Ulmus parvifolia Geisha - Chinese Elm

Ulmus parviflora Geisha or Ulmus parvifolia var. nana variegata is a compact Elm with small leaves and slow growth. Over time, it forms a small tree that is 3m in height and width, notable for its decorative foliage. The very small leaves display a very pronounced cream-white variegation in spring, giving a bright appearance. It prefers to grow in moist and humus-bearing soil, but can also adapt to acidic and moderately alkaline soils. It is resistant to pollution and compact, making it a useful tree for small urban gardens.

Ulmus parvifolia, or Chinese Elm, belongs to the Ulmaceae family, like Mediterranean Hackberry (Celtis) or Zelkova (False Siberian Elm). It is native to Asia, where it can be found from China to Japan, Taiwan, and Korea. In its native habitat, it is a semi-evergreen tree that can reach over 20m in height, with a relatively slow growth rate (about 5m in 20 years). It bears small leaves, which give it its species name (parvus = small in Latin, and folia = leaf), and before they eventually fall late in the season, they turn red. This Elm, introduced to Europe in 1794, has proven to be highly resistant to Dutch Elm Disease.
The Geisha variety has a much smaller growth, reaching only 2m in height after 10 years of planting, and at maturity, it rarely exceeds 3m in height and spread. However, although its dimensions are those of a large shrub, its form is truly that of a tree with a crown carried by a trunk, often branching low into several main branches. When young, it often has an irregular habit, or even a slightly unbalanced one, as the branches tend to grow in all directions, but not always with the same vigour. As it ages, the branching becomes denser and the crown eventually becomes more disciplined, finding a more pleasing balance. The branches bear twigs that are usually arranged in a single plane, somewhat resembling a fishbone. This also explains the somewhat quirky appearance of the plant when the branches are not yet very numerous. As the tree fills out, it takes on a geometric and original architectural look, which is quite ornamental. A similar silhouette can be found in the Nothofagus, or Southern Beech, which also has miniature leaves but a more imposing stature.
Another advantage of this compact tree lies in its foliage. The oval leaves, with toothed edges, are very small, measuring only 2 to 3cm in length on average, which explains the species' popularity among bonsai enthusiasts. In spring, they display a wide cream-white variegation, with some leaves even emerging entirely white. The tree then has a very bright appearance and illuminates the garden with its presence, particularly on cloudy days. As it ages, the variegation gradually fades and only persists as a border around the leaf, while the green part tends to darken. The flowering occurs in April-May, with small insignificant yellow flowers, followed by small fruits that are equally unremarkable in terms of decoration.

Withstanding cold temperatures down to at least -28°C, and highly tolerant of urban pollution, Geisha is the ideal tree for small urban gardens. Moreover, it adapts to most soils, as long as they are not too dry, and proves to be easy to cultivate. It can be integrated into a flowerbed, taking care to leave it some space so that it is not overshadowed by faster-growing plants. A Sambucus nigra Straight Laced will form a nearly black-purple column next to it, contrasting with the white variegation. This Elderberry is also remarkable for its highly dissected foliage and its spring flowering in large clusters of light pink. To continue with colorful foliage, Heuchera Cherry Cola will be perfect as a border at the base of the Elm, with its leaves displaying astonishing colours ranging from copper to reddish and milk chocolate, while its cherry-red flowering further enhances its appeal from May to July. In the background, a Viburnum lucidum will provide a dark green screen that highlights the variegated green of Geisha. This little known, evergreen Viburnum offers abundant white flowering in May-June, and curiously turns red-purple in autumn, like a deciduous shrub!