Ulmus minor 'Variegata' (Silver Elm) - Evergreen Trees Direct

Ulmus minor 'Variegata' (Silver Elm)

Name: Ulmus minor 'Variegata' (Silver Elm)
Brand: Evergreen Trees Direct
SKU: ULMMINVARIEG40cm/45L
Price: 220.00 AUD
Availability: InStock

$220.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Size: 40cm/45L

40cm/45L

Current Stock Height Guides

40cm/45L: 1.5m – 2.8m Approx.

Trade Customers

We supply advanced trees to landscapers, developers, architects, and councils Australia-wide. Trade clients receive fast quotes, expert advice, and access to premium stock with reliable freight.

About Ulmus minor 'Variegata' (Silver Elm)

Ulmus minor ‘Variegata’ looks excellent as a large, striking shade tree in parks, large gardens, and avenue plantings. Its variegated leaves with creamy-white margins create a luminous silver effect that adds unique visual interest throughout the growing season. The broad, symmetrical crown provides generous canopy coverage and strong shade.

Reaching 15–20 meters in height with a 10–13 meter spread, it’s well suited for spacious landscapes seeking both structure and ornamental appeal. This tree tolerates urban conditions, moderate drought, and various soils, making it reliable in many settings.

For enhanced landscape impact, plant with spring-flowering bulbs or shade-tolerant groundcovers beneath to add layered texture and seasonal interest. Maintenance is low to moderate, with formative pruning recommended early to develop strong structure.

Key Information to Know

Evergreen / Deciduous

Ulmus minor 'Variegata' (Silver Elm) is an Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 8m - 12m Approximately

Mature Width: 10 – 13 meters

Ulmus minor 'Variegata' (Silver Elm) is expected to grow Approx. 50 – 80 cm/year (Moderate to Fast).

Frost Tolerance

Is Ulmus minor 'Variegata' (Silver Elm) frost tolerant?

Ulmus minor 'Variegata' (Silver Elm) is Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

Flowering Information

Ulmus minor ‘Variegata’ does not produce ornamental flowers. Its very small, inconspicuous spring blooms are followed by papery winged seeds, and the tree is instead admired for its striking variegated foliage, distinctive branching structure and elegant, upright form.

Native Information

Is Ulmus minor 'Variegata' (Silver Elm) an Australian Native? No

Ulmus minor 'Variegata' (Silver Elm) is Native to A cultivated form of Ulmus minor (Field Elm), which is native to Europe, western Asia, and North Africa, where it grows in woodlands, hedgerows, and river valleys.

Wildlife Value

Its dense canopy and layered branching provide excellent shelter and foraging habitat for small birds, while the foliage hosts a variety of beneficial insects that support a healthy garden ecosystem. The combination of habitat structure and seasonal resources makes the Silver Elm a valuable biodiversity-supporting species in larger gardens and open landscapes.

Sunlight Information

Ulmus minor 'Variegata' (Silver Elm) will thrive best in:

Full Sun
Part Shade

Preffered Soil

Ulmus minor ‘Variegata’ 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 foliage health. Avoid heavy clay or poorly drained sites unless significantly improved, as these conditions can reduce vigour and compromise root development. Keep the soil evenly moist during establishment, then gradually reduce watering as the tree matures.

Botanical Information

Common Name: Variegated Elm

Genus: Ulmus

Botanical Species: minor

Family: Ulmaceae

Botanical Name: Ulmus minor 'Variegata'

Landscape Uses

Avenue Planting
Street Tree
Shade Tree
Council or Civic Landscapes

Ulmus minor 'Variegata' (Silver Elm) works in an:

Cottage Garden – romantic mix of flowers, colour, and texture.
Heritage / Traditional Garden – timeless, classic plantings for period homes.
Woodland Garden – layered, naturalistic design under dappled light.
Formal Garden – structured, symmetrical design with clipped shapes.

Planting, Spacing & Care

How to Plant:

Select a Suitable Location: Choose a well-draining site with adequate space to accommodate the mature size of the tree.
Prepare the Soil: Ensure the soil is well-prepared and enriched with organic matter.
Dig a Hole: Create a hole that is deep and wide enough to accommodate the root ball.
Position the Tree: Place the 'Variegata' Elm in the center of the hole, ensuring it is level with the ground's surface.
Backfill: Fill the hole with soil and gently pack it around the root ball.
Water Thoroughly: After planting, water the tree thoroughly to help settle the soil.

Hedging & Screening: Not typically used as hedging

Feature tree: 8 – 10 meters

Avenue Planting: 8 – 10 meters

Caring for Your Tree:

Watering: Maintain consistent moisture, especially during the first few years. Deep watering is essential for healthy root development.
Pruning: Prune as needed to maintain the desired shape and remove dead or crowded branches.
Fertilization: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring to promote growth and vigor.

How to Grow in Different Soil Types

Ulmus minor 'Variegata' thrives in moist, well-drained soil but adapts to a wide range of conditions:

Sandy Soil: Retains little moisture—add compost or organic matter to improve water retention.

Clay Soil: Can become compacted—improve with compost and sand for better aeration.

Loamy Soil: Ideal for strong root development and healthy growth.

Acidic or Alkaline Soil: Prefers neutral to slightly alkaline soils, but is tolerant of various pH levels.

Ulmus minor 'Variegata' (Silver Elm) is expected to grow Approx. 50 – 80 cm/year (Moderate to Fast).

Medium Growth Rate

Root Ball Dimensions (Width × Depth) For Planting

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)

Ideal Conditions

Northern NSW (Byron, Coffs, Armidale)
Inland NSW / Tablelands (Orange, Bathurst, Canberra)
Sydney & Central Coast
Melbourne & Surrounds (Metro, Bayside, Geelong, Bellarine, Mornington)
Western District & Central VIC (Ballarat, Bendigo, Hamilton)
Gippsland (Latrobe Valley, East Gippsland)
Alpine / High Country (Bright, Mansfield)
Adelaide Hills & Barossa

Thrives in

Full Sun
Part Shade

Frost Tolerance

Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

Drought Tolerance

As a young tree it requires regular deep watering to establish well. Once established, Ulmus minor ‘Variegata’ develops moderate drought tolerance, maintaining its canopy structure and leaf variegation through dry periods when planted in well-drained soil. It benefits from occasional supplementary watering during prolonged heat to protect foliage quality.

Flowering Information

Does Ulmus minor 'Variegata' (Silver Elm) flower?

No - Doesn't Flower

Flowering Period:

Spring

Flower Type:

Not Applicable

Flower Colour:

Not Applicable

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What makes Ulmus minor ‘Variegata’ different from other elms?
A: Its unique variegated foliage offers seasonal contrast not found in standard elm cultivars, while retaining the same shade canopy and drought resilience.

Q: Is it suitable for street planting or urban conditions?
A: Yes. It adapts well to urban environments, tolerates moderate pollution, and has some resistance to Dutch Elm Disease.

Q: How much space does it need?
A: Allow 8–10 metres between trees to ensure full canopy development and airflow. Avoid crowding in smaller gardens.

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