tree

New Horizon Elm

Ulmus 'New Horizon'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

720 inches

Width

420 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Medium

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Long-lived tree

Native To

Garden origin (Hybrid)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

'New Horizon' is a modern elm hybrid developed by the University of Wisconsin-Madison, specifically bred for high resistance to Dutch elm disease. It combines the toughness of Siberian elm with the graceful form of Japanese elm. This cultivar is prized for its excellent disease resistance, strong central leader, and upright, vase-shaped habit reminiscent of the classic American Elm. It has dark green foliage that turns yellow in fall and tolerates tough urban conditions.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

This tree restores the classic, elegant vase shape of the American elm to landscapes where the original was lost to disease. Its dense canopy of dark green leaves provides excellent shade, and the clear yellow fall color is very attractive.

Its high resistance to Dutch elm disease makes it a reliable, long-term investment for urban forestry. It is extremely tough, tolerating compacted soil, drought, salt, and pollution, making it an ideal street, park, or parking lot tree.

As a large-canopy tree, it provides significant ecological services, including stormwater mitigation, air cooling, and carbon sequestration. It provides nesting sites for birds and is a host plant for various insects, including the Eastern Comma and Mourning Cloak butterflies.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site in full sun with ample space for its mature size.
This tree is very adaptable to different soil types.
Dig a planting hole two to three times wider than the root ball.
Set the tree so the root flare is visible at the soil line.
Backfill with the excavated soil and water well.
Mulch over the root zone to conserve moisture and reduce weeds.

Pro Tip

Prune young trees to develop a strong central leader and well-spaced scaffold branches for a durable structure.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly for the first couple of seasons to establish a deep root system.
Perform structural pruning while the tree is young.
Provide plenty of space for the canopy to develop.
Monitor for pests, as it is not immune to insect damage.

Don't

Do not plant in a small, confined space.
Avoid planting under utility lines.
Do not wound the bark with mowers or trimmers.
Don't amend the backfill soil; use the native soil.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Excellent tough street and park treeClassic shade tree for larger landscapesDurable windbreak or shelterbelt tree

Companion Plants

Hosta Hemerocallis Spiraea japonica Viburnum Geranium macrorrhizum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

New Horizon Elm questions

What zones can New Horizon Elm grow in?

New Horizon Elm is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is New Horizon Elm deer resistant?

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

When does New Horizon Elm bloom?

New Horizon Elm typically blooms in early spring through early spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does New Horizon Elm need full sun?

New Horizon Elm does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is New Horizon Elm drought tolerant?

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