About
A fast-growing, vase-shaped, deciduous tree to 12m tall, with upright, arching branches. At maturity the bark is smooth and grey, peeling to reveal orange patches. Toothed, fresh green leaves emerge in spring and turn orange and bronze-red in autumn. An elegant specimen tree.
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, South-facing, West-facing, North-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full heightMore than 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
PropagationPropagate by sowing seed in containers in a cold frame in autumn. Take greenwood cuttings (preferably from young plants) in summer. Graft in winter. Remove rooted suckers in winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to horse chestnut scale
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to bacterial canker, Dutch elm disease and honey fungus (rarely)