Specimen bonsai tree fr sale
Overall Height ~ 58cm Age: 28yrs

Fabulous Chinese Elm Bonsai with Incredible Twisty Trunk – 20 years old

£599.99

SKU: PE232

Free Delivery by Thursday 15th October available

In stock

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This Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia) stands out because of its roots. They twist and rise above the soil line, adding an artistic, sculptural quality that makes the tree feel grounded and ancient at the same time. The trunk follows the same story — curved, characterful, with bark that shows its age. The branches sit evenly placed and meticulously refined, supporting a lush canopy of thick, vibrant green foliage.

The leaves are perfectly proportioned for the tree's size, a hallmark of the species. This specimen feels complete because every part of it has been shaped with patience and care.

Description

28-Year-Old Chinese Elm Bonsai – Twisted Roots & Forest Green Pot

The Tree

This Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia) stands out because of its roots. They twist and rise above the soil line, adding an artistic, sculptural quality that makes the tree feel grounded and ancient at the same time. The trunk follows the same story — curved, characterful, with bark that shows its age. The branches sit evenly placed and meticulously refined, supporting a lush canopy of thick, vibrant green foliage.

The leaves are perfectly proportioned for the tree’s size, a hallmark of the species. This specimen feels complete because every part of it has been shaped with patience and care.

The Pot

It sits in a stunning deep green glazed pot. The colour complements the foliage without competing with it. A matching drip tray is also included, so the whole presentation looks cohesive from the moment it arrives.

Why the Chinese Elm

The Ulmus parvifolia is a favourite among bonsai growers for good reason. It holds its leaves year-round indoors, adapts to a range of room temperatures, and responds well to regular pruning. It’s forgiving enough for a beginner, yet rewarding enough for someone with experience. Symbolically, it represents inner strength, intuition, wisdom, and love — so it makes a meaningful gift that can express more than words.

What’s Included

You’ll receive the exact bonsai pictured. It comes with free care instructions, so you’ll know exactly how to keep it thriving. Free next working day delivery is available for most of the UK, and you can add care accessories and gifting extras when you reach the checkout.

Our Promise

We’re a family-run nursery, and we grow every bonsai ourselves. This means the tree you see in the photos is the exact tree that will arrive at your door. We pack and send each one with care, because we genuinely care about what we do.

Specification
Evergreen
Yes - if kept indoors
Flowering/Fruiting
No
Pot Size (cm)
32 x 25
Pot Colour
Green
Indoor/Outdoor
Either - Protect from frost
Difficulty
Easy - Perfect for Beginners
Maintenance
Positioning: Place in bright position avoiding direct sunlight in mid summer
Watering: Keep soil evenly damp; check daily.
Feeding: Apply bonsai fertiliser weekly following the instructions on the bottle.
Pruning: Trim new shoots regularly to keep shape and encourage ramification.
Repotting: Repot every two years in early spring using free-draining bonsai soil.
Note: Can live outside during summer months but protect from frost.
Pet Friendly
Yes
Bonsai Variety

The Chinese Elm (Ulmus parviflolia) makes a truly beautiful bonsai with small bright green leaves. The tree has excellent twig structure and has great character throughout, making it the perfect representation of a woodland tree. In our opinion the Chinese Elm is the most perfectly proportioned, easy to care for and adaptable tree and makes a superb bonsai; which can be grown either indoors or outdoors.

Delivery

🌿 Delivery Options
Choose your date
Service When will it arrive? Charge
Standard Delivery
(England, Wales & Southern Scotland)
Next working day (order before 3:25pm) or your chosen date FREE
Premium AM
(Weekdays before 1pm)
Next working day (order before 3:25pm) or your chosen date £8.99
Weekend Delivery Chosen Saturday or Sunday £8.99
Highlands & Islands
AB37–38, AB54–56, FK17–21, GY, HS, IV1–63, JE, KA27–28, KW1–17, PA20–49, PA60–78, PH19–26, PH30–40, PH42–44, PH49–50, TR21–25, ZE
Two working days (order before 3:25pm) or your chosen date £7.99
Northern Ireland Two working days (order before 3:25pm) or your chosen date £7.99
✅ Every bonsai is hand-checked, watered, and securely packaged for safe arrival.
📘 Printed care guide included with all orders.
🚚 All bonsai tree orders can be tracked and our couriers will notify you of your delivery slot.

Bonsai Care

🌱 Bonsai Care Guide
Beginner-friendly
Care What to do How often
Step 1 Read your printed Care Instruction Guide included with every bonsai tree before you begin. Upon arrival
On arrival In hot weather, stand pot in water for 5 minutes, then drain. Once on day 1
Position Indoor Bonsai – Bright daylight, avoid harsh midday sun & cold draughts. Outdoor Bonsai – bright to semi-shaded, sheltered position. All year
Water Check soil daily; keep damp to the touch (not soggy). In hot spells, soak the pot briefly. Daily check
Mist Lightly mist foliage to boost humidity and condition leaves. Once or twice a week
Feed Use bonsai fertiliser, diluted as directed. Follow the directions on the bottle. Species dependant
Prune Trim longer shoots to maintain shape and encourage new growth. As needed
Health If needed, use an invigorator/insecticide and follow the label instructions. If issues arise
🌿 Don’t worry! Your detailed printed care guide walks you through everything step by step.
🎥 Extra help & videos are available on our website.
✅ Every bonsai is checked, watered & securely packaged before dispatch.
Expert Overview by Lloyd Noall

Expert Overview by Lloyd Noall

Quality of the Bonsai Tree
Quality of the Bonsai Pot
Sturdiness
Styling
Adaptability

Our expert bonsai grower Lloyd Noall has been growing this bonsai for many years. He gives us his personal opinion of this specific bonsai tree.

“The neat highly refined foliage pads are formed by years of pruning out the tips of the new shoots to encourage back-budding”. Back budding in bonsai refers to the process where new growth emerges from older branches in response to pruning. By selectively trimming branch tips, bonsai growers encourage fresh growth closer to the trunk, promoting a fuller and more balanced appearance in the tree. This technique is crucial for shaping and refining bonsai, allowing for greater control over its size and design.

“The quality of this bonsai is specimen standard”. The elegant twisting trunk flow, the highly refined uncluttered appearance and high quality pot and tray all create a living masterpiece. This bonsai is exceptionally good value for money considering the years and work involved in its creation. Take a closer look at the shari – the trunk is full of character.

“This species of bonsai is often known as the Lacebark Elm or Ulmus parvifolia“. The Lacebark Elm is distinguished by its striking bark, characterised by a mottled appearance that often forms colourful patterns along its trunk. This unique feature adds visual interest and beauty to the tree, making it a standout choice for bonsai growers.

“A top favourite due to its ease of care, styling and adaptability”. A Chinese Elm bonsai is a top favourite because it’s remarkably easy to care for, adaptable to various environments, and offers versatile styling options. Also, its resilience to different conditions makes it ideal for beginners.

 

Lloyd with his spring collection of bonsai trees

Lloyd has decades of experience in the art of bonsai and is the founder of Bonsai Direct. He started selling bonsai trees commercially in 1995, nearly 30 years ago.

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