Ulmus glabra 'Lutescens' - Evergreen Trees Direct

Ulmus glabra ‘Lutescens’ – Golden Elm

$170.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Size: 30cm/33cm

30cm/33cm 40cm/45L 50cm/75L 100L 150L 200L 300L 400L

Current Stock Height Guides

40cm/45L: 1.9m – 2.8m Approx.
100L: 2.1m – 3.8m Approx.

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you mustconfirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 10m to 15m (approx.)

Mature Width: 12m to 15m

Ulmus glabra ‘Lutescens’ – Golden Elm is expected to grow 60cm to 90cm per year (fast) (approx.).

Root Ball Dimensions

Use this as a reference when digging your planting hole. We recommend digging at least 10% wider than the dimensions below to encourage strong root development.

30cm Pot: 33cm (W) × 30cm (D)
40cm/45L Pot: 44cm (W) × 41.5cm (D)
50cm Pot / 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (D)
150L Bag: 66cm (W) × 55cm (D)
200L Bag: 71.5cm (W) × 60.5cm (D)
300L Bag: 88cm (W) × 63.8cm (D)
400L Bag: 99cm (W) × 66cm (D)
500L Bag: 122cm (W) × 66cm (D)
750L Bag: 134cm (W) × 69cm (D)
1000L Bag: 146.3cm (W) × 71.5cm (D)
2000L Bag: 176cm (W) × 82.5cm (D)

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Email: sales@evergreentrees.com.au

Phone: (03) 7042 3318

About Your New Ulmus glabra ‘Lutescens’ – Golden Elm

Ulmus glabra 'Lutescens', the Golden Elm, is a deciduous tree grown for foliage colour rather than flowers. The leaves open butter yellow in spring, hold a gold to lime tone through summer and finish yellow in autumn. The crown is broad and rounded on a short trunk, giving a solid, low domed outline.

It grows fast, roughly 60 to 90 centimetres a year, in full sun to part shade. Deep soil with steady moisture gives the best colour, and hot dry wind can scorch the foliage, so shelter it inland. Cool temperate and temperate climates suit it. Frost is no problem and established trees handle dry spells.

Mature size is 10 to 15 metres tall and 12 to 15 metres wide, so the canopy finishes broader than the tree is high. That spread makes it a lawn specimen, a park tree or shade over a long driveway. One tree can carry a whole garden, which is why so many landscapes are built around it.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Golden Elm

What is a Golden Elm?

Ulmus glabra 'Lutescens' is a deciduous tree grown for foliage colour rather than flowers. The leaves open butter yellow in spring, hold a gold to lime tone through summer and finish yellow in autumn. The crown is broad and rounded on a short trunk, which gives it a solid, low domed outline.

How big does a Golden Elm grow?

Mature size is 10 to 15 metres tall and 12 to 15 metres wide, so the canopy is broader than the tree is high. Allow at least 8 metres of clear space around it. This is a tree with real presence, and it needs the room to show the shape it is grown for.

How fast does a Golden Elm grow?

It is fast, around 60 to 90 centimetres a year in deep soil with reliable moisture. Advanced trees establish quickly and put on canopy within a few seasons. Growth is slower in shallow or dry ground, and heat stressed trees hold less colour, so preparing the planting hole properly is worth the effort.

Does a Golden Elm need full sun?

Full sun to part shade both work, but the golden colour is strongest in full sun. In hot inland districts some afternoon shade and shelter from dry wind prevent the foliage scorching and browning at the edges. In cool temperate gardens it takes sun all day without any trouble at all.

Is it deciduous?

Yes. Golden Elm drops its leaves through autumn and stands bare over winter, then leafs out in a strong gold flush in spring. Insignificant flowers appear on the bare wood in early spring ahead of the foliage. The bare winter period lets sun through to whatever is planted or built beneath it.

Does the Golden Elm have invasive roots?

The root system is wide and largely shallow, and it will lift paving and compete with nearby garden beds. Keep it at least 8 to 10 metres from house slabs, drains and driveways. It can also sucker from the roots, particularly if they are damaged, so avoid cultivating under the canopy.

How do I care for a Golden Elm?

Water deeply through the first two or three summers and keep a wide ring of mulch, since the surface roots dislike turf competition. Prune in late winter to build a strong framework and remove narrow forks while they are small. Watch for elm leaf beetle from late spring and treat if damage builds.

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

Enriched Planting Mix is a certified organic blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent, bagged in 30L. It is built to be dug through existing garden soil at planting time rather than used on its own, and the gypsum is what sets it apart from a plain compost.

Gypsum helps break up heavy clay so water and roots can move through it, while the compost and manure return organic matter and nutrient to tired ground. The coarse bark holds structure and keeps air around the root zone, and the wetting agent keeps moisture in the soil longer after rain or watering.

Use it when planting trees, shrubs, roses, fruit trees and exotic garden plants, particularly into clay. Dig a hole twice the width of the pot and 7 centimetres deeper, then mix roughly one third planting mix through the excavated soil. Spread 7 centimetres of that improved soil in the base before setting the plant in.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Enriched Planting Mix

What is Enriched Planting Mix made from?

It is a blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent. Each part has a job. The compost and manure supply organic matter and nutrient, the gypsum works on clay structure, the bark keeps air around the roots and the wetting agent holds moisture in the soil.

What plants is it suitable for?

It suits exotic garden plants, including roses, ornamental and deciduous trees, fruit trees, shrubs and perennials, and it earns its keep most on heavy clay sites. It is a planting mix rather than a potting mix, so its job is improving soil at planting time. Phosphorus sensitive natives are the one clear exception.

Is it safe for natives?

No, not for the phosphorus sensitive ones. The composted animal manure in this blend lifts phosphorus well above what Proteaceae such as Banksia, Grevillea, Hakea and Protea will tolerate, and the result can be leaf burn, dieback and plant death. Use the Native Potting Mix for those species, or plant them into unimproved local soil.

Is it certified organic?

Yes. It is a certified organic product with no chemical additives, which is why the manure and compost in it are fully composted rather than raw. That makes it sound around fruit trees and vegetable beds, and it means you are adding genuine organic matter to your soil rather than a synthetic conditioner.

How much do I need?

Work on roughly one third planting mix to two thirds of the soil you dug out of the hole. For a shrub out of a 200 millimetre pot that is only a few litres. An advanced tree going into a large hole will take considerably more. Judge the quantity by the volume of the hole rather than the size of the plant.

Can I use it in pots?

It is not a potting mix and should not be used on its own in a container. The blend is designed to be diluted through garden soil, and used straight in a pot it holds too much water and settles badly. For containers, reach for a premium potting mix, or the native mix if you are potting natives.

Does it need to be watered in?

Yes. Water the plant well several hours before you plant it, then water thoroughly again once the hole is backfilled and the soil firmed down. That first deep watering settles the improved soil around the root ball and drives out air pockets. Keep the water up over the first few months while the roots establish.

View full details

Type: Garden Supplies

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

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Uses in my Garden

Avenue Planting
Feature Tree
Shade Tree
Street Tree
Council or Civic Landscapes

Ulmus glabra ‘Lutescens’ – Golden Elm works in an:

Formal Garden – structured, symmetrical design with clipped shapes.
Heritage / Traditional Garden – timeless, classic plantings for period homes.
Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

Is Ulmus glabra ‘Lutescens’ – Golden Elm Evergreen or Deciduous?

Ulmus glabra ‘Lutescens’ – Golden Elm is an Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 10m to 15m (approx.)

Mature Width: 12m to 15m

Ulmus glabra ‘Lutescens’ – Golden Elm is expected to grow 60cm to 90cm per year (fast) (approx.).

Growth Rate of Ulmus glabra ‘Lutescens’ – Golden Elm

Ulmus glabra ‘Lutescens’ – Golden Elm is expected to grow 60cm to 90cm per year (fast) (approx.).

They are considered to have a:

Fast Growth Rate

Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Ulmus glabra ‘Lutescens’ – Golden Elm

Is Ulmus glabra ‘Lutescens’ – Golden Elm frost tolerant?

Ulmus glabra ‘Lutescens’ – Golden Elm is Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

Does Ulmus glabra ‘Lutescens’ – Golden Elm Flower?

Ulmus glabra ‘Lutescens’ does not produce ornamental flowers. Its small, inconspicuous blooms appear in late winter to early spring, followed by papery winged seeds. The tree is primarily admired for its striking golden foliage, elegant branching structure and strong seasonal presence rather than its flowering display.

Does Ulmus glabra ‘Lutescens’ – Golden Elm flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Spring

Flower Type:

Not Applicable

Flower Colour:

Not Applicable

Is Ulmus glabra ‘Lutescens’ – Golden Elm an Australian Native Tree?

No

Ulmus glabra ‘Lutescens’ – Golden Elm is Native to Derived from Ulmus glabra, native to Europe and western Asia. ‘Lutescens’ is a long-cultivated ornamental form prized for its golden foliage.

What is the Wildlife Value of Ulmus glabra ‘Lutescens’ – Golden Elm ?

Its broad, arching canopy provides excellent shelter, nesting space and protection for small birds, while the foliage supports beneficial insects that help sustain local food webs. This makes the Golden Elm a valuable species for enhancing biodiversity in larger gardens, parks and open landscapes.

How much Sunlight does Ulmus glabra ‘Lutescens’ – Golden Elm need?

Ulmus glabra ‘Lutescens’ – Golden Elm will thrive best in:

Full Sun

Preferred Soil?

Ulmus glabra ‘Lutescens’ performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam soils with an acidic to neutral pH. It will also tolerate lighter sandy soils if enriched with organic matter to support moisture retention and sustained leaf colour. Avoid heavy clay, compacted soils or waterlogged areas unless significantly improved, as these conditions can stunt growth and reduce canopy vigour. Keep the soil evenly moist during establishment, then gradually reduce watering as the tree matures.

Is Ulmus glabra ‘Lutescens’ – Golden Elm Drought Tolerant?

Is Ulmus glabra ‘Lutescens’ – Golden Elm Drought tolerant?

As a young tree it requires regular deep watering to establish well. Once established, Ulmus glabra ‘Lutescens’ develops moderate drought tolerance, performing reliably through warm, dry periods when planted in well-drained soil. Occasional supplementary watering during extended heat helps maintain its bright foliage colour and canopy health.

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How To Plant Your Ulmus glabra ‘Lutescens’ – Golden Elm

Site: Choose a well-drained position in full sun to part shade with room for the canopy to develop.

Soil preparation: Enrich the planting area with quality compost and aged manure for a strong establishment phase.

Hole: Dig twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth.

Planting: Position level with the surrounding soil, backfill gently, firm in, then water deeply to settle the roots.

Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Ulmus glabra ‘Lutescens’ – Golden Elm

Feature tree: 3 to 4 metres apart to allow the full canopy and form to develop.

Avenue planting: 3 metres apart for a uniform soft-textured avenue.

Ulmus glabra ‘Lutescens’ – Golden Elm is expected to grow 60cm to 90cm per year (fast) (approx.).

Fast Growth Rate

Long Term Care For Your Ulmus glabra ‘Lutescens’ – Golden Elm

Watering: Water deeply twice weekly through the first 12 months. Once established, reduce to once weekly in dry periods. Mulch helps maintain consistent moisture.

Mulching: Apply a 5 to 7 centimetre layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it 5 centimetres clear of the trunk.

Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Light tip prune in late winter to maintain shape, and remove lower branches as the tree grows to develop a clean feature trunk.

Fertilising: Apply a slow-release general-purpose fertiliser in early spring and again in autumn for steady growth and consistent foliage colour.

Pest and disease: Hardy against most pests and diseases. Occasional scale or caterpillar inspection in warm humid conditions is all that's needed.

Planting Your Ulmus glabra ‘Lutescens’ – Golden Elm in Different Soil

Ulmus glabra performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Adaptable to a wide range of soils when drainage is improved with organic matter.

Sandy soil: Free-draining and ideal. Mulch well to maintain consistent moisture.

Clay soil: Improve drainage with gypsum and organic compost before planting.

Loam: The preferred soil for steady root development and consistent growth.

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral preferred. Mulch with composted leaf litter to maintain levels naturally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What sets Golden Elm apart from other elms?
A: Its golden foliage delivers striking seasonal contrast. Its structure is broader and lower than most elms, offering better ground-level shade coverage.

Q: Is Ulmus glabra ‘Lutescens’ suitable for urban planting?
A: Yes. It tolerates urban pollution, compacted soils, and light frost, making it an excellent street or public park tree.

Q: How fast does it grow?
A: It’s one of the faster-growing elm varieties, with annual growth often exceeding 60cm under ideal conditions.