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Overview : Zelkova - Japanese Zelkova (Zelkova serrata) and the Elm Zelkova (Zelkova carpinifolia) are plants originating
from cool-climate areas of western Asia to China to Japan. They are deciduous outdoor bonsai, whose leaves resemble that
of English or American Elms, but are smaller. Some even call them one of the best deciduous trees for bonsai. Although they are related to the elms, they do not encounter the same diseases and
in many cases are being used as elm-substitutes.In winter they produce small, greenish flowers that have a slight perfume. In the autumn (fall) the leaves turn shades of golden yellow to bronze. The straight trunk and smooth bark of the Zelkova are other appealing characteristics, maturing from green to grey in colour. Other Comments : These plants need deep, fertile, well-drained soil. Repotting should be done in early spring. Young plants should be repotted yearly, and older plants should be repotted less periodically - when plants have outgrown their pot and roots become matted. Be careful when wiring and handling Zelkovas. Although it is a hardy tree, its branches are thin and fragile. Wiring should be done in the summer. Shoots should be pruned back to one to two leaves during Zelkova is suited to almost all styles - the exception being literati. It is most suited to the 'broom' style, naturally developing a thick crown of branches - as shown below. Zelkovas are also good in group plantings - voted as one of the best for the forest style in the August '99 survey. General Care : Although reasonably frost hardy, they do prefer shelter from the elements. A position of full sun with plenty of water in the summer is required. Do not overwater in winter, as the plants do not like 'wet feet', but at the same time, do not allow them to dry out.
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