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Ulmus minor Webbiana - Elm

Ulmus minor Webbiana
Field Elm, Smooth-leaved Elm, Common Elm

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More information

This cultivar of the field elm, rare in cultivation, is distinguished by its unusual leaves that fold upwards longitudinally. It is a deciduous tree that is very hardy and can reach a height of 24m, with a pyramidal habit, ascending branches and sparse foliage. Suitable for large gardens and parks, it grows in most non-acidic soils, not too dry, in full sun or partial shade.
Height at maturity
24 m
Spread at maturity
12 m
Exposure
Sun, Partial shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -29°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil
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Best planting time October to November
Recommended planting time February to April, September to November
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Flowering time March to April
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Description

Ulmus minor 'Webbiana', also known as Webb's Curly-Leaved Elm, is an unusual cultivar of field elm and is rarely planted in gardens. Its unique leaves, pyramidal habit, and tall stature make it a standout in a park or large garden. Although it is not resistant to Dutch elm disease, this cultivar is sought after by collectors for its ornamental value. Perfectly adapted to our climates, very hardy, and tolerant of a wide range of neutral to alkaline soils, including heavy, chalky, and slightly dry soils.

Ulmus minor 'Webbiana' belongs to the Ulmaceae family. This tree was discovered in London, in Lee's Nursery, around 1868. This cultivar of field elm is characterised by short, rounded leaves, dark green on the upper side and whitish green underneath, folding longitudinally in a "frizzy" manner. Its habit is pyramidal with ascending branches, and its deciduous foliage is relatively sparse. The tree is female and produces fruits. Its subtle flowering occurs in March-April, before the leaves appear in the form of clusters of small red flowers that develop on two-year-old branches. The flowers are followed, in the presence of a male subject nearby, by bi-coloured winged fruits, light red in the centre and lime-green on the edges. The trunk is covered with a rough bark typical of elms. This cultivar was distributed in the trade in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, notably by the Späth nurseries in Berlin and Louis van Houtte in Ghent.

The species, Ulmus minor (syn. Ulmus campestris), is native to a vast area covering Europe, Asia Minor, and North Africa. It is a member of the Ulmaceae family. Nowadays, the Field Elm can still be found here and there, in the form of coppices, regularly cut back due to the disease. A few rare individuals seem to escape Dutch elm disease, and the species also persists in the form of attractive horticultural varieties with reduced growth. Thriving in neutral to chalky soils, this tree appreciates a certain dampness, but can tolerate drier conditions when deeply rooted.

This 'Webbiana' Elm is suitable for large estates and parks due to its significant growth. It will be enhanced by the presence of purple-leaved trees such as Acer platanoides Crimson King, a large Norway Maple with almost black foliage, or the Purple Beech (Fagus sylvatica Atropurpurea). In a park, it can be accompanied by native species such as Quercus robur (English oak), Carpinus betulus (European hornbeam), Tilia cordata (small-leaved lime), and Acer campestre (field maple).

Plant habit

Height at maturity 24 m
Spread at maturity 12 m
Habit spreading
Growth rate normal

Flowering

Flower colour insignificant
Flowering time March to April
Fruit colour red

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour dark green

Botanical data

Genus

Ulmus

Species

minor

Cultivar

Webbiana

Family

Ulmaceae

Other common names

Field Elm, Smooth-leaved Elm, Common Elm

Botanical synonyms

Ulmus 'Webbiana'

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Product reference222310

Planting and care

Ulmus minor 'Webbiana' is best planted in autumn in ordinary soil, even heavy or chalky soil. While it grows faster in moist soil, it adapts well to drier soil once it is well rooted. Plant it in a clear sunny or semi-shaded location. This tree adapts to almost all climates, but it does not like acidic soil. Water and mulch it in the early summers to help it establish. Prune in winter to balance its branches if necessary, and during the season to remove branches with "normal" leaves, which can occur in some varieties.

In the 70s, an epidemic of Dutch elm disease greatly reduced the population of Elms in Europe. Following this event, a monitoring program was implemented. The disease is a fungal disease that is transmitted by a bark beetle. The first symptoms appear on a branch of the canopy and are characterised by wilting and folding of the leaves during the growing season. Generally, the bark beetles invade large specimens exceeding 2m in height. Only organic solutions remain effective, such as pheromone traps or the introduction of bark beetle predators.

Planting period

Best planting time October to November
Recommended planting time February to April, September to November

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow
Type of use Free-standing
Hardiness Hardy down to -29°C (USDA zone 5) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Exposure Sun, Partial shade
Soil pH Neutral, Calcareous
Soil type Clayey (heavy), Clayey-chalky (heavy and alkaline), Silty-loamy (rich and light)
Soil moisture Moist soil, Deep, non-acidic soil

Care

Pruning instructions Prune in winter to balance its branches.
Pruning Pruning recommended once a year
Pruning time February
Soil moisture Moist soil
Disease resistance Poor
Overwinter Can be left in the ground

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