Ulmus x hollandica Wredei - Elm

Ulmus x hollandica 'Wredei' is a stunning variety of elm tree that will become a centrepiece in any garden, even in limited space. Covered with small undulate golden leaves that play with the spring and autumn sun, this small tree slowly forms a wide upright column with an extraordinary luminosity in the background of a border or in partially shaded areas. Solar, elegant, it thrives effortlessly away from the scorching sun, in ordinary but cool and deep soil.

Ulmus x hollandica brings together several clones mainly derived from the cross-breeding between Ulmus glabra, the European mountain elm, and U. minor, the field elm once widely spread in our countryside before the devastation of Dutch elm disease. 'Wredei' was born from a sport of 'Dampieri'. Selected in Germany in 1877, it is characterized by moderate growth, a narrowly pyramidal to broadly columnar habit, and foliage that maintains a beautiful yellow colour throughout the growing season.

This is a large deciduous bush or small hardy tree, slow-growing, reaching an average height of 9.50m (31ft 2in) with a 2m (6ft 7in) spread, depending on the growing conditions. Tightly clustered on the branches, its small leaves, measuring 8 to 10cm (3.1 to 3.9in) in length, are wavy, rough, oval-shaped, ending in a point, with a doubly toothed margin. They transition from golden yellow in spring to yellow-green in summer before turning yellow-orange in autumn. Ulmus 'Wredei' produces discreet flowering in March-April, before the leaves appear: it consists of clusters of small reddish flowers that develop on two-year-old branches. The flowers are followed by winged fruits called samaras, which are quite decorative with a light red colour.

Ulmus 'Wredei' clearly deserves a prime spot in the garden, but its dazzling foliage shies away from hot or windy exposures and dry soils. It has its place as a standalone in a modest-sized garden, placed in the center of a bed of low or creeping shrubs (Cotoneaster, spindle trees, creeping junipers), or in the background, in a gently sunny area of the garden. It can also be planted in groups of three specimens to mark a pathway or entrance. In a contemporary setting, it can be paired with purple foliage such as that of the purple hazel or the common hornbeam 'Purpurea'. A more informal and rustic decor will welcome it among the vibrant autumn colours of small maples, deciduous viburnums, hornbean 'Orange Retz', and Persian ironwood.