Green Vase Japanese Zelkova

About this plant

Distinctive and graceful, the Green Vase Japanese Zelkova commands attention with its strong, upright, vase-shaped branching habit, providing excellent interest even in winter. Its finely serrated, dark green leaves emerge in spring, offering a lush canopy throughout the growing season before transforming into striking shades of russet and coppery-red in autumn. Hardy and adaptable, this cultivar is an exceptional choice for municipal plantings, parks, or large residential landscapes where its mature size and elegant form can be fully appreciated. It casts a beautiful dappled shade, making it ideal for creating comfortable outdoor living spaces below. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Green Vase Japanese Zelkova is also a resilient tree, tolerant of urban conditions including air pollution, drought, and a variety of soil types once established. Its relatively disease-resistant nature makes it a low-maintenance, high-impact selection for any discerning landscape.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Requires minimal pruning to maintain its natural vase shape; prune in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Ensure adequate watering during dry spells, especially in the first few years after planting. Fertilize annually in spring with a balanced tree fertilizer.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.