Species

Zelkova serrataJapanese Zelkova

4 other cultivars

tree RHS Award

Green Vase Zelkova

Zelkova serrata 'Green Vase'

The Story

Plant Bio

Zelkova serrata, the Japanese Zelkova, is a handsome medium to large deciduous tree, highly regarded for its graceful shape, clean foliage, and attractive bark. It is an excellent substitute for the American Elm.

'Green Vase' is a popular cultivar selected for its strong, upright, vase-shaped habit and faster growth rate compared to the species, making it an outstanding street and shade tree.

Uses & Benefits:

'Green Vase' is prized for its elegant, arching, vase-shaped canopy that provides dappled shade. Its clean, serrated green leaves turn attractive shades of yellow, orange, and russet-red in the fall. Mature trees develop handsome exfoliating bark in patches of gray, orange, and brown.

It is an excellent urban tree due to its tolerance of pollution, drought, and a range of soil conditions. Its upright branching habit provides good clearance for pedestrians and vehicles, making it an ideal choice for street and parking lot plantings. It is also highly resistant to Dutch elm disease.

While not a native species in North America, it provides significant canopy cover, which helps cool urban heat islands, reduce stormwater runoff, and improve air quality. Its dense foliage offers shelter for birds.

SpeciesZelkova serrataJapanese Zelkova

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

780"

Width

540"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Long-lived deciduous tree

Native To

Japan, Taiwan, eastern China

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Mid-spring – Late spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a location in full sun with deep, moist, well-drained soil.
Dig a hole that is two to three times the width of the root ball.
Place the tree so its root flare is at or slightly above the soil line.
Backfill the hole with the native soil, tamping down to remove air pockets.
Water thoroughly immediately after planting to settle the soil.
Apply a 3-inch layer of mulch over the root zone, but not touching the trunk.

Pro Tip

Prune when young to encourage a single leader and strong branch structure, ensuring its classic vase shape develops properly.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply and regularly during the first few growing seasons.
Prune to maintain a strong structure and remove any crossing or weak branches.
Allow plenty of space for its ultimate height and spread.
Protect the trunk of young trees from mechanical damage.

Don't

Do not plant in poorly drained, constantly wet soils.
Avoid planting in confined spaces where its large size will become a problem.
Don't over-fertilize, as this can promote weak growth.
Avoid major pruning once the tree is mature.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Graceful vase-shaped shade treeDurable and elegant street treeStately specimen for large lawns

Companion Plants

Pennisetum alopecuroides Rudbeckia fulgida Perovskia atriplicifolia Hydrangea paniculata Spiraea japonica

Good to Know

Common Questions

Green Vase Zelkova questions

What zones can Green Vase Zelkova grow in?

Green Vase Zelkova is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Green Vase Zelkova deer resistant?

Yes — Green Vase Zelkova is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Green Vase Zelkova bloom?

Green Vase Zelkova typically blooms in mid-spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Green Vase Zelkova need full sun?

Green Vase Zelkova does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Green Vase Zelkova drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Green Vase Zelkova handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.