treeN. America Native

Scarlet Letter Oak

Name: Scarlet Letter Oak
Brand: Quercus
Availability: InStock

Quercus 'Scarlet Letter'

$141.95

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

480 inches

Width

180 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Very long-lived

Native To

Hybrid of North American and European species

Toxicity

Acorns are toxic to horses and cattle if eaten in quantity

The Story

Plant Bio

Oaks are majestic, long-lived deciduous trees that serve as keystone species in their ecosystems, providing critical food and habitat for hundreds of species of wildlife. 'Scarlet Letter' is a hybrid oak selected for its exceptionally narrow, fastigiate form and reliable, brilliant scarlet-red fall color. Its tight, columnar habit makes it suitable for narrow spaces where a traditional oak would not fit.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

The 'Scarlet Letter' oak is a living exclamation point in the landscape. Its tight, columnar form provides a strong vertical element, perfect for formal designs, narrow side yards, or as a dramatic specimen. The spectacular scarlet fall color is its crowning glory, providing a brilliant end-of-season display.

Its narrow footprint allows a majestic oak to be planted in spaces previously unimaginable for the species, such as between buildings, along driveways, or in smaller urban lots. When planted in a row, it creates an excellent tall screen or windbreak without consuming a large amount of horizontal space.

As a hybrid containing native White Oak (Quercus alba) parentage, it supports a wide array of native insects, particularly caterpillars, which are a crucial food source for birds. Its acorns, though they may be sparse, feed squirrels and other mammals. Oaks are unparalleled in their value to wildlife.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Fast Growing Trees

In Stock$141.95

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Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site with full sun and well-drained, acidic soil.
Dig a planting hole two to three times wider than the root ball.
Set the tree so the root flare is visible at the soil line.
Backfill with the excavated soil, breaking up any large clumps.
Water deeply and thoroughly to eliminate air pockets.
Apply a 3-inch layer of mulch over the root zone, but not touching the trunk.

Pro Tip

Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of powdery mildew, to which its parentage is susceptible.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun for best growth and fall color.
Water deeply during the first few years to establish a strong root system.
Stake only if necessary in very windy sites, and remove stakes after one year.
Allow ample vertical space for it to reach its mature height.

Don't

Do not plant in alkaline soils, which can cause chlorosis.
Avoid planting in poorly drained or constantly wet locations.
Don't fertilize unless a soil test indicates a specific deficiency.
Refrain from pruning live branches unless absolutely necessary.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Vertical accent for tight urban spacesFormal avenue or driveway plantingEffective privacy screen or windbreak

Companion Plants

Fothergilla gardenii Itea virginica 'Henry's Garnet' Carex pensylvanica Schizachyrium scoparium Amelanchier canadensis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Scarlet Letter Oak questions

What zones can Scarlet Letter Oak grow in?

Scarlet Letter Oak is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Scarlet Letter Oak deer resistant?

Yes — Scarlet Letter Oak is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Scarlet Letter Oak bloom?

Scarlet Letter Oak typically blooms in mid-spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Scarlet Letter Oak need full sun?

Scarlet Letter Oak does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Scarlet Letter Oak drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Scarlet Letter Oak handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.