With its intense color and space-saving growth, the golden elm is ideal for gardens of any size or decorates terraces when kept in a pot. Especially in the growth form of the standard trunk, it impresses with its visual appearance all year round. Can you imagine keeping a golden elm as a standard tree in your garden? After reading more about the special growth form below, you'll definitely get a taste for it.
Why is a golden elm suitable as a standard tree for gardens?
A golden elm as a standard tree is ideal for small and large gardens because it is compact and has golden yellow leaves. It is hardy, relatively robust against Dutch elm disease and prefers sunny locations for bright leaf color.
Growth of the golden elm
The golden elm is a deciduous tree that is less commonly found as a shrub. In general, botanists differentiate between four basic growth forms of woody plants:
- Shrub
- Heister
- High trunk
- Half trunk
With the golden elm as a standard tree, which this article deals with, the deciduous tree has a branchless trunk between the roots and the crown. One speaks of a standard tree when it is 175-200 cm tall.
Advantages of a golden elm as a standard tree
- red flowers in spring
- golden yellow leaf dress
- small and compact, also suitable for small gardens (only 10 m high)
- In contrast to other elm species, it is relatively robust against Dutch elm disease
- hardy
Care tips
Selection of location
The golden elm loves sunny locations. Shady places reduce the intensity of the otherwise bright golden yellow leaves.
Plants
The best times to plant a golden elm are fall or spring. However, the deciduous tree should still have enough time to form roots before the first frost comes when planted in autumn. For optimal nutrient supply, you should cover the loamy, alkaline-rich soil with a layer of compost before placing the golden elm in the hole. This should remain in a water bath for at least a quarter of an hour. Immediately after planting, it is important to water the golden elm intensively. It also needs a lot of water during the growth phase. Only later can you gradually stop watering. A layer of mulch protects the substrate from drying out.
Effects of pruning
Cut your golden elm as a standard tree on a frost-free winter day between November and March. Please note, however, that pruning will result in increased runner formation.
