Zelkova serrata (Japanese Elm Tree)

• 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.

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

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).

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

They are considered to have a:

• Medium Growth Rate

Is Zelkova serrata (Japanese Elm Tree) frost tolerant?

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

• Northern NSW (Byron, Coffs, Armidale)
• Sydney & Central Coast
• South Coast NSW (Illawarra to Bega)
• Inland NSW / Tablelands (Orange, Bathurst, Canberra)
• Melbourne & Surrounds (Metro, Bayside, Geelong, Bellarine, Mornington)
• Western District & Central VIC (Ballarat, Bendigo, Hamilton)
• Gippsland (Latrobe Valley, East Gippsland)
• Adelaide Metro & Coastal
• Adelaide Hills & Barossa

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

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.

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.

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

• Full Sun

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?

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.