Ulmus X ‘Wingham’

Full Description

Description:Ulmus x ‘Wingham’ is a large stately tree, vigorous and fast growing with a fairly upright habit and green oval leaves. A new variety of Elm that has shown the highest resistance to DED of all new hybrids is now being successfully propagated here in Worcestershire. 

This elm is also an excellent host for the rare UK native White-letter Hairstreak butterfly (Satyrium w-album). Numbers of the butterfly declined dramatically in the late 1960s (after the first outbreak of the well documented lethal strain of DED) as they rely on Elm trees for breeding habitat. The planting of selected Elm hybrids has helped the butterfly to recover in recent years.

This is a worthy new introduction to add to the British countryside.

History: Developed by an Italian research team, the tree has been named Ulmus x ‘Wingham’ by Elm enthusiast Dr David Herling who first planted it at Wingham village in Kent where it has produced over one metre of growth a year on the local alluvium soil.  

Ulmus (Elm) Growing Tips: Tolerant to a wide range of conditions but prefers moist, well drained soils in full sun. Tolerates urban pollution as well as coastal locations. 

Height and Spread (after 10 years): 7m x 4m