Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese Elm) - Evergreen Trees Direct

Ulmus parvifolia - Evergreen Trees Direct

Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese Elm)

$250.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Size: 40cm/45L

30cm/33cm 40cm/45L 100L 200L 400L

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.

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: 8m to 10m

Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese 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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Shipping

Shipping is calculated at checkout based on the pallet space your order occupies in the truck and your delivery location.

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Contact

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Email: sales@evergreentrees.com.au

Phone: (03) 7042 3318

About Your New Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese Elm)

Ulmus parvifolia, the Chinese Elm, is a semi deciduous shade tree with a vase shaped crown and gracefully arching outer branches. The small glossy serrated leaves turn yellow through bronze before falling, and the trunk sheds patches of bark to leave a mottled pattern of grey, cream and tan.

It reaches up to 15 metres tall and 8 to 10 metres wide, adding roughly 50 to 80 centimetres a year. Full sun to part shade suits it, in any reasonably drained soil. Once established it handles frost, drought, wind, salt spray and the compacted ground of urban sites.

Councils and landscapers use it as a street tree, a car park tree and a shade tree in parks, and it works in larger home gardens where a broad canopy is wanted. Formative pruning over the first few years sets the branch structure, after which it asks very little.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Chinese Elm

What is a Chinese Elm?

Ulmus parvifolia is a semi deciduous shade tree from China, Korea and Japan, grown here for its vase shaped crown, small glossy serrated leaves and mottled bark that flakes away to reveal cream and tan patches. It is one of the more urban tolerant deciduous trees available in Australia and is planted widely in streets and parks.

How big does a Chinese Elm grow?

It reaches up to 15 metres tall with a canopy 8 to 10 metres wide in good conditions. In restricted street plantings and shallow soils it usually settles well short of that. Allow at least 8 metres of clear space around the trunk if you want the full arching form to develop.

How fast does a Chinese Elm grow?

Around 50 to 80 centimetres a year, which is moderate to fast for a deciduous shade tree. Growth is quickest in the first ten years and slows as the crown broadens. Advanced trees in larger containers give a usable canopy sooner, which matters on projects where shade is wanted early.

Is a Chinese Elm evergreen or deciduous?

It is semi deciduous. In cool districts it drops its leaves properly through winter after colouring yellow and bronze. In warmer coastal and subtropical areas it often holds much of its foliage, shedding briefly in late winter as the new leaves push through. Either way the bare period is short.

Is a Chinese Elm suitable for coastal positions?

Yes. It tolerates salt laden wind better than most deciduous trees, which is why it turns up in beachside streetscapes along the east coast. Plant it behind the first line of dunes rather than in full frontal exposure, and water it through the first two summers while the roots establish.

Does a Chinese Elm have invasive roots?

Its roots are less aggressive than those of many large elms, but it is still a substantial tree. Keep it at least 4 to 5 metres from house footings, paving and service trenches, and further again from older drainage lines. In street verges use a root barrier or a structural soil cell.

How do I care for a Chinese Elm?

Water deeply through the first two summers, mulch out to the drip line and keep the mulch off the trunk. Prune in late winter while the tree is bare, removing crossing limbs and lifting the canopy over paths. Once established it needs little beyond an occasional check for deadwood.

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 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.

Is Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese Elm) Evergreen or Deciduous?

Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese Elm) is an Semi Deciduous Tree

Mature Height & Width

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

Mature Width: 8m to 10m

Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese Elm) is expected to grow 50cm to 80cm per year (moderate to fast) (approx.).

Growth Rate of Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese Elm)

Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese 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 parvifolia (Chinese Elm)

Is Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese Elm) frost tolerant?

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

Does Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese Elm) Flower?

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.

Does Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese Elm) flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Summer

Flower Type:

Not Applicable

Flower Colour:

Not Applicable

Is Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese Elm) an Australian Native Tree?

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.

What is the Wildlife Value of Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese Elm) ?

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.

How much Sunlight does Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese Elm) need?

Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese Elm) will thrive best in:

Full Sun
Part Shade

Preferred 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.

Is Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese Elm) Drought Tolerant?

Is Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese Elm) Drought tolerant?

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.

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How To Plant Your Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese 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 parvifolia (Chinese Elm)

Hedging and screening: 1 to 1.5 metres apart for a dense informal screen, or 80 centimetres apart for a tighter formal hedge.

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 parvifolia (Chinese Elm) is expected to grow 50cm to 80cm per year (moderate to fast) (approx.).

Medium Growth Rate

Long Term Care For Your Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese Elm)

Watering: Water deeply twice weekly through the first 12 months. Once established, this is drought tolerant and only needs a deep soak during extended dry periods.

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

Pruning: Tip prune in late winter and again in summer to build dense growth. For a formal hedge, light shaping two to three times a year keeps lines crisp.

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 inspection in warm humid conditions is all that's needed.

Planting Your Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese Elm) in Different Soil

Ulmus parvifolia performs best in free-draining loam or sandy loam with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Adaptable to a wide range of soils when drainage is sharp.

Sandy soil: Free-draining and ideal. Mulch lightly to moderate surface temperature.

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

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

pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline preferred. Avoid waterlogging at all times.

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.