Zelkova 'Kiwi Sunset'

Common name: Kiwi Sunset Japanese Zelkova

Description: This spectacular deciduous tree offers a year-long display of changing foliage colours that create a stunning focal point in any garden. The leaves emerge in spring with pinkish-green to wine-red tones on reddish shoots before transforming to bright lime-green and golden-yellow through summer. In autumn, the foliage develops vibrant red, orange, and bronze hues before dropping to reveal attractive grey, flaking bark on the trunk and branches. This vigorous tree develops an elegant umbrella-shaped to vase-like canopy with gracefully arching branches. The serrated-edge leaves and changing seasonal colours make this cultivar one of the most ornamental members of the elm family.

Other benefits: exceptional seasonal colour changes, attractive exfoliating bark, elegant architectural form, drought tolerant once established, disease resistant

Wildlife attraction: provides shelter and nesting sites for birds, supports beneficial insects, autumn leaves provide habitat for overwintering insects

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 4-5m x 3-4m

Position: full sun to partial shade; best colour development in full sun; tolerates wind exposure

Soil pH: adaptable to various soils; performs well in neutral to slightly alkaline conditions

Moisture: moderate water requirements; drought tolerant once established; prefers well-drained, fertile soil

Winter hardiness: fully hardy to -20°C