About

A small, slow-growing, deciduous tree, to a height of up to 4m, with orange-brown shoots and bark, and green, toothed leaves edged with white. Its habit is loose and slightly arching. Leaves turn yellow in autumn.

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, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6

Plant details

Plant typeTrees
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 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 softwood cuttings from young plants in summer or by grafting in winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to horse chestnut scale
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to bacterial canker, Dutch elm disease and honey fungus (rarely)