About

A large, broadly upright tree normally with a short stout trunk and many erect branches. The neatly toothed, oval leaves are rich green, turning orange-brown in autumn. Flowers and fruit are green and insignificant.

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, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6

Plant details

Plant typeTrees
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full heightMore than 50 years
Suggested usesSpecimen planting, large borders, parkland settings.
Native toCaucasus

Care notes

CultivationGrow in deep, fertile, moist soil and protect from cold, drying winds
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings from young plants in summer or by grafting in winter. Alternatively, propagate by seed (sown outdoors) in autumn
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to horse chestnut scale insects
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to Dutch elm disease, bacterial canker and honey fungus (rarely)