Zelkova serrata (Japanese Elm)

The Japanese Elm (Zelkova serrata) is the shade tree to plant when you have real space and want a canopy that lasts a lifetime. It reaches around 12m tall and 8m wide, holding a broad vase shaped crown on a short clean trunk, and the leaves turn through amber and copper before dropping. This listing is for ex ground stock, which means a field grown tree lifted at 5m to 6m rather than a young pot plant.

Why you'll love it

• A canopy with immediate presence. At 5m to 6m on delivery this is a mature tree, not a sapling, so the shade arrives with it.
• Autumn colour worth planting for. The foliage moves through amber, orange and copper over several weeks before the tree goes bare.
• The classic vase shape. Branches sweep up and out from a short trunk, giving headroom beneath and a wide crown above.
• Tough once settled. Frost, heat, wind and dry spells are all handled, and it asks little after the first two years.

Where it works best

Shade over a large yard. One tree shades a seating area, a pool surround or a good part of a paddock. Allow a clear 8m of width and keep it well back from buildings.

Driveways and avenues. Space trees 10m to 12m apart so each crown can spread to its full width without the row closing into a tunnel.

Feature planting. On an acreage block or a large lawn it stands alone as the tree the garden is designed around.

Growing Japanese Elm in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun and open space. It suits warm temperate, cool temperate and Mediterranean gardens, is frost hardy, and takes wind and summer heat once established. It is not a tree for tropical or wet subtropical districts.

Soil. Deep, well drained soil gives the best growth, and drainage matters more than richness. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball, backfill with the native soil rather than pure compost, and mulch 75mm deep clear of the trunk.

Water and feed. An ex ground tree needs consistent deep watering through its first two summers, twice a week and slowly, so the water reaches the whole root ball. Feed with a complete slow release fertiliser each spring for the first few years.

Pruning and placement. Prune in winter to remove crossing branches and to lift the crown. It has a wide root plate, so keep it away from paving, paths and services rather than trying to prune it small.

What to expect when it arrives

This tree is supplied ex ground in one size, 5m to 6m, and is currently on backorder, so check the availability shown above before ordering. Ex ground stock is field grown and lifted with a root ball during dormancy, which is why it is sold seasonally and normally arrives bare of leaves.

A tree this size needs machinery and several people to place, so have the hole prepared and access clear before delivery. Trees are delivered Australia wide, advanced and large stock is freighted at cost. Every tree carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse the full ex ground tree range.
• Compare mature stock in advanced trees.
• Read about the best canopy trees to create shade.

Common questions

What does ex ground mean?

The tree is grown in a field rather than a pot, then lifted with a root ball while dormant. It gives you a far larger tree for the money, and it must be planted promptly after delivery.

How much space does it need?

Plan for a mature spread of about 8m and keep it at least 6m from a house, driveway or paved area. It is not a tree for a standard suburban courtyard.

How long before it settles in?

Expect a quiet first season while the root system rebuilds, with strong growth from the second year. Deep, regular watering through those first two summers matters more than anything else.