Wych elm
Ulmus glabra · Ulmaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around wych elm and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- Spring (March-April), inconspicuous flowers
- Mature size
- 20 to 25 m tall, 15 to 20 m wide
- Growth
- Moderate to fast
- Hardiness
- Very hardy, down to -20 °C
- Origin
- Northern and central Europe, mountainous regions
- Soil type
- Rich, well-draining soils, slightly acidic to neutral
Care
Exposure
Mountain elm thrives in full sun or partial shade. Plant it in a well-aerated location with good light to promote balanced growth and a harmonious form.
Watering
Water regularly after planting to establish good root development. Once established, elm is fairly tolerant of moderate drought. During prolonged summer periods, deep watering helps root development.
Soil and drainage
Choose soil rich in organic matter, well-draining and deep. This tree tolerates slightly acidic to neutral soils. Improve poor soil by incorporating compost at planting time.
Pruning and maintenance
Little intervention needed; prune in autumn or late winter to remove dead or poorly oriented branches. Avoid severe pruning which weakens the tree. Let its natural form develop.
Nutrition
An application of well-decomposed compost in spring is generally sufficient. Elms don't require intensive fertilization; organic mulch maintains moisture and gradually enriches the soil.
Health prevention
Watch for Dutch elm disease, a serious fungal disease. Maintain good plant health by removing weakened branches. Regularly inspect foliage for signs of disease or pests.
Did you know?
Mountain elm is an emblematic tree of Alpine and subalpine landscapes, long used in agroforestry for its hard and resistant wood. Unfortunately, elm populations across Europe were devastated in the 20th century by Dutch elm disease, caused by a fungus originating in Asia and transmitted by a small beetle; this epidemic profoundly changed rural and urban landscapes.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Japanese zelkovaZelkova serrata
- Chinese elmUlmus parvifolia
- Dutch elmUlmus hollandica
- Field elmUlmus minor
- European white elmUlmus laevis
- Siberian elmUlmus pumila
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.