Zelkovas are real ‘problem solver’ trees for gardeners and landscapers alike. This super-tough elm relative prefers full sun and is tolerant of a wide variety of soil types – including heavy clay soils. While they prefer regular watering when young, Zelkovas are relatively drought- and wind-tolerant when established. They can be successfully planted in a variety of situations: in lawns, as street trees, even in parking lot islands and buffer strips (aka ‘hellstrips’). In fact, two of the Zelkova varieties listed here are smaller trees (less than 25′ tall), which makes them the perfect choice for smaller areas. In addition to all this, Zelkovas also bring great fall color to the landscape – ranging from golden yellows to fiery reds, depending upon variety.
Here are a few of the Zelkova varieties Shooting Star carries regularly:
‘Wireless’: A smallish tree – just 23’ tall by 36’ wide – with a broad, spreading crown; bright red fall color. Because of its low height and broad spreading shape, this cultivar has an ideal shape for street plantings under utility lines.
‘City Sprite’: Roughly the same height as ‘Wireless’ (24’ tall), but only 18’ wide. Compact, dense, and semi-dwarf, this is the perfect little tree for tight urban spaces. Summer foliage appears brighter green than typical Zelkova, and fall foliage is a buttery yellow.
‘Green Vase’: ‘Green Vase’ is one of the taller Zelkovas – 45’ tall by 30’ wide – and has a graceful vase shape, with upright, arching branches. Its medium-sized, dark green leaves turn shades of yellow, orange and rusty red in fall.
‘Musashino‘: ‘Musashino’ is another columnar Zelkova, 45’ tall and just 15’ wide, with a lovely orange-yellow color in fall. It’s an ideal tree for street use, with tightly upright branches that allows good vehicle and pedestrian clearance beneath its delicate green canopy.