines and enhance texture in the garden composition.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Insignificant
Noteworthy Characteristics
Quercus × warei is the result of a cross between Quercus robur ‘Fastigiata’ and Quercus bicolor. Genus name comes from the classical Latin name for oak trees. ‘Long’ is a patented, columnar to narrow-oval cultivar that is sold in commerce under the trade name of REGAL PRINCE. It is noted for its narrow, cylindrical, upright habit with fastigiate branching, glossy dark green foliage, excellent resistance to powdery mildew, and excellent winter hardiness with resistance to wind and ice. Dark green leaves often reach up to 7 inches long and feature 6-8 pairs of obtuse lobes, turning a yellow-brown in the fall before dropping.
Tolerances
- Drought
Potential Problems
Like all Oaks, the Quercus × warei ‘Long’ REGAL PRINCE is susceptible to a range of fungal diseases and insect pests common to the genus Oak. These can include oak wilt, anthracnose, and leaf spots, although this specific cultivar shows excellent resistance to powdery mildew and borers. Potential insect threats comprise scale, oak lace bugs, and various caterpillars.
Prevention centers around promoting tree vigor through proper cultural care, especially excellent soil drainage and adequate spacing to allow air circulation. Avoid wounding the bark during landscaping activities, as damage creates entry points for pathogens and pests. If powdery mildew does appear despite its noted resistance, horticultural oils or fungicides can be employed early in the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Oak suitable for?
The Quercus × warei ‘Long’ REGAL PRINCE Oak is hardy in USDA Zones 4 through 9, offering a wide adaptability across many climate regions.
How large does Quercus × warei ‘Long’ REGAL PRINCE grow?
This cultivar typically reaches a mature height between 40 and 60 feet tall, maintaining a relatively narrow spread of 20 to 25 feet.
What sun exposure does Oak need?
This Oak requires full sun exposure to develop its dense, upright form and maintain its best color and structure.
When does Oak bloom?
The flowers appear in April, emerging as inconspicuous, monoecious, yellowish-green catkins as the foliage begins to unfurl.
Conclusion
The REGAL PRINCE Oak, scientifically known as Quercus × warei ‘Long’ REGAL PRINCE, is one of the most successful modern introductions for structured urban environments needing dependable shade and vertical interest. Its low maintenance needs combined with superior disease resistance make this tough Oak a strong investment. Always confirm your local USDA hardiness zone compatibility before positioning this valuable columnar tree in your landscape design.
Companion Planting
Selecting appropriate companions ensures the area surrounding your Quercus × warei ‘Long’ REGAL PRINCE thrives without competing aggressively for resources. Since this Oak prefers average to medium moisture but tolerates dryness, group it with other drought-tolerant, mid-sized shrubs. Consider planting native woodland edge plants that appreciate dappled shade provided by the canopy as it matures, such as various cultivars of Viburnum or hardy native ferns that don’t mind slightly drier summer soil.
When planning the immediate understory, focus on groundcovers that accentuate the formal, upright shape of the REGAL PRINCE. Low-growing evergreen Sedges (Carex species) or creeping Phlox offer textural contrast to the heavy oak foliage. Ensure that perennial plantings do not require heavy, constant summer irrigation, which could lead to saturated soil conditions detrimental to the Oak’s roots.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Early Spring (March/April): This is the ideal time to assess the tree after winter dormancy. Apply a slow-release fertilizer formulated for acid-loving trees if growth seems sluggish, taking care not to pile mulch or soil against the trunk flare. Observe for the emergence of the yellowish-green flowers as leaves begin to develop.
Summer (June-August): Monitor moisture levels, especially during extreme heat waves. While mature Quercus × warei ‘Long’ REGAL PRINCE handles drought well, young trees need consistent moisture. Inspect the upper canopy for any signs of leaf spot or insect activity, addressing issues early to leverage the tree’s inherent resistance.
Fall (September-November): Enjoy the yellow-brown fall color shift before leaf drop begins. Raking fallen leaves promptly can help reduce overwintering sites for fungal spores, thereby minimizing potential issues next spring. Plan significant pruning for late winter when the tree is fully dormant.
