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Deciduous

Japanese Elm / Zelkova Bonsai

Zelkova serrata

fine-branched deciduous tree prized for broom style, tiny leaves and beautiful winter silhouette

Easy to ModerateOutdoor
Japanese Elm / Zelkova Bonsai

Overview

Japanese Elm / Zelkova Bonsai (Zelkova serrata) is a fine-branched deciduous tree prized for broom style, tiny leaves and beautiful winter silhouette. It is best suited to broom style, formal upright, group planting and refined deciduous bonsai. For UK growers, treat it as: Outdoor.

Placement

full sun to light shade; protect from extreme drying wind

Watering

keep evenly moist in the growing season

Feeding and fertilising

feed through spring and summer

Pruning and wiring

clip new shoots back to build fine ramification; structural work in late winter

Repotting

repot every 2-3 years in early spring

Propagation

cuttings, seed and air layering

Pests, diseases and common issues

aphids, leaf scorch if dry, and weak inner twigs if the canopy is too dense

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