Ulmus x hol Wredei 12L

Ulmus 'Wredei' is a slender, upright elm with some of the brightest foliage of any garden tree. The crinkled, wavy-edged leaves grow thickly along stiff, ascending branches. They open a vivid golden yellow in spring, soften towards yellow-green through summer and warm to gold again in autumn. It was selected in Germany in the 1870s. Its narrow, conical shape makes it a good choice for smaller gardens, where a full-sized elm would be out of the question. It also works as a bright focal point against dark evergreens or planted in a gloomy corner.

Plant in any moist, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. In hot, dry or very windy spots the golden leaves can scorch, so a position with some shelter from the midday sun keeps the colour at its best. It is fully hardy and slow-growing, adding roughly 15–20cm a year. It will eventually reach around 4–8m tall and 2.5–4m wide, reaching that size over 10–20 years. Water well through the first summer while it establishes. Pruning is rarely needed beyond removing any dead or crossing wood in winter. Like all elms it can be affected by Dutch elm disease, although 'Wredei' is reported to be more resistant than many other elms.

Each tree is hand-selected before dispatch.

Available from Pengelly Garden Centre.