Zelkova serrata - Evergreen Trees Direct

Zelkova serrata (Japanese Elm Tree)

$150.00

$150.00 ~~$65.00~~

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Size: 30cm/33cm

30cm/33cm 40cm/45L 100L 200L

Current Stock Height Guides

100L: 2.6m – 3m Approx
40cm/45L: 2.6m – 3.2m tall
30cm/33cm: 2.4m – 2.6m tall

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only.

As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range.

If minimum heights are required, you must confirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase.

Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

All stock is grown, maintained and graded in strict accordance with AS 4373-2007, Australian Standard for Nursery Stock.

About Zelkova serrata (Japanese Elm Tree)

Zelkova serrata, commonly known as Japanese Zelkova, looks excellent in urban and park landscapes with its broad, rounded canopy and striking serrated leaves. Its bright green foliage turns vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and bronze in autumn, providing a gorgeous seasonal display.

This deciduous tree features smooth, exfoliating bark with a patchwork of orange and gray, adding year-round interest. It thrives in full sun and adapts well to various environments, making it a reliable shade or street tree. Low maintenance and drought tolerant once established, it benefits from regular watering in dry spells and early growth stages.

For added impact, Japanese Zelkova pairs well with underplantings of shade-tolerant shrubs or groundcovers to enhance garden structure and biodiversity.

Distinguishing Features

Zelkova serrata (Japanese Elm Tree) is a great option for you if you:

Want Low Maintenance
Want Fast Growing
Want Autumn Colour
Want Your Tree To Grow Tall
Want Shade
Want To Avenue Plant
Want To Add Impact With A Feature Tree
Want Something Easy to Manage
Need Frost Tolerance
If You Want Something That is Architectural
If You Want Dappled Shade / Filtered Light

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 15m - 25m Approximately

Mature Width: 10 m – 15 m

Zelkova serrata (Japanese Elm Tree) is expected to grow Approx. 40 – 60 cm/year (Moderate).

Root Ball Dimensions (Height & Width)

Use this as a reference when digging your planting hole. We recommend digging at least 10% wider than the dimensions below to encourage strong root development.

30cm Pot: 33cm (W) × 30cm (D)
40cm/45L Pot: 44cm (W) × 41.5cm (D)
50cm Pot / 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (D)
150L Bag: 66cm (W) × 55cm (D)
200L Bag: 71.5cm (W) × 60.5cm (D)
300L Bag: 88cm (W) × 63.8cm (D)
400L Bag: 99cm (W) × 66cm (D)
500L Bag: 122cm (W) × 66cm (D)
750L Bag: 134cm (W) × 69cm (D)
1000L Bag: 146.3cm (W) × 71.5cm (D)
2000L Bag: 176cm (W) × 82.5cm (D)

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Shipping Cost

Shipping is calculated at checkout based on the pallet space your order occupies in the truck and your delivery location.

There is no charge to calculate your freight.

VOLUME DISCOUNTS

10% off orders over $1,000
15% off orders over $2,000
20% off orders over $7,500

Discounts Apply Automatically at Checkout

About Your New Zelkova serrata (Japanese Elm Tree)

Zelkova serrata, commonly known as Japanese Zelkova, looks excellent in urban and park landscapes with its broad, rounded canopy and striking serrated leaves. Its bright green foliage turns vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and bronze in autumn, providing a gorgeous seasonal display.

This deciduous tree features smooth, exfoliating bark with a patchwork of orange and gray, adding year-round interest. It thrives in full sun and adapts well to various environments, making it a reliable shade or street tree. Low maintenance and drought tolerant once established, it benefits from regular watering in dry spells and early growth stages.

For added impact, Japanese Zelkova pairs well with underplantings of shade-tolerant shrubs or groundcovers to enhance garden structure and biodiversity.

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Variant	Quantity	Price	Variant total
30cm/33cmZELSER30cm/33cm $150.00/eaRegular price ~~$65.00~~ Sale price Remove Quantity Remove $0.00	Quantity Remove	$150.00/eaRegular price ~~$65.00~~ Sale price	$0.00
40cm/45LZELSER40cm/45L $230.00/ea Remove Quantity Remove $0.00	Quantity Remove	$230.00/ea	$0.00
100LZELSER100L $620.00/ea Remove Quantity Remove $0.00	Quantity Remove	$620.00/ea	$0.00
200LZELSER200L $1,820.00/eaRegular price ~~$65.00~~ Sale price Remove Quantity Remove $0.00	Quantity Remove	$1,820.00/eaRegular price ~~$65.00~~ Sale price	$0.00

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Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

Features and Benefits

Organically certified product
Improves aeration for roots
A rich blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, Gypsum, composted coarse bark and wetting agent
Excellent to mix with heavy clay soils, an organic mixture with added gypsum which is perfect for exotic plants
Revitalises tired soils, adds nutrient and organic matter, no chemical additives, weed free
Assists in retaining moisture in the soil longer after rain or watering

Directions For Use

Water plant well at least several hours prior to planting.
Dig a hole at least twice the width of the pot and 7cm deeper than the pot.
Mix Grow Better Enriched Planting Mix with the soil that has been dug out of the hole, adding about 1/3 planting mix.
Spread a 7cm layer of improved soil in the hole and remove plant from the pot. Tease roots gently if the root ball is very firm and place plant in the planting hole. Check that pot soil is level with the surrounding soil surface level, not higher or lower.
Fill in the hole with improved soil mixture, firm down soil and water well adding Grow Better Plant Starter to final watering.

View full details

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Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

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Uses in my Garden

Screening or Privacy
Feature Tree
Council or Civic Landscapes

Zelkova serrata (Japanese Elm Tree) works in an:

Formal Garden – structured, symmetrical design with clipped shapes.
Modern Garden – sleek, minimal, and design-led planting.
Woodland Garden – layered, naturalistic design under dappled light.
Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

Is Zelkova serrata (Japanese Elm Tree) Evergreen or Deciduous?

Zelkova serrata (Japanese Elm Tree) is an Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 15m - 25m Approximately

Mature Width: 10 m – 15 m

Zelkova serrata (Japanese Elm Tree) is expected to grow Approx. 40 – 60 cm/year (Moderate).

Growth Rate of Zelkova serrata (Japanese Elm Tree)

Zelkova serrata (Japanese Elm Tree) is expected to grow Approx. 40 – 60 cm/year (Moderate).

They are considered to have a:

Medium Growth Rate

Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Zelkova serrata (Japanese Elm Tree)

Is Zelkova serrata (Japanese Elm Tree) frost tolerant?

Zelkova serrata (Japanese Elm Tree) is Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

Does Zelkova serrata (Japanese Elm Tree) Flower?

Zelkova serrata does not produce ornamental flowers. Its blooms are small and inconspicuous, and the tree is instead admired for its graceful branching structure and striking autumn colour in rich tones of yellow, orange and crimson.

Does Zelkova serrata (Japanese Elm Tree) flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Spring

Flower Type:

Not Applicable

Flower Colour:

Not Applicable

Is Zelkova serrata (Japanese Elm Tree) an Australian Native Tree?

No

Zelkova serrata (Japanese Elm Tree) is Native to East Asia, particularly Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and eastern China, where it grows naturally in temperate forests.

What is the Wildlife Value of Zelkova serrata (Japanese Elm Tree) ?

Its broad, arching canopy provides excellent shelter for small birds, while its foliage supports a variety of beneficial insects that help strengthen garden biodiversity and contribute to a balanced ecosystem.

How much Sunlight does Zelkova serrata (Japanese Elm Tree) need?

Zelkova serrata (Japanese Elm Tree) will thrive best in:

Full Sun

Preferred Soil?

Zelkova serrata performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam soils with an acidic to neutral pH. It will also tolerate sandy soils if enriched with organic matter to improve moisture and nutrient retention. Avoid alkaline soils or heavy, compacted clay unless significantly improved, as these conditions can limit growth and reduce autumn colour intensity. Keep the soil evenly moist during establishment, then reduce watering as the tree matures.

Is Zelkova serrata (Japanese Elm Tree) Drought Tolerant?

Is Zelkova serrata (Japanese Elm Tree) Drought tolerant?

As a young tree it requires regular deep watering, but once established Zelkova serrata develops moderate drought tolerance. It performs reliably through warm, dry periods when planted in well-drained soil, maintaining its shape and foliage quality with minimal supplementary watering.

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How To Plant Your Zelkova serrata (Japanese Elm Tree)

How to Plant:

Choose a location with well-draining soil and exposure to full sun.
Dig a hole that is the same depth as the root ball and at least twice as wide.
Place the tree in the hole at the correct depth.
Backfill with soil, water thoroughly, and add mulch to conserve moisture.

Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Zelkova serrata (Japanese Elm Tree)

Hedging & Screening: Not suitable for hedging

Feature Tree: Plant 6 m – 8 m apart to allow for full canopy spread

Avenue Planting: Space 8 m – 10 m apart for structured rows and mature growth clearance

Zelkova serrata (Japanese Elm Tree) is expected to grow Approx. 40 – 60 cm/year (Moderate).

Medium Growth Rate

Long Term Care For Your Zelkova serrata (Japanese Elm Tree)

Caring for Zelkova serrata:

Prune as needed to remove dead or diseased branches and to maintain the tree's shape.
Water regularly during the first few years to establish a deep root system.
Enjoy the beautiful fall foliage as the leaves change color in autumn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is this tree suitable for urban environments?
Yes, Japanese Zelkova is commonly used as a street tree or in urban parks due to its adaptability, graceful form, and ornamental value.
Does Zelkova serrata attract wildlife?
While it may provide habitat for small birds and insects, it is not known for attracting wildlife in significant numbers.
Is it tolerant of different soil types?
Yes, the Japanese Zelkova is adaptable to various soil types, making it a versatile and hardy tree.