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Ulmus parvifolia Seijuv

Ulmus parvifolia Seiju
Chinese Elm

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More information

Lovely dwarf form of the Chinese elm, this deciduous small tree is highly valued by bonsai enthusiasts. Its bark is decorative, its green leaves are tiny and often turn yellowish-orange in autumn. Its modest dimensions, not exceeding 2.50 m (8ft) in height and 3 m (10ft) in width, are suitable for small gardens and container cultivation. This variety is resistant to pollution and diseases. To be planted in ordinary but well-drained soil.
Height at maturity
2.50 m
Spread at maturity
3 m
Exposure
Sun, Partial shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -12°C
Soil moisture
Dry soil, Moist soil
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Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time March to May, September to October
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Flowering time February to March
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Description

The Ulmus parvifolia 'Seiju' is a dwarf variety of Chinese elm with bonsai-like features, perfectly suited for small spaces and container gardening, especially on an urban patio. This small deciduous tree captivates with its irregular globular habit, bark, and well-furnished small leaves that change colour in autumn. Quite resistant to Dutch elm disease, it can be easily grown in any well-drained soil, even slightly chalky and dry.

The Ulmus parvifolia 'Seiju', discovered in 1975, originated from a spontaneous mutation of a branch from the 'Hokkaido' variety, differing from it by having larger leaves. This small tree belongs, like all elms, to the Ulmaceae family. The typical species, Ulmus parvifolia or U. chinensis, is native to Asia, particularly Japan and China. It is an elm appreciated for its adaptability, ease of cultivation, and resistance to pollution, heat, diseases, and pests. Inexperienced bonsai enthusiasts often choose it as a starter tree, provided it can be protected from severe winter frosts.

The Ulmus parvifolia 'Seiju' demonstrates slow growth, rarely exceeding 2.50 m (8ft) in height and 3 m (10ft) in width at maturity. It has a more or less wide habit, with a slightly irregular, rounded, or even slightly spreading crown. It forms one or several short trunks with highly branched branches. Its bark is truly interesting from a young age: light grey peels off in patches, revealing an orange "new skin". Large lenticels form here and there, especially around wounds. The young twigs are shiny, brown, and hairy, quickly becoming glossy. The leaves of this 'Seiju' elm measure between 5 and 8 mm (1in) in length; they are thick, ovate, and finely toothed, with a shiny dark green colour arranged regularly on the branches. They are semi-evergreen: they fall off in winter if it is very cold but can remain evergreen in milder climates. In late autumn, the foliage sometimes takes on a yellow-orange tint under the effect of cold. In the ground, the 'Seiju' Chinese elm can withstand temperatures down to -12 °C (10.4°F) once well-established.

The Ulmus parvifolia 'Seiju' will particularly interest bonsai enthusiasts and urban gardeners. It will blend well with other unusual plants, such as twisted trees and shrubs.

Plant habit

Height at maturity 2.50 m
Spread at maturity 3 m
Habit spreading
Growth rate slow

Flowering

Flower colour insignificant
Flowering time February to March

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour dark green

Botanical data

Genus

Ulmus

Species

parvifolia

Cultivar

Seiju

Family

Ulmaceae

Other common names

Chinese Elm

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Product reference20284

Planting and care

The Ulmus parvifolia 'Seiju' should be planted in autumn or spring in ordinary soil, even slightly chalky, but adequately drained. Although it grows faster in moist soil, it adapts well to drier soil once it is well-rooted. It does not appreciate clay soil saturated with water in winter. As it also tolerates urban pollution, it is well suited for planting in cities. Water and mulch during the first summers, prune in winter during the early years to balance its branches, and remove dead wood. This small tree is not very cold-resistant: when grown as a bonsai, it should be sheltered in a bright and cool place as soon as the temperature drops below -5 °C (23°F). In the ground, a well-established specimen can survive a brief frost of around -12 °C (10.4°F).


In the 70s, an epidemic of Dutch elm disease severely reduced the population of elm trees in Europe. Following this event, a monitoring program was put in place. The disease is caused by a fungus called Dutch elm disease (cryptogamic disease = disease caused by a fungus) transmitted by a beetle called the elm bark beetle. The first symptoms appear on a branch of the crown and are characterised by wilting and curling of the leaves during the growing season. This variety of elm is resistant to Dutch elm disease, but it can be attacked by other insects, mainly when cultivated in a greenhouse.

Planting period

Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time March to May, September to October

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow
Type of use Free-standing, Container
Hardiness Hardy down to -12°C (USDA zone 8a) Show map
Ease of cultivation Beginner
Planting density 1 per m2
Exposure Sun, Partial shade
Soil pH Neutral
Soil type Silty-loamy (rich and light)
Soil moisture Dry soil, Moist soil, Well-drained

Care

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

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