About
A rare, deciduous shrub to small tree, eventually reaching 4m (13ft) high by as much across. Its relatively small size means it is a good choice for urban city gardens, where spece is limited and the temperatures are likley to be warmer than in more rural, or northerly locations. Of Cretan origin, this shrub prefers a sheltered spot in warmer gardens to do well. Tiny, white, scented flowers are borne in short panicles in late spring, followed by winged seeds. small oval, mid-green leaves, crenulated at their margins, are produced on reddish-brown stems.
About the genus
Zelkova are large deciduous trees or shrubs with neatly serrate, ovate leaves and inconspicuous flowers and fruit; good autumn colour
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy, Spreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height4-8 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Native toCrete
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrows well in any well-drained soil in a warm, sheltered position and full sun
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings from young plants in summer, grafting in winter. Propagate from seed (tree/shrub) sown outdoors in autumn
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to horse chestnut scale insects
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)