chinese elm no. 45

Ulmus parvifolia

Height 36" Width 48"

This Cork Bark Chinese Elm began its journey at Driftwood Bonsai with Tom Roberts. When we first encountered it, the tree was living in a massive grow bag—overgrown, leaning, and visually chaotic. A dense bush of unrefined branching sat atop a stump riddled with large cuts and heavy structural scars. Tom looked at it and said, “If you can do something with it, take it.”

At first glance, it was hard to see what this tree could become. But something about it hinted at untapped potential. We brought it back to Mirai, repotted it, and began establishing a healthy root system. Within a single season, the change was dramatic—growth exploded across the structure, not just at the tips. For the first time, we had options. We began carefully selecting branches to establish hierarchy and direction, knowing this was the start of a long developmental arc.

Over the next three years, with the dedicated eye and hand of Scott Davis, the tree underwent a remarkable transformation. Through subtle refinement, primarily achieved with minimal wiring—it began to express a natural, refined elm-like character.

Today, the tree sits in a Me and Raimondi container that mirrors the strength of its root base and echoes the complexity of its multi-trunk movement. It’s a tree that continues to evolve with every touch—a testament to patience, vision, and collaboration.

This is a Cork Bark Chinese Elm to watch as it matures into a truly representative North American bonsai.