The Zelkova is a great deciduous species that lends itself to broom styles and easily produces fine ramification. They have become a popular city tree in the United States in place of the American Elms that were lost to Dutch Elm Disease. As bonsai, they are suitable for a wide range of sizes from mame to huge specimen trees. Some growers like to tie the branches together after the leaves drop in fall to help train the branches upwards. Grown from seed at Kaede Bonsai-en, these trees are well established in 2 1/4" containers.
Common Name(s): Zelkova
Latin Name: Zelkova serrata
Type: Zelkova, Japanese Zelkova, Keyaki
Native to: Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan
Climate: Hardy in Zones 5-9, the Zelkova is hardy across much of the United States.
Care: To promote backbudding and lower branching, the zelkova can be cut back in late spring/early summer after the initial flush of leaves has hardened off.
Size: 6-10"
Notes: This is a deciduous tree and therefore will not have foliage during the winter.