Japanese Zelkova Green Vase
Zelkova serrata 'Green Vase'
An outstanding elm alternative that combines disease resistance with exceptional form and beauty. This graceful shade tree develops a classic vase shape with arching branches and provides reliable golden-yellow to orange-red fall color. A perfect street or specimen tree that thrives in urban conditions where many other trees struggle.
Harvest
N/Ad
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun
Zones
5–8
USDA hardiness
Height
50-80 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Japanese Zelkova Green Vase in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 ornamental-tree →Zone Map
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Japanese Zelkova Green Vase · Zones 5–8
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day). Soil: Clay, High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Dry. Height: 50 ft. 0 in. - 80 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 50 ft. 0 in. - 80 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: more than 60 feet. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: Medium. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Fruit is small, ovoid to renivoid, bearing two small beaks; in fall.
Color: Brown/Copper, Green. Type: Drupe. Length: 1-3 inches.
Harvest time: Summer
Bloom time: Spring
History & Origin
Origin: China, Japan, Korea, Russia, Taiwan
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Hostas
Thrive in partial shade created by tree canopy, complementary foliage textures
Astilbe
Enjoys filtered light under tree, adds colorful plumes without competing for nutrients
Heuchera
Tolerates shade and root competition, provides year-round foliage interest
Ferns
Natural woodland companions, thrive in dappled shade and moist conditions
Japanese Painted Fern
Complements Asian aesthetic, tolerates dry shade under established trees
Caladium
Bright foliage thrives in filtered light, adds seasonal color without root competition
Liriope
Drought tolerant groundcover, won't compete aggressively with tree roots
Ajuga
Low-growing groundcover that tolerates shade and helps suppress weeds
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone which is toxic to many trees including zelkova
Large Conifers
Compete heavily for water and nutrients, create dense shade inhibiting zelkova growth
Aggressive Bamboo
Running bamboo spreads rapidly and competes intensely for root space and nutrients
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Excellent resistance to Dutch elm disease and elm leaf beetle
Common Pests
Japanese beetle, scale insects, aphids
Diseases
Generally disease resistant, occasional leaf spot