William Dinitzen
Yamadori
The seller insisted i keep it inside over winter, but would it not be preferable to keep it outside, and just mulch down with my other trees?
Do zelkova need dormancy?
- Thread starter William Dinitzen
- Start date
Nybonsai12
Masterpiece
Yes Zelkova need dormancy. Do you know what kind it is?
rockm
Spuds Moyogi
Zelkova requires dormancy.
I'd also question if your seller is being completely honest, or has any knowledge of bonsai. The name "zelkova" is used in the U.S. by importers looking to dodge importation laws to import cheaper and more available Chinese Elm. Leaves and bark look similar. Chinese elm has more import restrictions because is a proven carrier of invasive, destructive insects and other issues.
Chinese elm also requires dormancy.
William Dinitzen
Yamadori
Parviflora, i was expecting that it would, since my ulmus parviflora goes dormant aswell
William Dinitzen
Yamadori
Yeah, tbh it was a new store that i went to visit for fun today, all the trees he kept inside seemed quite droopy and dead so i woudnt be surprised if he knew just as little as myself about the species
but thanks for the answer ill leave it outside with the rest then
Any risk involved with bringing it outside this late in the fall season, since he kept it in the store window all year?Shibui
Imperial Masterpiece
William Dinitzen
Yamadori
Ill link a picture here. Also its going outside today dont worry, im on a trip where i bought it thats why its inside. Could you explain to me how to tell the difference between the two species, and how to identify?
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Shibui
Imperial Masterpiece
Your tree is Chinese elm - Ulmus parvifolia. Definitely NOT zelkova.
Zelkova has longer, slightly softer leaves with pointed ends and different bark
Zelkova has longer, slightly softer leaves with pointed ends and different bark
jeremy_norbury
Omono
Sold as Zelkova Parvifolia in Europe forever to get around Elm import restrictions.
jeremy_norbury
Omono
I keep mine all outside until just after the first frost and then move them into a cold greenhouse. They can effectively be forced into dormancy by placing them in a dark spot (like under a shelf).
William Dinitzen
Yamadori
Dont have a greenhouse, im just gonna dig it down come winter, and cover with mulch as advised by another chatter here on the forum
Deep Sea Diver
Imperial Masterpiece
Likely do really well as Chinese Elm USDA zone ranges from 5 - 9. Believe even Jutland area is zone 7.
Only a few things to add... Northern exposure, shelter from wind, use bark or gravel under potto assure drainage while dug in.
Best
DSD sends
Only a few things to add... Northern exposure, shelter from wind, use bark or gravel under potto assure drainage while dug in.
Best
DSD sends
WNC Bonsai
Masterpiece
Remember, even though it is dormant you still have to water it. Never let the roots dry out or they will likely die. I usually throw a liter or so on each tree about once a month unless it has rained a lot over the preceding month. If your house has below ground level window wells they make good cold greenhouses.
William Dinitzen
Yamadori
From what I've been told its good to water the mulch when I put in the tree, and regularly check If it needs additional watering throughout the winter.
Deep Sea Diver
Imperial Masterpiece
Please be sure to water just before a freeze…. and check after melt out.
Watering before will slow freezing of the roots and also keep the rootball from drying out as fast.
cheers
DSD sends
Watering before will slow freezing of the roots and also keep the rootball from drying out as fast.
cheers
DSD sends
rockm
Spuds Moyogi
EXCELLENT advice. We are forecast to have our first hard freeze next week. I typically leave everything on the benches and water everything VERY well at sundown. Well-watered roots are essential if trees are left exposed to freezes in the fall. Autumn freezes that give way to above freezing temps the next day are key components to overwintering temperate zone trees. Dry roots can be killed or damaged if things get cold enough at night. Water insulates and even gives off a bit of heat as it freezes--protecting the roots it covers. Dry roots don't have as much protection and freeze sooner on cold nights.
Yes. I will water the trees heavily before I mulch them over. As I add the mulch I water more to make sure the mulch is good and wet. I never water when the soil is frozen, and will water about every 3 weeks or so in the winter depending on the rain. Because I can't see the soil (and have a bit of OCD) I tend to water profusely in the winter when I water.
