Chinese Elm Hedge

(Question)

I just read a posting about a Chinese elm hedge that had sections die. This posting was from a couple of years ago. I have just had the same thing happen to my 60 yr old hedge. I have lost a 16 ft portion of the hedge and would like to put the same thing back rather than rip out the remaining 40ft. However, I am having trouble finding a nursery in the Toronto area that carries them. Any ideas? I have already tried plant world, humber nursery and have just emailed sheridan (does not show on their website).

(Answer)

You are right, we had a similar question, Chinese elm hedge posted in 2015.  I’m assuming that you have determined that the remaining hedge has no signs of disease (e.g., fungus).

I’d suggest going to Landscape Ontario’s website, e.g., Find a Company. This site lists several nurseries, with links to their websites – take a look at these, and you may also want to try callhttps://landscapeontario.com/garden-centres/43.516700744629/-79.88330078125ing a few more. If a particular nursery doesn’t carry the plant, ask if they know of anywhere it can be purchased.  Landscape Ontario also has a list of Landscape Designers. If you call a designer near you, they may be able to direct you to a supplier.

When speaking with nurseries/designers, make sure you tell them that you are looking for Chinese or lacebark elm (Ulmus parvifolia) – this could easily be confused with the Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila), which is often mistakenly called Chinese elm, too.

Good luck in sourcing your hedge!