Zelkova serrata ‘Wireless’ – Wireless Japanese Zelkova

$250.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Size: 40cm/45L

40cm/45L 100L 200L

Current Stock Height Guides

200L: Enquire within for height guide information.

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 mustconfirm 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.

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 5m to 6m

Mature Width: 7m to 8m

Zelkova serrata ‘Wireless’ – Wireless Japanese Zelkova is expected to grow 40cm to 80cm per year (moderate–fast).

Root Ball Dimensions

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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About Your New Zelkova serrata ‘Wireless’ – Wireless Japanese Zelkova

Zelkova serrata 'Wireless' is a low, wide growing form of Japanese Zelkova, selected for a broad spreading vase habit that stays well under normal tree height. The foliage is fine and serrated, mid green through the warm months, turning orange, red and bronze in autumn across a densely held canopy.

It reaches about 5 to 6 metres tall and spreads to around 8 metres, adding 40 to 80 centimetres a year. Full sun and free draining soil suit it. It is frost tolerant, handling light to moderate frost once established, copes with wind, heat and pollution, and is drought tolerant after the first few summers.

The name points to its main use, planting beneath powerlines and in other places with a height limit, such as under building envelopes, near solar arrays or in low set streetscapes. It also works as a wide shade tree over seating and car parks. Councils specify it where clearance rules rule out taller elms.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Wireless Zelkova

What is Zelkova 'Wireless'?

'Wireless' is a cultivar of Zelkova serrata selected for a low, wide, vase shaped crown rather than the tall form of the species. It is deciduous, with fine serrated leaves that colour orange, red and bronze in autumn. The branching is dense and evenly spaced, giving a balanced canopy without much intervention.

How tall does 'Wireless' Zelkova grow?

About 5 to 6 metres tall with a spread of up to 8 metres, so it finishes wider than it is high. That proportion is the point of the selection. Allow the full 8 metres when siting it, particularly beside driveways, fences and boundaries, because the canopy reaches further than the trunk position suggests.

Can it be planted under powerlines?

That is the situation it was selected for. At 5 to 6 metres mature height it usually sits below low voltage clearance zones, which avoids the repeated topping that ruins the shape of larger street trees. Confirm the clearance requirement with the relevant network authority, since the rules differ between states.

How fast does it grow?

Moderate to fast, at 40 to 80 centimetres a year in good conditions. It reaches useful canopy width relatively quickly for a tree of this quality, which matters on projects that need shade within a few seasons. Growth slows as it approaches mature width and the canopy fills out and thickens.

Is 'Wireless' Zelkova drought tolerant?

Yes, once established. After two or three summers of regular watering it holds up well through dry spells, and it handles the heat, wind and reflected glare of urban sites. In the driest inland districts, supplementary water through summer keeps the canopy full and improves the autumn colour considerably.

Does it get Dutch elm disease?

Zelkova sits in the elm family but is highly resistant to Dutch elm disease, which is a large part of why it replaced elms in street planting overseas. Dutch elm disease is not present in Australia and strict quarantine keeps it out, so treat the resistance as insurance rather than a current need.

How do I prune and care for 'Wireless' Zelkova?

Water deeply through the first two or three summers and mulch the root zone, keeping mulch off the trunk. Prune in the first few years to clear crossing branches and set the framework, then leave it alone. It does not need reduction pruning to stay within height, which is the whole reason to plant it.

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

Enriched Planting Mix is a certified organic blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent, bagged in 30L. It is built to be dug through existing garden soil at planting time rather than used on its own, and the gypsum is what sets it apart from a plain compost.

Gypsum helps break up heavy clay so water and roots can move through it, while the compost and manure return organic matter and nutrient to tired ground. The coarse bark holds structure and keeps air around the root zone, and the wetting agent keeps moisture in the soil longer after rain or watering.

Use it when planting trees, shrubs, roses, fruit trees and exotic garden plants, particularly into clay. Dig a hole twice the width of the pot and 7 centimetres deeper, then mix roughly one third planting mix through the excavated soil. Spread 7 centimetres of that improved soil in the base before setting the plant in.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Enriched Planting Mix

What is Enriched Planting Mix made from?

It is a blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent. Each part has a job. The compost and manure supply organic matter and nutrient, the gypsum works on clay structure, the bark keeps air around the roots and the wetting agent holds moisture in the soil.

What plants is it suitable for?

It suits exotic garden plants, including roses, ornamental and deciduous trees, fruit trees, shrubs and perennials, and it earns its keep most on heavy clay sites. It is a planting mix rather than a potting mix, so its job is improving soil at planting time. Phosphorus sensitive natives are the one clear exception.

Is it safe for natives?

No, not for the phosphorus sensitive ones. The composted animal manure in this blend lifts phosphorus well above what Proteaceae such as Banksia, Grevillea, Hakea and Protea will tolerate, and the result can be leaf burn, dieback and plant death. Use the Native Potting Mix for those species, or plant them into unimproved local soil.

Is it certified organic?

Yes. It is a certified organic product with no chemical additives, which is why the manure and compost in it are fully composted rather than raw. That makes it sound around fruit trees and vegetable beds, and it means you are adding genuine organic matter to your soil rather than a synthetic conditioner.

How much do I need?

Work on roughly one third planting mix to two thirds of the soil you dug out of the hole. For a shrub out of a 200 millimetre pot that is only a few litres. An advanced tree going into a large hole will take considerably more. Judge the quantity by the volume of the hole rather than the size of the plant.

Can I use it in pots?

It is not a potting mix and should not be used on its own in a container. The blend is designed to be diluted through garden soil, and used straight in a pot it holds too much water and settles badly. For containers, reach for a premium potting mix, or the native mix if you are potting natives.

Does it need to be watered in?

Yes. Water the plant well several hours before you plant it, then water thoroughly again once the hole is backfilled and the soil firmed down. That first deep watering settles the improved soil around the root ball and drives out air pockets. Keep the water up over the first few months while the roots establish.

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Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

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Uses in my Garden

Feature Tree
Shade Tree
Avenue Planting
Council or Civic Landscapes

Zelkova serrata ‘Wireless’ – Wireless Japanese Zelkova 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 ‘Wireless’ – Wireless Japanese Zelkova Evergreen or Deciduous?

Zelkova serrata ‘Wireless’ – Wireless Japanese Zelkova is an Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 5m to 6m

Mature Width: 7m to 8m

Zelkova serrata ‘Wireless’ – Wireless Japanese Zelkova is expected to grow 40cm to 80cm per year (moderate–fast).

Growth Rate of Zelkova serrata ‘Wireless’ – Wireless Japanese Zelkova

Zelkova serrata ‘Wireless’ – Wireless Japanese Zelkova is expected to grow 40cm to 80cm per year (moderate–fast).

They are considered to have a:

Medium Growth Rate
Fast Growth Rate

Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Zelkova serrata ‘Wireless’ – Wireless Japanese Zelkova

Is Zelkova serrata ‘Wireless’ – Wireless Japanese Zelkova frost tolerant?

Zelkova serrata ‘Wireless’ – Wireless Japanese Zelkova is Frost Tolerant – Can handle light to moderate frost once established.

Does Zelkova serrata ‘Wireless’ – Wireless Japanese Zelkova Flower?

Zelkova serrata ‘Wireless’ does not produce ornamental flowers. Its blooms are insignificant, and the tree is instead valued for its compact, spreading form and exceptional autumn colour in shades of gold, orange and crimson.

Does Zelkova serrata ‘Wireless’ – Wireless Japanese Zelkova flower?

No - Doesn't Flower

Flowering Period:

Spring

Flower Type:

Not Applicable

Flower Colour:

Not Applicable

Is Zelkova serrata ‘Wireless’ – Wireless Japanese Zelkova an Australian Native Tree?

No

Zelkova serrata ‘Wireless’ – Wireless Japanese Zelkova is Native to Japan, Taiwan, and eastern China, where Zelkova serrata grows naturally in temperate forests and hillsides.

What is the Wildlife Value of Zelkova serrata ‘Wireless’ – Wireless Japanese Zelkova ?

Its broad, low canopy offers sheltered habitat for small birds, while its foliage supports beneficial insects that help strengthen local biodiversity and contribute to a healthier garden ecosystem.

How much Sunlight does Zelkova serrata ‘Wireless’ – Wireless Japanese Zelkova need?

Zelkova serrata ‘Wireless’ – Wireless Japanese Zelkova will thrive best in:

Full Sun

Preferred Soil?

Zelkova serrata ‘Wireless’ 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 maintain moisture and nutrient availability. Avoid alkaline or compacted clay soils unless significantly improved, as these conditions can limit growth and diminish its strong autumn colour. Keep the soil evenly moist during establishment, then gradually reduce watering as the tree matures.

Is Zelkova serrata ‘Wireless’ – Wireless Japanese Zelkova Drought Tolerant?

Is Zelkova serrata ‘Wireless’ – Wireless Japanese Zelkova Drought tolerant?

As a young tree it benefits from regular deep watering, but once established Zelkova serrata ‘Wireless’ develops moderate drought tolerance. It performs reliably in warm, dry conditions provided the soil is well-drained, retaining its structure and vibrant seasonal colour with minimal supplementary watering.

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How To Plant Your Zelkova serrata ‘Wireless’ – Wireless Japanese Zelkova

Site: Choose a well-drained position in full sun to part shade with room for the canopy to develop.

Soil preparation: Enrich the planting area with quality compost and aged manure for a strong establishment phase.

Hole: Dig twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth.

Planting: Position level with the surrounding soil, backfill gently, firm in, then water deeply to settle the roots.

Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Zelkova serrata ‘Wireless’ – Wireless Japanese Zelkova

Feature tree: 3 to 4 metres apart to allow the full canopy and form to develop.

Avenue planting: 3 metres apart for a uniform soft-textured avenue.

Zelkova serrata ‘Wireless’ – Wireless Japanese Zelkova is expected to grow 40cm to 80cm per year (moderate–fast).

Medium Growth Rate
Fast Growth Rate

Long Term Care For Your Zelkova serrata ‘Wireless’ – Wireless Japanese Zelkova

Watering: Water deeply twice weekly through the first 12 months. Once established, reduce to once weekly in dry periods. Mulch helps maintain consistent moisture.

Mulching: Apply a 5 to 7 centimetre layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it 5 centimetres clear of the trunk.

Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Light tip prune in late winter to maintain shape, and remove lower branches as the tree grows to develop a clean feature trunk.

Fertilising: Apply a slow-release general-purpose fertiliser in early spring and again in autumn for steady growth and consistent foliage colour.

Pest and disease: Hardy against most pests and diseases. Occasional scale or caterpillar inspection in warm humid conditions is all that's needed.

Planting Your Zelkova serrata ‘Wireless’ – Wireless Japanese Zelkova in Different Soil

Zelkova serrata performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Adaptable to a wide range of soils when drainage is improved with organic matter.

Sandy soil: Free-draining and ideal. Mulch well to maintain consistent moisture.

Clay soil: Improve drainage with gypsum and organic compost before planting.

Loam: The preferred soil for steady root development and consistent growth.

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral preferred. Mulch with composted leaf litter to maintain levels naturally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How tall does Zelkova serrata ‘Wireless’ grow?
A: It typically reaches 5–6 metres tall with a broad 7–8 metre canopy.

Q: Why is it called ‘Wireless’?
A: Its low-growing, broad shape makes it suitable for planting under powerlines and overhead wires.

Q: Is it drought tolerant?
A: Yes, once established it’s highly drought and heat tolerant.

Q: Does it have good autumn colour?
A: Yes, it displays rich shades of red, orange, and bronze in autumn.

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Zelkova serrata ‘Wireless’ – Wireless Japanese Zelkova