A graceful, spreading shade tree with small glossy leaves and beautiful mottled, flaking bark in tones of grey, orange and cream. Tough, disease-resistant and a popular bonsai subject.
At a glance
- Plant type: Tree
- Mature size: 12 m H × 10 m W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: happy on low water
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Chinese Elm
Botanically, Ulmus parvifolia is a moderate-growing tree in the Ulmaceae family. It reaches around 12 m tall and 10 m wide at maturity, with semi-deciduous and rich in autumn colour foliage.
Where to grow Chinese Elm
Chinese Elm suits warm-temperate, cool-temperate and subtropical climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Chinese Elm does best in loamy, clay and free-draining soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Chinese Elm is happy on low water, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Tip-prune Chinese Elm in spring to maintain a dense, shapely habit. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Chinese Elm in the garden
Chinese Elm earns its place for a shade tree, a feature or specimen planting and bonsai culture.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Chinese Elm with other plants that enjoy the same happy on low water and warm-temperate climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm.
Good to know
It is thornless and easy to handle.
Buying Chinese Elm
Plant Sale lists Chinese Elm as potted plants and advanced specimens. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it lands.