Chinese Elm
Two dwarf varieties of Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia) work well for bonsai training: Hakkaido and Seiju. These hardwood trees are deciduous, but if protected during the fall and winter, can keep leaves all year. The bark provides interest once the leaves have fallen.
Most Popular Types
Hokkaido and Seiju dwarf varieties
Light
Full sun to partial shade
Temperatures
Chinese elm is winter hardy. If protected before frost hits, it is possible for it to keep its leaves through the year.
Watering
As with all bonsai, keep the Chinese elm consistently moist.
Toxicity
Chinese elm is mildly toxic to cats and dogs, causing vomiting or diarrhea. It does not affect larger animals. Birds and humans can eat the seeds, or samaras, raw or cooked.
Growth
The bonsai varieties Hakkaido and Seiju are dwarf shrubs with small leaves. The bark exfoliates, providing interest in winter months. The Chinese Elm can lose its leaves in the winter, but if protected, it will keep its leaves all year. It has a high tolerance to pruning.
Origin
China, Korea, and Japan
Propagation
Chinese elm is easily propagated from 6 inch cuttings during the summer. Place the cutting ina glass of water until roots appear. Pot in a mixture of loam, peat moss, and sand and keep moist. The tree can also be propagated from seed.
Dormancy
Winter dormant
chinese elm bark
The bark of a mature Chinese elm is very distinctive.
chinese elm bonsai
Chinese elm bonsai
bonsai tree of chinese elm in autumn
Chinese elm in autumn
Workshops at Growing Hobby
Workshop schedule set for after work hours and on Sunday afternoons. We now have central heating and air to make you more comfortable while you shop and attend workshops.