Multi-stem Trees
Zelkova serrata
Japanese zelkova
Elegant, upright and vase-shaped, Zelkova serrata has a refined architectural quality. As a multi-stem it creates a striking sculptural canopy with smooth grey bark and lovely autumn tones.
Graceful vase-shaped habit
Finely toothed leaves that turn yellow, orange and russet in autumn
Smooth grey bark that flakes to reveal orange patches with age
Tolerant of urban conditions
Please check before you visit. Our nursery is very well stocked, but what we hold changes with the seasons, so this plant may not always be in stock. Enquire before you head over and we will check availability and the sizes we have for you.
At a glance
Type
Multi-stem tree
Foliage
Deciduous
Seasons of interest
Summer canopy, autumn colour, winter bark
Eventual size
Typically over 12 m tall in time; can be managed
Position
Full sun or partial shade
Soil
Well-drained, most soil types
Hardiness
Fully hardy in the UK
Available
A range of sizes and forms. Ask our team for current specimens and pricing.
Why we love it
A relative of the elm, Zelkova serrata has a naturally elegant, upward-sweeping form. Its neat serrated leaves give a fine texture through summer before turning warm shades of yellow, orange and russet in autumn.
As it matures, the smooth grey bark begins to flake, revealing orange tones beneath, which is especially beautiful on a multi-stem.
How to use it
Ideal for contemporary gardens, courtyards and larger landscapes where you want height and structure without a heavy canopy. It works well as a single specimen or repeated for rhythm along a path or boundary.
Planting and aftercare
Plant between autumn and spring and water regularly for the first two summers. Formative pruning in winter keeps the stems well spaced and the vase shape clean.
See it in person
Every plant at Form is hand-selected, none contains new peat, and nothing beats choosing yours by eye. Visit our Row Town showroom in Surrey, just 30 minutes from London, where our team will show you the best of what is on the nursery right now. We deliver across London, Surrey and the Home Counties, and nationwide.
Walk in any time during opening hours and you will be looked after. If you would like dedicated time with a specialist, book a Genus Bar appointment.
Frequently asked questions
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It is a large tree in time, often exceeding 12 m, although growth is steady and multi-stem specimens can be managed with sympathetic pruning.
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Yes. It copes well with urban conditions and its upright, vase-shaped habit makes it easier to place than many broad-canopied trees.
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We keep a very well-stocked nursery, but our stock changes with the seasons, so availability varies. Please email us before you visit and we will check what we have and the sizes available.
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Yes, and we would love you to. Every multi-stem tree is individual, with its own branch structure and character, so we always encourage customers to choose by eye. Our largest specimens are held at our Row Town showroom in Surrey. Walk in any time during opening hours, or book a Genus Bar appointment with one of our specialists. If you can’t visit, we are happy to send photographs of individual trees.
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Yes, we deliver nationwide. Deliveries are arranged by our dedicated in-house operations team, and larger specimens can be offloaded by HI-AB or Moffett where needed. We will always agree the most suitable option with you before delivery.
All our multi-stem trees
Explore every tree in our multi-stem trees collection, or view them all with photographs →
Zelkova serrata
Can’t see what you’re looking for?
Get in touch and we’ll help you find it. Our nursery is very well stocked and we can source almost any plant through our network of trusted growers. Email info@formplants.com, or send us your whole plant list through our bespoke sourcing service.