Zelkova carpinifolia

RHS Plant Profile
Caucasian elm

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Caucasian elm RHS
Caucasian elm RHS
Caucasian elm RHS

Synonyms

Zelkova crenata
Planera richardii

Trees
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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

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam

Max Height

Higher than 12 metres

Max Spread

wider than 8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
more than 50 years
Max Spread
wider than 8 metres
Max Height
Higher than 12 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Ulmaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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)