Ulmus parvifolia ‘Seiju’ (Chinese Elm)
Chinese Elm 'Seiju', Lacebark Elm 'Seiju'
Primarily used for rock gardens and bonsai, Ulmus parvifolia ‘Seiju’ (Chinese Elm) is a dwarf deciduous tree of rounded habit, noted for its excellent foliage, multi-colored bark and good resistance to Dutch elm disease. The shiny foliage of leathery, dark green leaves turns yellow to burgundy in the fall. Inconspicuous reddish-green flowers appear in late summer. The most 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 ‘Seiju’ is truly a fascinating elm. Great for mixed borders or containers.
- Grows up to 2-10 ft. tall and wide (60-300 cm).
- 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.
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 | Ulmaceae |
| Genus | Ulmus |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Early, Mid, Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall Winter |
| Height |
2' - 10' (60cm - 3m) |
| Spread |
2' - 10' (60cm - 3m) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Tolerance | Drought, Clay Soil |
| Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers |
| Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden |
Alternative Plants to Consider
Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens
By Steve Todd, Shutterstock
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 | Ulmaceae |
| Genus | Ulmus |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Early, Mid, Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall Winter |
| Height |
2' - 10' (60cm - 3m) |
| Spread |
2' - 10' (60cm - 3m) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Tolerance | Drought, Clay Soil |
| Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers |
| Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden |
