Zelkova serrata – Japanese Zelkova, Keaki

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Ulmaceae

Zelkova serrata – Japanese Zelkova, Keaki

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A tree with a loose, broad and semi-open crown. The trunk is usually branched with several sturdy main branches. The grey trunk is smooth at first with pink to brownish orange lenticels, but later it flakes off in flat sheets revealing the orange-brown bast underneath. Young twigs are green and hairy at first, later turning bare and reddish brown. The ovoid to elongated leaves are soft green and turn a bronzy red and orange-yellow in the autumn. The top is long and tapers to a point and the leaf edge has single teeth tapering to a point. Zelkova has an unremarkable manner of flowering followed by small, bean-like fruit. The tree is related to the elm (Ulmus) but is different in that the flowers of Zelkova are unisexual and of Ulmus are hermaphroditic. The fruit of Ulmus are dry and winged, while Zelkova has drupes. Zelkova serrata is valued for its attractive manner of growth and the dark green leaves that turn to various shades of red and orange in the autumn.
Our trees can only be planted when they don't have any leaves. Due to the this we will start delivering again from November 2025.
Availability
Clear stem (8) Multi-stem (9)
Size
Root ball size
Packaging
Price
Amount
Delivery period
250/300h, multistem with raised stems
Wire rootballed
£ 655,00
Available from november! Pre-order now!
Root ball size
Packaging
Wire rootballed
Delivery period
Available from november! Pre-order now!
Stock
Limited stock
250/300 multistem
Wire rootballed
£ 488,00
Available from november! Pre-order now!
Root ball size
Packaging
Wire rootballed
Delivery period
Available from november! Pre-order now!
Stock
Available
300/350 multistem
Wire rootballed
£ 843,00
Available from november! Pre-order now!
Root ball size
Packaging
Wire rootballed
Delivery period
Available from november! Pre-order now!
Stock
Limited stock
300/350h, multistem with raised stems
Wire rootballed
£ 1.105,00
Available from november! Pre-order now!
Root ball size
Packaging
Wire rootballed
Delivery period
Available from november! Pre-order now!
Stock
Limited stock
350/400h, multistem with raised stems
Wire rootballed
£ 1.683,00
Available from november! Pre-order now!
Root ball size
Packaging
Wire rootballed
Delivery period
Available from november! Pre-order now!
Stock
Limited stock
350/400 multistem
Wire rootballed
£ 1.339,00
Available from november! Pre-order now!
Root ball size
Packaging
Wire rootballed
Delivery period
Available from november! Pre-order now!
Stock
Limited stock
450/500h, multistem with raised stems
Wire rootballed
£ 2.903,00
Available from november! Pre-order now!
Root ball size
Packaging
Wire rootballed
Delivery period
Available from november! Pre-order now!
Stock
Limited stock
500/600h, multistem with raised stems
Wire rootballed
£ 4.010,00
Available from november! Pre-order now!
Root ball size
Packaging
Wire rootballed
Delivery period
Available from november! Pre-order now!
Stock
Limited stock
600/700h, multistem with raised stems
Wire rootballed
£ 5.753,00
Available from november! Pre-order now!
Root ball size
Packaging
Wire rootballed
Delivery period
Available from november! Pre-order now!
Stock
Limited stock
Specifications
Download PDF
Height
10 - 12 (30) m
Width
10-12m
Crown
broad fan-shaped to rounded, half-open crown, capricious growing
Bark and branches
grey, flaking trunk with orange-brown bast
Leaf
ovoid to elongated, top tapered, soft green, 7 - 13 cm
Autumn colour
yellow, orange, red
Flowers
unremarkable, unisexual, monoecious, green, April/May
Fruits
small bean-like fruit, 0.4 – 0.5 cm
Spines/thorns
None
Toxicity
usually not toxic to people, (large) pets and livestock
Soil type
humus, moist, loamy
Paving
tolerates paving
Winter hardiness zone
6a (-23,3 to -20,6 °C)
Wind resistance
moderate
Other resistances
resistant to frost (WH 1 - 6)
Application
avenues and broad streets, tree containers
Shape
clearstem tree, multi-stem treem
Origin
China, Korea, Japan
Clear stem tree Multi-stem tree clay soil loamy soil sandy soil tolerates paving resistant to frost (WH 1 - 6) broad vase-shaped 1st size , taller than 12 metres half-open crown green green average growing Attractive autumn colour non-toxic (usually) Capricious growing playground tree Tree for the future
Applications and inspiration
Roof gardens
Clear stem, branched or multi-stem tree?
Related projects
Family garden
Alnwick Castle - Northumberland
Shopping promenade Sint Niklaas
Possibly of interest
Ulmus parvifolia – Chinese elm, Lacebark elm
Ulmus parvifolia
Chinese elm, Lacebark elm
More information
Zelkova carpinifolia – Caucasian elm
Zelkova carpinifolia
Caucasian elm
More information
Zelkova schneideriana – Zelkova schneideriana
Zelkova schneideriana
More information
Zelkova sinica – Chinese zelkova
Zelkova sinica
Chinese zelkova
More information
Frequently asked questions
Zelkova serrata

Zelkova serrata can eventually reach a height of 10 - 12 (30) m, depending on the site and climate conditions.

Zelkova serrata is average growing and can eventually reach a height of 10 - 12 (30) m, depending on the site and climate conditions.

The leaves of Zelkova serrata turn yellow, orange, red in autumn.

The right time to plant Zelkova serrata is during the dormancy period. In Western Europe, Zelkova serrata with root balls can generally be planted from mid-November to late April, although this depends strongly on the climatic conditions and the species of tree.

Zelkova serrata blooms in april.
General

Yes, we deliver to the UK. Delivery costs depend on the region and the total order value. Below, you’ll find all the details.

Delivery charges for private customers are calculated based on your region and are visible during the checkout process. We also offer discounts based on the total value of your order:

  • Orders over £1,000: Receive a 50% discount on delivery costs.
  • Orders over £2,000: Delivery is completely free.

Yes, for trees with a size of 50-60 cm girth or larger, additional delivery charges apply due to the need for specialised transport. These costs will be calculated separately and shared with you after your order is placed. We will contact you to discuss the transport options and costs.

Once you add items to your basket and proceed to the checkout, the system will calculate the delivery charges for your region. If your order qualifies for any discounts, they will automatically be applied.

For any questions or specific delivery requests, feel free to contact our customer service team. We’re happy to help arrange the best delivery solution for your order.