Ulmus procera

RHS Plant Profile
English elm

Synonyms

Ulmus minor 'Vulgaris'
Ulmus campestris
Ulmus campestris misapplied
Ulmus procera Dutch elm resistant
Ulmus minor var. vulgaris

Trees

A large, deciduous tree, commonly known as the English elm, which was once a dominant feature of the British countryside growing up to 35 meters tall with a broad, rounded crown. Since the prevalence of Dutch elm disease, it is now only found occasionally found in hedgerows or woodland in England and Wales. The bark is grey-brown, rough and fissured, often with suckers growing from the base of the trunk. The twigs and oval pointed buds are covered in fine, reddish hairs. The leaves are dark green, approximately 4-9 cm in length, sharply double-toothed, hairy and rough to touch on the top surface. The leaves are round to oval with a characteristic asymmetrical base, that taper to a sharp point and turn butter-yellow in autumn. Flowers, rarely if ever produced, are dark pink to red and hang in tassels, appearing between February and March and once pollinated by the wind develop into tiny, winged fruits, known as samaras

Position

Full shade, Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

Higher than 12 metres

Max Spread

wider than 8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
more than 50 years
Max Spread
wider than 8 metres
Max Height
Higher than 12 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full shade Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Ulmaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Spreading branched, Suckering
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

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

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Wildlife gardens
  • Hedging and screens

Pruning

Pruning group 1 or see our page on hedge pruning

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, bark beetles, leafhoppers and elm gall mites

Diseases

Maybe susceptible to dutch elm disease