Zelkova serrata Variegata

The Zelkova serrata Variegata is a compact variety of Siberian Elm, which produces stunning green foliage edged with white, turning warm colours in autumn. Slow-growing, it typically forms a small tree with a short trunk and a highly branched crown that is as wide as it is tall. Its grey bark exfoliates over time, revealing orange areas. A deciduous tree, its highly architectural silhouette is highlighted in winter. Preferring partial shade in neutral to acidic soil, it thrives in cool conditions and is quite hardy.

Native to northern and eastern Asia (Japan, Korea, Taiwan), the Zelkova serrata belongs to the botanical family Ulmaceae, along with Elms and Hackberries (Celtis). This majestic tree, with a relatively slow growth rate, can reach heights of up to 30m (98ft) for some mature specimens. It is very cold-resistant and prefers slightly acidic, well-drained soil, tolerating drought once established.

Of unknown origin, the Variegata cultivar stands out for its much more modest growth. Even slower growing than the original botanical species, it usually reaches a height of 5m (16ft), occasionally slightly taller, with a similar spread. It develops a short and stocky trunk from which spreading main branches arise, giving rise to numerous finer branches. They form the structure of its wide, regularly shaped, rounded, dome-like and very dense crown. The young bark of this tree is smooth and grey-brown, and as it ages, it exfoliates into small plates, revealing a new and vibrant orange-coloured 'skin' (this is the phloem, the zone of contact between the bark and the wood). 

The deciduous leaves are oblong to elliptical, 7cm (3in) long, tapering to a point, adorned with very regular pointed teeth. Their central part displays a beautiful bright green colour with irregular contours, bordered by a wide white margin depending on the leaves. Visually, the tree has a very luminous appearance, enhanced by the light shade it casts. As is often the case with variegated plants, some branches may be entirely green, and they should be removed. This decorative foliage, throughout the growing season, takes on a new dimension in autumn when it turns yellow-orange before falling to the ground.

The flowering, on the other hand, is discreet, green in colour, blooming at the same time or just after the emergence of the foliage in April-May. In Zelkova, the female flowers, green in colour, are separate from the male flowers, yellow in colour, but borne on the same plant. The female flowers will develop small kidney-shaped stone fruits, 0.3cm (1in) in diameter, without wings, changing from green to brown when mature.

This tree prefers acidic to neutral soils or slightly chalky. It particularly likes humus-bearing soils that can retain some moisture. However, it tolerates drier conditions once well-rooted. Tolerating full sun, it is more comfortable in light shade or even partial shade.

The Zelkova serrata Variegata is well suited to small gardens, unlike the overly imposing typical botanical species. It will bring a bright note to the garden when planted on the edge of large trees. In a medium-sized garden, you can create a stunning contrast by planting it alongside the Fagus sylvatica Purpurea Tricolor, a narrow-leafed Weeping Beech with purple leaves edged in a charming pinkish hue. If space is limited, opt for the Sambucus nigra Straight Laced, an extremely finely cut-leaved Elderberry with almost black foliage, which boasts a magnificent flowering in large pinkish-white corymbs in May-June.

To add some colourful foliage at ground level, consider planting blue-leaved Hostas like Blue Angel, which will stand out with its large leaves.