Ulmus pumila

RHS Plant Profile
Siberian elm

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Siberian elm RHS

Other common names

dwarf elm

Trees
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A large, broadly upright, deciduous tree to 30m, with rough, oval, toothed, dark green leaves turning yellow in late autumn. Tiny red flowers are produced in early spring followed by winged green fruit

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, 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

Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

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

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Ulmaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
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 seed sown in containers in spring or autumn, or by greenwood cuttings in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance

Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

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

Diseases

May be susceptible to Dutch elm disease (partially resistant), coral spot, honey fungus and phytophthora