The Ulmus minor ‘Jacqueline Hillier’, commonly known as the Jacqueline Hillier Elm, is a distinctive and attractive deciduous tree that is highly valued for its unique appearance and adaptability. This cultivar is often grown as a small tree or large shrub, making it an excellent choice for gardens and landscapes with limited space. One of the key features of the Jacqueline Hillier Elm is its dense, compact growth habit, which produces a finely textured, bushy form. The leaves are small, serrated, and dark green, turning to shades of yellow in the fall, adding seasonal interest to the garden.

At maturity, the Jacqueline Hillier Elm typically reaches a height of around 3 to 6 meters, with a spread of approximately 2 to 4 meters. This manageable size makes it suitable for a variety of garden settings, including urban landscapes, where space can be at a premium. Its slow growth rate and compact size also make it ideal for use as a specimen plant, hedging, or even bonsai cultivation. The tree’s bark is smooth and grey on younger branches, gradually becoming more fissured with age, adding to its ornamental appeal.

The Jacqueline Hillier Elm is quite adaptable to different soil types, thriving best in well-drained soils but showing a good tolerance for a range of soil conditions, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. It prefers full sun to partial shade, making it a versatile choice for various garden environments. Additionally, this cultivar is relatively low-maintenance and resistant to Dutch elm disease, which has devastated many other elm species. Its resilience and attractive form make the Jacqueline Hillier Elm a highly desirable addition to any garden or landscape design.

Tree Specs

• Common Name: Jacqueline Hillier Elm
• Botanical Name: Ulmus minor ‘Jacqueline Hillier’
• Mature Height: 3-6m
• Key Features:
  • Slow growing small tree
  • Distinctive form
  • Autumn Interest
  • Small garden tree
  • Fissured bark with age
  • Resistant to Dutch Elm disease