All about Zelkova, very rustic garden plants

Image – Wikimedia / MarIJA

Trees of the genus Zelkova They are one of the most interesting, both for gardens and for pots. Their growth rate is quite fast, and they come to give a very good shade over the years. In addition, they tolerate pruning well.

What’s more, its maintenance is easysince it resists frost and, also, periods of drought once established.

Origin and characteristics of the Zelkova

The Zelkova is a large tree

Image – Wikimedia / Tak Nawan

It is a genus of trees and, rarely, shrubs native to southern Europe to eastern Asia. They belong to the Ulmaceae family, the elm family, as they have very similar characteristics. Its trunk is usually straight, with a rounded crown and somewhat open in adulthood, formed by tiny leaves whose margins are more or less serrated or serrated. These are deciduous, turning orange or reddish in autumn before falling.

They can reach heights between 2-3 meters, like the species Zelkova siculaand the more than 35 meters like the Zelkova carpinifolia.

Main species

The genus is made up of a dozen species, the following being the most popular:

Zelkova carpinifolia

View of the Zelkova carpinifolia

Known as the Caucasian zelkova, azad, Caucasian elm, or Siberian elm, it is a tree native to Southeast Europe and Southwest Asia. Reaches a height of 20 to 35 meterswith a straight trunk and a glass-shaped crown composed of erect branches from which green serrated leaves sprout.

It has a somewhat slower growth than other species, which is why it is often chosen not to choose it. Now, it is a tree of great beauty that undoubtedly deserves to have its place in large gardens that need a corner of shade.

Zelkova Serrata

View of the Zelkova serrata

Image – Flickr / harum.koh

Known as the Japanese zelkova, it is a species native to Japan, Korea, eastern China, and Taiwan that reaches a height of 20 to 35 meters. Its crown is wide, rounded, formed by alternate leaves whose margins are serrated.

There are two varieties: Zelkova serrata var. serrated

which grows in East Asia, and the Zelkova serrata var. tarokoensis native to Taiwan.

Zelkova parvifolia – Chinese elm

View of Ulmus parvifolia

Known as chinese elm, is a species native to Southeast Asia. Its current scientific name is Small-leaved elm; that is no longer part of the Zelkova genre. However, it is still called that way.

In any case, it is a deciduous tree, or semi-evergreen if grown in a mild climate, reaching a height of 20 meters. Its leaves are small, oval and serrated, green in color except in autumn when they turn yellow, orange or reddish.

It is used a lot as bonsai.

What are their cares?

If you want to have a copy, we recommend that you provide it with the following care:

Weather

The Zelkova live in temperate climateswith mild and even warm summers and cold winters. Unfortunately, they cannot live in the tropics, as they need to feel the passing of the seasons.

Location

Always outside, in full sun. As most species are trees, and quite large, the ideal is to plant it at a minimum distance of 10 meters from pipes, paved floors, etc .; This will avoid problems.

Earth

  • the garden: not demanding. It grows both in clay and in those that are slightly acidic. Although, yes, they prefer fertile soils, with good drainage.
  • Flower pot: you can fill it with universal substrate (on sale here!).

Irrigation

Zelkova are deciduous

Image – Wikimedia Commons / David J. Stang

  • the garden: during the first year it should be watered about 2 times a week, 3 in summer. From the second on, the risks can be spread out.
  • Flower pot: if it is in a pot, it will be watered 2-3 times a week during the hottest season, and 1-2 / week the rest.

Subscriber

From early spring to late summer it is interesting to pay the Zelkova once a month or every 15-20 days with mulch, compost or guano.

Multiplication

They multiply by seedswhich are sown in autumn-winter in seedling trays with universal substrate, putting a maximum of 2 seeds in each alveolus and then placing the seedbed outside.

Thus, keeping the soil moist, they will germinate throughout the spring.

Pruning

In late winter, or in autumn if the weather is mildremove dry, diseased or weak branches. In the event that you grow it in a pot, take the opportunity to trim those that are growing too much, keeping its crown rounded and wide.

Rusticity

Resists cold and frost up to -15ºC.

What uses are given to the Zelkova?

Especially as ornamental plantsgarden, avenues, parks, … There are many species that look great as isolated specimens or in rows, as they provide a pleasant shade. In addition, they are also worked as bonsai.

The wood of some species, such as Zelkova Serratais used to make furniture.

Where to buy?

Zelkova are plants that are sold in nurseries, but it is easier to find seeds for example here:

All about Zelkova, very rustic garden plants

One thought on “All about Zelkova, very rustic garden plants

Leave a Reply

Scroll to top

Discover more from DIY Gardens

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading