Zelkova serrata Green Vase
Description: Zelkova serrata 'Green Vase', commonly known as Green Vase Zelkova, is a deciduous tree admired for its graceful, vase-shaped form, attractive foliage, and excellent branching structure. This cultivar is particularly valued for its rapid growth and adaptability to urban environments, making it an excellent choice for street plantings, parks, and large gardens.
Flowers:
Blooms: The tree produces small, inconspicuous greenish flowers in early spring. The flowers are not particularly ornamental and often go unnoticed.
Fragrance: The flowers have no notable fragrance.
Foliage:
Leaves: The leaves are elliptical, serrated, and dark green, turning to shades of yellow, orange, and red in the autumn, providing a vibrant display of fall color.
Seasonal Color: The foliage changes from dark green in spring and summer to brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and red in autumn.
Fruit:
Fruit: The tree produces small, inconspicuous drupes that mature in the fall. These fruits are generally not significant for ornamental value.
Form and Size:
Size: Typically grows 12-18 meters tall and 9-12 meters wide, forming a broad, vase-shaped canopy.
Habit: Upright with a graceful, arching branching pattern, making it suitable for various landscape uses.
Growing Conditions:
Climate: Thrives in temperate climates and is suitable for various regions in Australia. It can tolerate light frosts and urban conditions.
Soil: Prefers well-draining, fertile soils but can adapt to a variety of soil types, including clay, sandy, and loamy soils. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
Sunlight: Best grown in full sun to partial shade. Full sun promotes the best growth and foliage color, while partial shade is tolerated.
Watering: Regular watering during the establishment phase is crucial. Once established, it benefits from consistent moisture but can tolerate short periods of drought.
Uses:
Ornamental Tree: Highly valued as an ornamental tree for its attractive foliage and graceful form.
Street Tree: Ideal for planting along streets and avenues due to its upright growth and tolerance of urban conditions.
Shade Tree: Suitable as a shade tree in parks, large gardens, and landscapes.
Specimen Plant: Can be used as a focal point in gardens and landscapes due to its striking form and autumn color.
Maintenance:
Pruning: Prune in late winter to early spring to maintain shape, remove dead or diseased wood, and encourage a strong structure. Regular pruning helps keep the canopy open and well-formed.
Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth and vibrant foliage color.
Pests and Diseases: Generally resistant to many pests and diseases. Monitor for common issues such as leaf spot and cankers. Good air circulation and proper watering practices help prevent fungal diseases.
Notes:
Hardiness: Hardy in USDA zones 5-8. In cooler regions of Australia, provide protection from severe frost to prevent damage to young shoots.
Companion Plants: Pair with other shade-tolerant perennials and shrubs, such as hydrangeas, hostas, and ferns, to create a harmonious and visually appealing garden display.
Zelkova serrata 'Green Vase'
Common Name: Green Vase Zelkova
Botanical Name: Zelkova serrata 'Green Vase'
Family: Ulmaceae
Origin: Native to Japan, Korea, and Taiwan; 'Green Vase' is a cultivated variety