About
A very large, hardy, deciduous tree with upright, fastigiate branches which, in favourable conditions, may reach heights of up to 40m. The smooth, pale grey bark and elm-shaped green leaves which turn to autumn colours of gold and russet-red provide year-round interest. Both drought and heat-tolerant, this is one to keep an eye on for the future as our climate changes.
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, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
HeightHigher than 12 metres
SpreadWider than 8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesArchitectural
Care notes
CultivationGrow in deep, fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade with protection from cold, drying winds
PruningSee pruning group 1
PropagationDivide established clumps or take cuttings where appropriate.
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to horse chestnut scale
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to bacterial canker, Dutch elm disease and honey fungus (rarely)