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Zelkova carpinifolia

Caucasian elm

A large, broadly upright tree normally with a short stout trunk and many erect branches. The neatly toothed, oval leaves are rich green, turning orange-brown in autumn. Flowers and fruit are green and insignificant

Synonyms
Zelkova crenata
Planera richardii

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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres
Time to ultimate height
more than 50 years
Ultimate spread
Wider than 8 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Green
Summer Green
Autumn Brown Orange
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or East–facing or North–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Ulmaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Spreading branched
Genus

Zelkova are large deciduous trees or shrubs with neatly serrate, ovate leaves and inconspicuous flowers and fruit; good autumn colour

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Caucasus

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in deep, fertile, moist soil and protect from cold, drying winds

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings from young plants in summer or by grafting in winter. Alternatively, propagate by seed (sown outdoors) in autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Low Maintenance
Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

May be susceptible to horse chestnut scale insects

Diseases

May be susceptible to Dutch elm disease, bacterial canker and honey fungus (rarely)

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