Ulmus New Horizon is a medium to large tree which is completely resistant to Dutch Elm Disease (DED).  It needs a similar space to grow as Tilia cordata.  In maturity, it forms an attractive rounded canopy with fresh green leaves.  The leaves continue to look fresh even in drought conditions.

This exciting elm shares the same phenology as the native elm and as such is a host to the extremely rare White-letter Hairstreak Butterfly (WLH). The WLH butterfly is native to the UK and an endangered species as DED all but decimated their natural habitat. The Butterfly Conservation organisation has been monitoring the population growth on a stand of Ulmus New Horizon growing in Vauxhall Spring Gardens, London.

This tough tree is a fast grower and quick to establish itself.  This has made the tree a popular alternative to Fraxinus which is no longer available due to a ban on the movement of ash trees in the UK.

The particular qualities of interest are: DED free; native wildlife habitat including the rare White-letter Hairstreak butterfly; fully hardy in extreme cold; drought resistance; tolerant of periodical waterlogging; mid green leaf colour; yellow autumn colour; thrives in coastal conditions and poor soils.

The above characteristics have seen it successfully planted in: SUDS schemes; car parks; central reservations on the highway; harsh urban developments; coastal plantings including as pleached screening; rural avenues and as a specimen tree.

Read our case study on the development of the Dutch Elm Disease resistant Ulmus ‘New Horizon.