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Ulmus szechuanica

A rare tree, deciduous, to about 18m in height, with glossy dark green elliptic leaves to 10cm long, the young leaves emerge red in spring and turn yellow in autumn. Small reddish flowers in late winter or early spring are followed by brownish-green winged fruits

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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
Wider than 8 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Red Red Green Brown Green
Summer Green
Autumn Yellow
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Ulmaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Spreading branched
Genus

Ulmus are deciduous trees, often large, with elliptic or ovate leaves often colouring well in autumn; inconspicuous flowers are followed by winged fruits

Name status

Correct

Plant range
China

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in any well drained soil in full sun or partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings in summer. Chip budding and grafting may also be used. Propagate by seed, see trees and shrubs from seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • Cottage and informal garden
Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, bark beetles, horse chestnut scale and elm gall mites

Diseases

Shows some resistance to Dutch elm disease. May be susceptible to coral spot, honey fungus and phytophthora

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