General: The japanese zelkova is native to Japan, Korea and China. It grows here as a medium-sized tree with an often short trunk and widely spreading branches. The bark of the zelkova remains smooth for a long time and forms at most light scales with age. The deciduous leaves are mostly ovate, tapered and sharply serrated. When they shoot they are reddish and light green. In summer they turn dark green and in autumn they turn brown-yellow to bright red.
Care as a bonsai: In Japan the zelkovas are very popular as bonsai. They are preferably cultivated in the broom shape, which corresponds to their natural habitus. Even young specimens fascinate with the thin and dense shoots and the colorful autumn color. At the beginning you can let the shoots grow freely and then cut them back in summer. In doing so, two new leaves are left standing. In winter, annoying branches can be removed and the tree can now be easily wired. As soon as the basic shape is achieved, the branches should no longer sprout too strongly. Otherwise this quickly leads to a thickening of the otherwise fine knots. Instead, the shoots are now consistently pinched and the crown thinned out. In addition, the leaves are cut regularly. As a result, a unique, very finely branched crown develops with age. To do this, the zelkova must of course also have optimal growth conditions, i.e. a sunny location as well as adequate irrigation and fertilization. When it is very hot, however, a partially shaded place is preferable. Zelkovas are hardy, but should still be sheltered from the wind. In spring they need to be protected from late frosts.
