Zelkova serrata
The Keyaki does not pretend — it is one of the most accomplished outdoor bonsai in existence.
What makes it unique. Zelkova serrata fascinates twice: in summer, for the fineness of its toothed foliage and the lightness of its canopy; in winter, for the breathtaking beauty of its bare silhouette, a lacework of fine branchlets that needs no leaves to be admirable. Its autumn colours — golden yellow, orange, russet depending on the individual — make autumn one of the most anticipated moments in its cycle. With age, its smooth grey bark detaches in small patches to reveal characteristic orange tones.
Origin. Native to Japan, Korea, eastern China, and Taiwan, Zelkova serrata is known in Japan under the name Keyaki (ケヤキ) — an emblematic tree, planted in avenue alignments on Japanese city streets and venerated in temples. Its natural vase-shaped habit, fine branchlets, and cold tolerance made it very early the reference species for the Hokidachi style.
A strictly outdoor bonsai. Zelkova serrata is a strictly outdoor species: it needs its four seasons, and in particular a real winter for its dormancy. It is a robust, beginner-accessible species whose full potential reveals itself over the years.
The Keyaki does not pretend — it is one of the most accomplished outdoor bonsai in existence.
What makes it unique. Zelkova serrata fascinates twice: in summer, for the fineness of its toothed foliage and the lightness of its canopy; in winter, for the breathtaking beauty of its bare silhouette, a lacework of fine branchlets that needs no leaves to be admirable. Its autumn colours — golden yellow, orange, russet depending on the individual — make autumn one of the most anticipated moments in its cycle. With age, its smooth grey bark detaches in small patches to reveal characteristic orange tones.
Origin. Native to Japan, Korea, eastern China, and Taiwan, Zelkova serrata is known in Japan under the name Keyaki (ケヤキ) — an emblematic tree, planted in avenue alignments on Japanese city streets and venerated in temples. Its natural vase-shaped habit, fine branchlets, and cold tolerance made it very early the reference species for the Hokidachi style.
A strictly outdoor bonsai. Zelkova serrata is a strictly outdoor species: it needs its four seasons, and in particular a real winter for its dormancy. It is a robust, beginner-accessible species whose full potential reveals itself over the years.