About

A spreading, medium-sized deciduous tree with smooth grey bark and neatly toothed, lance-shaped leaves turning orange and yellow in autumn. Insignificant greenish flowers and fruits.

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, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6

Plant details

Plant typeTrees
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesSpecimen planting, large borders, parkland settings.
Native toE Asia

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, grafting in winter. Propagate from seed (tree/shrub) sown outdoors in autumn
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to Dutch elm disease and honey fungus (rarely)