Zelkova serrata - Evergreen Trees Direct

Zelkova serrata (Japanese Elm Tree)

Name: Zelkova serrata (Japanese Elm Tree)
Brand: Evergreen Trees Direct
SKU: ZELSER100L
Price: 620.00 AUD
Availability: InStock

$620.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

996 in stock

Size: 100L

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

Current Stock Height Guides

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

Trade Customers

We supply advanced trees to landscapers, developers, architects, and councils Australia-wide. Trade clients receive fast quotes, expert advice, and access to premium stock with reliable freight.

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.

Key Information to Know

Evergreen / 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).

Frost Tolerance

Is Zelkova serrata (Japanese Elm Tree) frost tolerant?

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

Flowering Information

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.

Native Information

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

Wildlife Value

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.

Sunlight Information

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

Full Sun

Preffered 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.

Botanical Information

Common Name: Japanese Zelkova

Genus: Zelkova

Botanical Species: serrata

Family: Ulmaceae

Botanical Name: Zelkova serrata

Landscape Uses

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.

Planting, Spacing & Care

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.

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

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.

How to Grow in Different Soil Types

Zelkova serrata adapts well to most well-drained soils but prefers deep, fertile ground.

Sandy Soil: Drains quickly; add organic matter to retain moisture.

Clay Soil: Can become compacted—loosen with compost and gypsum to improve aeration.

Loamy Soil: Ideal for healthy root development and strong canopy growth.

Acidic or Alkaline Soil: Tolerates a wide pH range, but prefers slightly a

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

Medium Growth Rate

Root Ball Dimensions (Width × Depth) For Planting

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)

Ideal Conditions

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

Thrives in

Full Sun

Frost Tolerance

Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

Drought Tolerance

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.

Flowering Information

Does Zelkova serrata (Japanese Elm Tree) flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Spring

Flower Type:

Not Applicable

Flower Colour:

Not Applicable

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.