Ulmus x hollandica 'Serpentina' — Spreading branched

Overview

Ulmus x hollandica 'Serpentina' is a spreading branched trees in the genus Ulmus, part of the Ulmaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Ulmus x hollandica 'Serpentina' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include coastal, cottage and informal garden and wildlife gardens.

About

Ulmus x hollandica 'Serpentina' is a spreading branched deciduous tree cultivar within the Ulmus genus, known for its considerable size and elliptical to ovate leaves that offer notable autumn colour. This cultivar thrives in fertile, well-drained soils such as chalk, clay, loam, or sand, and can be grown in full sun or partial shade, making it suitable for east, south, or west-facing aspects. It is hardy to UK zone H6 and is appropriate for coastal, cottage, informal, and wildlife gardens. Propagation can be achieved through seed, softwood cuttings, chip budding, or grafting.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Ulmus

Sunlight: Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type: Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Well-drained
Aspect: East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness: H6

Plant details

Ulmus x hollandica 'Serpentina' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Trees
Habit: Spreading branched
Foliage: Deciduous
Suggested uses: Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Ulmus x hollandica 'Serpentina'

Propagation: Seed, Softwood cuttings, Chip budding, Grafting
Pest resistance: Aphids, Bark beetles, Horse chestnut scale, Elm gall mites
Disease resistance: Dutch elm disease, Coral spot, Honey fungus, Phytophthora

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Ulmus x hollandica 'Serpentina'?

Ulmus x hollandica 'Serpentina' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Ulmus x hollandica 'Serpentina' need?

Ulmus x hollandica 'Serpentina' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.

Is Ulmus x hollandica 'Serpentina' hardy in the UK?

Ulmus x hollandica 'Serpentina' has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.

How do I propagate Ulmus x hollandica 'Serpentina'?

Seed, Softwood cuttings, Chip budding, Grafting.

More in the Ulmus genus

Browse all Ulmus →