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

Ulmus minor 'Variegata' (Silver Elm)

$250.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Size: 40cm/45L

40cm/45L 100L

Current Stock Height Guides

40cm/45L: 1.5m – 2.8m 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: 8m to 12m (approx.)

Mature Width: 10m to 13m

Ulmus minor 'Variegata' (Silver Elm) is expected to grow 50cm to 80cm per year (moderate to 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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Contact

Have a question or a list to send through to us?

Email: sales@evergreentrees.com.au

Phone: (03) 7042 3318

About Your New Ulmus minor 'Variegata' (Silver Elm)

Ulmus minor 'Variegata', sold as the Silver Elm, is a large deciduous tree with a broad, evenly built crown. The small serrated leaves are finely speckled and streaked with white across the whole leaf, so from a distance the canopy reads silver grey rather than green. Autumn brings a soft yellow finish.

Plant in full sun for the strongest variegation, in almost any soil that drains. Growth is moderate to fast at 50 to 80 centimetres a year. Cool temperate and temperate districts suit it, and it takes frost, urban pollution and moderate drought once established. Remove any fully green shoots that appear.

At 15 to 20 metres tall and 10 to 13 metres wide, this is a tree for parks, avenues and large properties rather than a suburban courtyard. Its value is the colour of the canopy itself, a pale mass that stands out against darker planting without relying on flowers or a short autumn window.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Silver Elm

What is the Silver Elm?

Ulmus minor 'Variegata' is a large deciduous elm whose small serrated leaves are finely speckled and streaked with white. Seen as a whole canopy the effect is a soft silver grey rather than a bold cream edge. The crown is broad and evenly built, and the autumn colour is a quiet yellow.

How big does the Silver Elm grow?

Mature height is 15 to 20 metres with a spread of 10 to 13 metres. It is one of the larger ornamental elms, so it belongs in parks, on rural properties and in broad avenue plantings. Allow at least 8 metres from buildings and services and plan for the eventual canopy.

How fast does it grow?

Growth is moderate to fast at roughly 50 to 80 centimetres a year in reasonable soil. Trees establish steadily and thicken their canopy from about the third season. Deep watering through establishment and a well mulched root zone make a noticeable difference to the rate over the first five years.

Does the Silver Elm need full sun?

Full sun brings out the strongest variegation and the densest canopy. In shade the foliage reads closer to plain green and the effect is lost, while the growth becomes drawn and open. An open position with good air movement also reduces leaf problems. It tolerates exposed sites and urban pollution well.

Is it frost tolerant?

Yes. Ulmus minor and its forms are cold hardy and take frost without damage, which suits them to cool temperate and temperate districts across southern Australia. Established trees also handle moderate drought and hot dry summers, though the foliage holds its colour better where there is some moisture in the soil.

How far apart should Silver Elms be planted for an avenue?

Space them 3 metres apart for a uniform avenue if you want the canopies to close over early, though wider spacing of 6 to 8 metres suits a tree of this eventual size over the long term. As a feature tree, allow 3 to 4 metres from other planting so the canopy and form can develop fully.

How do I care for a Silver Elm?

Water deeply through the first two summers and mulch widely. Prune in late winter to establish a single leader and remove crossing limbs while they are small. Cut out any fully green shoots as soon as you see them, since they grow more strongly than variegated wood and will take over the crown.

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
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.

Is Ulmus minor 'Variegata' (Silver Elm) Evergreen or Deciduous?

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

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 8m to 12m (approx.)

Mature Width: 10m to 13m

Ulmus minor 'Variegata' (Silver Elm) is expected to grow 50cm to 80cm per year (moderate to fast) (approx.).

Growth Rate of Ulmus minor 'Variegata' (Silver Elm)

Ulmus minor 'Variegata' (Silver Elm) is expected to grow 50cm to 80cm per year (moderate to fast) (approx.).

They are considered to have a:

Medium Growth Rate

Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Ulmus minor 'Variegata' (Silver Elm)

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

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

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

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.

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

No - Doesn't Flower

Flowering Period:

Spring

Flower Type:

Not Applicable

Flower Colour:

Not Applicable

Is Ulmus minor 'Variegata' (Silver Elm) an Australian Native Tree?

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.

What is the Wildlife Value of Ulmus minor 'Variegata' (Silver Elm) ?

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.

How much Sunlight does Ulmus minor 'Variegata' (Silver Elm) need?

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

Full Sun
Part Shade

Preferred 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.

Is Ulmus minor 'Variegata' (Silver Elm) Drought Tolerant?

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

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.

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How To Plant Your Ulmus minor 'Variegata' (Silver 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 minor 'Variegata' (Silver 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 minor 'Variegata' (Silver Elm) is expected to grow 50cm to 80cm per year (moderate to fast) (approx.).

Medium Growth Rate

Long Term Care For Your Ulmus minor 'Variegata' (Silver 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 minor 'Variegata' (Silver Elm) in Different Soil

Ulmus minor 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 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.