Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese Elm) - Evergreen Trees Direct

Ulmus parvifolia - Evergreen Trees Direct

Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese Elm)

Name: Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese Elm)
Brand: Evergreen Trees Direct
Price: 1200.00 AUD
Availability: InStock

$1,200.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

999 in stock

Size: 200L

200L 100L 40cm/45L 30cm/33cm

Current Stock Height Guides

30cm/33cm: Enquire within for height guide information.
40cm/45L: 2.6m – 3.0m Approx.
100L: Enquire within for height guide information.
200L: Enquire within for height guide information.

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 parvifolia (Chinese Elm)

Ulmus parvifolia looks excellent when used as a street tree, coastal planting, or in smaller urban gardens. Its elegant vase shape and dense canopy provide attractive shade and structure without overwhelming compact spaces. The glossy, serrated leaves turn yellow-bronze in autumn, adding seasonal interest.

Reaching up to 15 meters tall with an 8–10 meter spread, it fits well spaced 4–8 meters apart for optimal growth. This semi-deciduous tree thrives in full sun to part shade and tolerates drought, salt spray, wind, and urban pollution, making it ideal for tough Australian conditions.

Its low-maintenance nature requires only occasional pruning during youth. For added visual impact, consider underplanting with shade-tolerant groundcovers or smaller shrubs to create layered, textured garden designs.

Key Information to Know

Evergreen / Deciduous

Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese Elm) is an Semi Deciduous Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 10m - 15m Approximately

Mature Width: 8 m – 10 m

Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese Elm) is expected to grow Approx. 50 – 80 cm/year (Moderate to Fast).

Frost Tolerance

Is Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese Elm) frost tolerant?

Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese Elm) is Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

Flowering Information

Ulmus parvifolia does not produce ornamental flowers. Its tiny, inconspicuous blooms appear in late summer to autumn and are quickly followed by papery winged seeds. This species is prized for its attractive mottled bark, elegant branch structure and glossy foliage rather than its flowering display.

Native Information

Is Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese Elm) an Australian Native? No

Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese Elm) is Native to Native to China, Japan, and Korea, where it grows naturally in forests and along stream banks. Widely cultivated worldwide for its toughness and ornamental qualities.

Wildlife Value

Its dense, spreading canopy provides excellent shelter and roosting opportunities for small birds, while its fine foliage supports a variety of beneficial insects. These insects help sustain local food webs, making the Chinese Elm a valuable tree for enhancing biodiversity in suburban gardens, parks and open landscapes.

Sunlight Information

Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese Elm) will thrive best in:

Full Sun
Part Shade

Preffered Soil

Ulmus parvifolia performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam soils with an acidic to neutral pH. It will also tolerate sandy soils if enriched with organic matter to enhance moisture retention and overall vigour. Avoid heavy clay or poorly drained ground unless significantly improved, as these conditions can impede root health and reduce growth. Keep the soil evenly moist during establishment, then gradually reduce watering as the tree matures.

Botanical Information

Common Name: Chinese Elm Tree

Genus: Ulmus

Botanical Species: parvifolia

Family: Ulmaceae

Botanical Name: Ulmus parvifolia

Landscape Uses

Avenue Planting
Street Tree
Shade Tree
Council or Civic Landscapes

Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese Elm) works in an:

Formal Garden – structured, symmetrical design with clipped shapes.
Modern Garden – sleek, minimal, and design-led planting.
Woodland Garden – layered, naturalistic design under dappled light.
Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

Planting, Spacing & Care

Planting Your Tree

Select an Ideal Location: Choose a well-drained site in your garden that receives full sun to light shade. Ensure the area is free from competing vegetation.

Prepare the Soil: Prior to planting, improve soil quality by adding organic matter to enhance drainage and nutrient content.

Planting: Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball of the Chinese Elm Tree and at the same depth. Place the tree in the hole, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly.

Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the tree to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Hedging & Screening: Not typically used as hedging

Feature tree: 4 – 8 meters

Avenue Planting: 4 – 8 meters

Watering: While the Chinese Elm Tree is drought-tolerant once established, regular watering is essential during the first year after planting. Afterward, it can thrive with minimal supplemental watering.

Pruning: Prune the tree as needed to maintain its desired shape and size. This is typically done in late winter or early spring.

Fertilizing: While adaptable to various soils, you can provide the Chinese Elm Tree with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring to promote healthy growth.

How to Grow in Different Soil Types

Ulmus parvifolia prefers well-drained, fertile soil but adapts to a variety of conditions:

Sandy Soil: Fast-draining—add organic matter to improve moisture retention.

Clay Soil: Can be dense—improve with compost and sand for better aeration.

Loamy Soil: Ideal for deep root development and vigorous growth.

Acidic or Alkaline Soil: Tolerates a wide pH range, thriving in neutral to slightly acidic conditions.

Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese 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

Subtropical QLD (Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast)
Northern NSW (Byron, Coffs, Armidale)
Sydney & Central Coast
South Coast NSW (Illawarra to Bega)
Inland NSW / Tablelands (Orange, Bathurst, Canberra)
Melbourne & Surrounds (Metro, Bayside, Geelong, Bellarine, Mornington)
Western District & Central VIC (Ballarat, Bendigo, Hamilton)
Gippsland (Latrobe Valley, East Gippsland)
Adelaide Metro & Coastal
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 parvifolia shows strong drought tolerance, performing reliably through warm, dry periods when planted in well-drained soil. It maintains excellent foliage colour and canopy density with minimal supplementary watering, even during extended heat.

Flowering Information

Does Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese Elm) flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Summer

Flower Type:

Not Applicable

Flower Colour:

Not Applicable

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can the Chinese Elm Tree withstand urban pollution?
A1. Yes, the Chinese Elm Tree is highly tolerant of urban pollution, making it an excellent choice for urban gardens.

Q2. Is the Chinese Elm Tree suitable for bonsai cultivation?
A2. Absolutely, the Chinese Elm's graceful weeping form and adaptability make it an ideal candidate for bonsai enthusiasts.

Q3. How often should I prune my Chinese Elm Tree for maintenance?
A3. Pruning should be done as needed to maintain the desired shape and size of the tree. It is typically carried out in late winter or early spring.

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