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Ulmus parvifolia ‘Seiju’ (Chinese Elm)

Chinese Elm 'Seiju', Lacebark Elm 'Seiju'

Ulmus parvifolia 'Seiju', Chinese Elm 'Seiju', Lacebark Elm 'Seiju', Tree with fall color, Fall color, Attractive bark Tree

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
Common names Chinese Elm, Elm, Lacebark Elm
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
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
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Ulmus (Elm)
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Ulmus alata (Winged Elm)
Ulmus americana (American Elm)
Ulmus parvifolia ‘Frosty’ (Chinese Elm)
Ulmus glabra ‘Lutescens’ (Golden Elm)
Ulmus glabra ‘Camperdownii’ (Scotch Elm)
Ulmus pumila (Siberian Elm)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Roots of Life: Exploring the Diverse World of Trees
Spectacular Trees for Vibrant Fall Colors: A Gardener’s Guide
Native Plant Alternatives to Ulmus pumila (Siberian Elm)
Native Plant Alternatives to Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese Elm)
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.
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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
Common names Chinese Elm, Elm, Lacebark Elm
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
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Guides with
Ulmus (Elm)
Not sure which Ulmus (Elm) to pick?
Compare Now

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