Ulmus parvifolia 'Frosty' (Chinese Elm)
Chinese Elm 'Frosty', Lacebark Elm 'Frosty', Variegated Chinese Elm
Magnificent, Ulmus parvifolia 'Frosty' (Chinese Elm) is a small deciduous tree of vase shaped habit, noted for its variegated foliage, multi-colored bark and good resistance to Dutch elm disease. The shiny foliage of small, pointy, dark green leaves is adorned with frosty-white edges throughout the season and turns golden-yellow in the fall. Inconspicuous reddish-green flowers appear in late summer. Another striking ornamental feature of this Chinese Elm is the superb exfoliating bark, which flakes to reveal patches of shades of gray, green, brown, and orange. Adding welcome color to the winter landscape, Ulmus parvifolia 'Frosty' is a fascinating elm year-round.
- Grows up to 20 ft. tall (6 m) and 15 ft. wide (4.5 m).
- A full sun lover, this tree is easily grown in rich, moist, well-drained loams. Adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions including wet and dry sites. Drought tolerant.
- Perfect as a specimen plant.
- Keep an eye out for wilts, rots, cankers and leaf spots. Ulmus parvifolia has good resistance to Dutch elm disease, Japanese beetle and elm leaf beetle.
- Ulmus parvifolia species is native to China, Korea, Japan.
- Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
- Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.
Not sure which Ulmus - Elms to pick?
Compare All Ulmus - Elms
Buy Ulmus parvifolia 'Frosty' (Chinese Elm)
Requirements
Hardiness | 4
– 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 5
– 9 |
Climate Zones | 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Trees |
Plant Family | Ulmus - Elms |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 15' – 20' (4.5m – 6m) |
Spread | 10' – 15' (3m – 4.5m) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Tolerance | Clay Soil, Drought |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
By Arkadiusz Wo, Shutterstock, JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 4
– 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 5
– 9 |
Climate Zones | 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Trees |
Plant Family | Ulmus - Elms |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 15' – 20' (4.5m – 6m) |
Spread | 10' – 15' (3m – 4.5m) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Tolerance | Clay Soil, Drought |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |