tree

Drake Chinese Elm

Ulmus parviflora 'Drake'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

480 inches

Width

480 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to Medium

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

60-80 years

Native To

China, Japan, Korea

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Ulmus parviflora, the Chinese or Lacebark Elm, is a tough, adaptable, medium-sized tree highly prized for its beautiful, mottled, exfoliating bark and its high resistance to Dutch elm disease. The 'Drake' cultivar is selected for its classic umbrella-like canopy, graceful, slightly weeping branch tips, and smaller, darker green leaves that remain on the tree longer, making it semi-evergreen in warmer climates.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

A premier shade tree with a graceful, spreading canopy. Its most outstanding feature is the lace-like, exfoliating bark that provides significant visual interest, especially in the winter landscape.

Its fast growth rate, toughness, and tolerance of urban pollution and poor soils make it an excellent and reliable choice for streets, parking lots, and residential yards. It provides dense summer shade.

As a replacement for the American Elm, it restores the classic elm form to the landscape. It provides nesting sites for birds and its dense canopy offers shelter.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a location in full sun with ample space for its mature spread.
This tree adapts to most soil types, but good drainage is beneficial.
Dig a hole two to three times the width of the root ball.
Set the tree so its root flare is at or slightly above the soil line.
Backfill the hole with native soil and water deeply.
Apply mulch to the root zone, avoiding contact with the trunk.

Pro Tip

Train young trees to a single leader and provide structural pruning early to develop a strong framework, preventing future branch failures.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during the first few years to establish a deep root system.
Prune in the dormant season to maintain a strong structure.
Allow the beautiful bark to develop without interference.
Appreciate its toughness and adaptability in difficult urban sites.

Don't

Do not top the tree; it ruins its natural form and health.
Avoid planting too close to buildings or power lines.
Don't allow girdling roots to develop; inspect and correct if necessary.
Avoid excessive fertilization, which is generally not needed.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Graceful and durable shade treeExcellent street or park treeWinter interest specimen with striking bark

Companion Plants

Pennisetum alopecuroides Hosta sieboldiana 'Elegans' Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm' Viburnum dentatum Cornus sericea

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Drake Chinese Elm questions

What zones can Drake Chinese Elm grow in?

Drake Chinese Elm is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Drake Chinese Elm deer resistant?

Yes — Drake Chinese Elm is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Drake Chinese Elm bloom?

Drake Chinese Elm typically blooms in late summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Drake Chinese Elm need full sun?

Drake Chinese Elm does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Drake Chinese Elm drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Drake Chinese Elm handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.