Chinese elm
Ulmus parvifolia
USDA zones4 to 9
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size40 to 50 feet tall25 to 40 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Dense
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Reddish-green
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Chinese elm (Ulmus parvifolia) is a tree for specimen planting, shade gardens, and winter interest. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, or down to -30°F (-34°C). This plant likes full or part sun and dry to moist, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. It grows at a moderate rate and forms a dense shape. Birds visit the tree, and it tolerates drought and salt.
Pairs well with Hinoki cypress, Lenten rose, and Christmas fern.
Native range
China, Korea, and Japan.