English Oak

[Paul B]

Hi Guys and gals,
Has anyone had any experience with English oaks and Liquidambers?
Any traits I need to be aware of? dieback etc.
Also what style would suit them best, I am thinking formal upright?
Any feedback will be relished.
Cheers

[Watto]

Hi,
Without knowing where you are in Australia it is difficult to give advice because it is all very weather dependant. That said, I have a few English Oaks and I think they grow quite slowly, do not respond well to leaf defolation and appear subject to just about every pest known to man. But, they do make great bonsai if you look after them well. Beautiful bark with big powerful trunks are a feature.
I think informal upright is the best style, and last year at the Canberra Bonsai Society there was one particular Oak that was quite spectacular - maybe try their website.
Good lukck.

[kcpoole]

I have had English Oak and in fact was the tree that got me in to bonsai originally. Unfortunately it has passed on now due to Curl grub damage.

In contrast to watto, I found the leaves reduce quite well, but agree with him the bark is Magic .
Informal upright or broom style would be my choice.
I also have Liquid Ambar and they are either Formal or informal upright with a larger size tree than Chuhin Sizes due to the larger leaf which does not reduce.

Ken

[EdwardH]

I have both English oak and liquid amber. They are both very hardy trees. English oak likes things on the dry side. If you get much rain they will get a whitish mould on the leaves. The leaves readily reduce and the bark is beautiful. The liquid amber is tough as nails however the leaves do not reduce very much. Both trees suit the informal upright and the liquid amber can also be grown in formal upright style. Normal fertilizer regime and watering. Keep the oak on the dry side by either having a very free draining soil or simply water every other day which is what I do. They both need yearly repotting.

[Dario]

Hi EdwardH, anychance of a pic of your oaks...or do you already have a thread with them in it?...if so can you please provide the link?
Cheers, Dario.

[Paul B]

Thanks guys,
much appreciated.

[PeterH]

try this link

viewtopic.php?f=129&t=1192

[Dario]

What a lovely oak bonsai PeterH...I really enjoyed reading that thread
You have some lovely bonsai, including your radiatas!
Cheers, Dario.