Ulmus parvifolia 'Frosty'

The Chinese Elm cultivar Ulmus parvifolia 'Frosty', or 'Frosty' lacebark elm, was intended primarily as a dwarf variegated variety. Krüssmann (1976) states that it was raised in Japan.^[1] It was first distributed by the Mitsch Nursery, Oregon, USA.^[2]

Ulmus parvifolia 'Frosty'
'Frosty' leaves.
Species	Ulmus parvifolia
Cultivar	'Frosty'
Origin	Japan

Description

The tree is distinguished by its small leaves, which rarely exceed 18 mm in length and feature at first irregular white-flecked margins, "finally white only on the teeth".^[3][4] The foliage emerges creamy-yellow in spring,^[5] some leaves remaining pale later into the year.^[6] The canopy turns rich yellow in the fall.^[7] Descriptions of the cultivar's vigour and ultimate height vary from "a slow-growing shrub attaining no more than 8 ft (2.5 m)",^[6] to "growing at a fast rate, to about 20 ft tall at maturity, with a spread of 15 ft".^[7]

Pests and diseases

The species and its cultivars are highly resistant, but not immune, to Dutch elm disease, and unaffected by the Elm Leaf Beetle Xanthogaleruca luteola.^[8]

Cultivation

'Frosty' is relatively common in cultivation on both sides of the Atlantic. In 2008 it was described as "uncommon" in Victoria, Australia.^[9] Spencer (1995) reported it first listed in Australia around 1982 but present earlier (see Notable Trees).^[10]

Notable trees

Spencer (1995) reported a large specimen reverting to green, at the back entrance of Beechworth Mental Hospital, Beechworth, Victoria, Australia.^[10]

Cultivars

• 'Lois Hole', raised from a cutting of 'Frosty', has more pronounced white margins.

Accessions

North America

• Dawes Arboretum Newark, Ohio, US. 1 tree, accession number 1981-0131.001.^[11]
• Denver Botanic Gardens, US. No details available
• Holden Arboretum, US. Acc. no. 85-176
• J.C. Raulston Arboretum, Raleigh, North Carolina. No accession details on bark label.^[12]
• Smith College, US. Acc. no. 23703

Europe

• Clapton Court, Somerset, UK. TROBI Champion, 7 m high, d.b.h. 14 cm in 2006
• Royal Horticultural Society Gardens, Wisley, UK. No details available
• Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, UK. Acc. no. 1982.0008

Australia

• Glenormiston College, Glenormiston Road, Glenormiston South, Victoria 3265; 2 trees, 4 m in height (2008)^[9][13]

Nurseries

North America

Widely available.

Europe

Widely available.

Australasia

• Yamina Rare Plants , Monbulk, Melbourne, Australia.