What hardiness zones is Ulmus glabra 'Camperdownii' suitable for?

Ulmus glabra 'Camperdownii' is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 4, 5, 6, 7.

What are the sun requirements for Ulmus glabra 'Camperdownii'?

Ulmus glabra 'Camperdownii' requires Full Sun.

How much water does Ulmus glabra 'Camperdownii' need?

Ulmus glabra 'Camperdownii' has Medium water needs.

Ulmus glabra 'Camperdownii', Camperdown elm

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Broadleaf Deciduous Trees

Ulmus glabra 'Camperdownii'

Camperdown elm

Ulmaceae

Scotland (cultivar); species native to Europe and western Asia

At a Glance

TypeTree

HabitTrailing

FoliageDeciduous

Height15-25 feet (4.6-7.6 m)

Width15-25 feet (4.6-7.6 m)

Maturity15 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4 - 7

Zone 4

Zone 5

Zone 6

Zone 7

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators

Drought Tolerant

Maintenancemoderate

Overview

Ulmus glabra 'Camperdownii' is a small, strongly weeping deciduous tree reaching 15-25 feet (4.6-7.6 m) tall with a spread of 15-25 feet (4.6-7.6 m), developing a distinctive umbrella-shaped or dome-shaped canopy. The cultivar is always grafted onto a straight trunk of Ulmus glabra (Scotch elm) at 5-7 feet (1.5-2.1 m) height; the graft height determines the mature height. All branches from the graft point grow downward and outward, then sweep to the ground, creating a dense, impenetrable curtain of foliage. Discovered as a natural seedling at Camperdown House, Dundee, Scotland, circa 1850. Leaves are alternate, simple, broadly obovate, 3-6 inches (8-15 cm) long, very rough-textured above (scabrous — sandpaper-like), doubly serrate, dark green, with the characteristic asymmetrical elm leaf base. Fall color is yellow, not a strong feature. Flowers are small, reddish-purple, in clusters along branches in March to April before leaf emergence. Fruit is a round, flat samara (winged seed). Growth rate is moderate at 12-18 inches (30-46 cm) per year in branch length. Susceptible to Dutch elm disease (Ophiostoma ulmi and O. novo-ulmi), though the Pacific Northwest has lower incidence than eastern North America. A Great Plant Picks recommendation.

Native Range

The species Ulmus glabra is native to Europe and western Asia. The cultivar 'Camperdownii' was discovered as a natural seedling at Camperdown House, Dundee, Scotland, circa 1850.

Suggested Uses

Planted as a dramatic specimen or focal point where the distinctive weeping dome form can be fully displayed, spaced 15-20 feet (4.6-6 m) from other trees. Creates a natural 'living tent' or children's play space beneath the canopy curtain. Effective near water features, in courtyards, and as a lawn specimen. The architectural form provides strong winter interest. Historic specimens exist in parks and arboreta throughout the Pacific Northwest. A Great Plant Picks recommendation.

How to Identify

Identified by the distinctive umbrella-shaped or dome-shaped canopy with all branches weeping to the ground from a graft point, large rough-textured elm leaves, and visible graft union on a straight trunk. Distinguished from all other weeping trees by the unique dome shape with branches forming a dense curtain to the ground. Distinguished from Salix babylonica (weeping willow) by large, rough elm leaves (not narrow willow leaves) and much smaller size.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height15' - 25'

Width/Spread15' - 25'

Reaches mature size in approximately 15 years

Colors

Flower Colors

red

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

yellow

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~2 weeks

Spring

Small reddish-purple flowers in clusters appear along branches in March to April before leaf emergence. Not ornamentally significant. The primary ornamental feature is the distinctive weeping canopy form, visible year-round.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Reddish-purple

Foliage Description

Dark green, very rough-textured

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Partial Shade

Requires 4-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 8.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loamclaysilt

Drainage

well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

5-8 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Water regularly during the first two growing seasons. Established trees are moderately drought-tolerant. Plant in full sun for the densest canopy. Tolerates a wide range of soils. Monitor for Dutch elm disease: watch for wilting, yellowing, and browning of branches (flagging), particularly in summer. Remove and destroy affected branches immediately, cutting well below visible symptoms. Elm leaf beetle can cause defoliation. Site with good air circulation. Protect the graft union from mechanical damage.

Pruning

Prune in late winter (January through February). Remove any shoots that grow upward from the canopy (reversions to upright growth). Remove branches that touch the ground if pedestrian clearance is needed beneath the canopy. Thin congested interior growth for air circulation and light penetration. Remove dead and crossing branches. Monitor the graft union; remove any shoots emerging from below the graft (rootstock suckers), which will be upright U. glabra.

Pruning Schedule

winter

Maintenance Level

moderate

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic