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Chinese Lacebark Elm, Signature Series

Chinese Lacebark Elm, Signature Series

$2,500
SmallLargeSignature Series

Our signature series feature rare, one-of-a-kind bonsai, personally nurtured by Milton as part of his personal collection for several years. We estimate that this elm is ~25 years old, grown from a cutting. It's never been wired; the movement and taper are the result of Milton's careful use of the "clip-and-grow" method.

Chinese Lacebark Elms are the most popular bonsai trees in China because they are easy to maintain and proven to be tough, known to have survived floods and droughts. As bonsai, they are aesthetically pleasing with their tiny, serrated leaves that reduce in size over time, and their distinctively mottled, colorful bark that serves as a beautiful backdrop.

  • SCIENTIFIC NAME: Ulmus Parvifolia
  • STYLE: Formal upright, with each tree being distinctively natural.
  • SIZE: Approximately 24" high, 8" deep, set in an 18" wide pot.
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Chinese Lacebark Elm, Signature Series
Chinese Lacebark Elm, Signature Series
Chinese Lacebark Elm, Signature Series
Chinese Lacebark Elm, Signature Series
Chinese Lacebark Elm, Signature Series
Chinese Lacebark Elm, Signature Series
Chinese Lacebark Elm, Signature Series
Chinese Lacebark Elm, Signature Series
Chinese Lacebark Elm, Signature Series

Product Details

  • ONE OF A KIND — This is a rare opportunity to own a truly unique piece from Milton! He grew this ~25 year old elm from a cutting. It features a thick, well-developed trunk, textured bark, and refined ramification that reflects years of careful training. Never wired; the movement and taper are the result of his using the "clip-and-grow" method. 
  • SMALL LEAVES & INTERESTING BARK — Known for its small, notched leaves and the mottled, aged look that its bark is able to develop over time.
  • FALL FOLIAGE — A deciduous species, Chinese Elms' leaves will turn yellow in the fall, and about 10% of our trees will also have red fall foliage under the right growing conditions.
  • HARDY — Adapts to a variety of different soils and tolerates both wet and dry sites. Generally tolerant of urban conditions. Thrives in various climates, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced hobbyists.
  • BEGINNER FRIENDLY — Compatible with our busy lifestyle: can recover quickly from neglect and compatible with the easy "clip-and-grow" method to become a showpiece quickly.
  • Comes in the traditional, clay bonsai pot pictured above.
Styling Inspiration

From Milton's Personal Collection

Species: Chinese Lacebark Elm (Ulmus Parvifolia)

Origin: China

Style: Triple Trunk

Distinguishing Feature: Hardy tree, surviving flood and drought in China. Interesting Lace bark, leaf reduces with ramification, and is nearly evergreen in mild climate.

History: Bought from the private collection of the curator of the Huntington Library in 2001. Started as cutting and was grown in the garden for 15-20 years before being transplanted into a 20 gallon nursery can for another 3 years. Milton moved it to this shallow pot in 2021 using his standard current soil mix using equal parts of sandy loam, perlite, and peat. The tree is now growing rapidly.

Our Philosophy

The "Lifestyle" Bonsai Method

We believe that caring for bonsai should accommodate your lifestyle, not the other way around — all you need is 5-10 minutes a week.

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Our Location

Unmatched Quality

Grown in the rich, alluvial, sandy loam soil of Half Moon Bay, CA, our bonsai were trained from seedlings to be both healthy and rapidly-growing.

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Our Technology

Patent-Pending Bonsai Pots

Our bonsai come planted in patent-pending, high-end, YiXing ceramic pots, engineered to maintain moisture and keep your bonsai healthy, while adding timeless beauty to your home.

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Satisfaction Guaranteed

Every bonsai comes with simple, easy-to-follow instructions and a 30-day, no-hassle, replacement guarantee.

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Support at Every Step

Need help? From our thriving community to free guides and tutorials, you’ll always have the knowledge and support you need while on your bonsai journey. Should you need more specific guidance, you can expect a response from our customer service team within 48 hours.

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