New Horizon Elm Ulmus 'New Horizon' (PBR)
ABOUT
The Ulmus 'New Horizon' is a hybrid elm tree that is admired for its robust constitution and attractive appearance. Typically, it has a well-formed, dense canopy with a rounded to oval shape that provides ample shade. The leaves of this elm are a rich, dark green, which often turn a bright yellow before they drop in the fall, giving it a striking appearance in different seasons. The foliage is compact, with leaves that are small to medium in size, with a classic elm shape – they are serrated on the edges and have a pointed tip. The bark of the 'New Horizon' elm is another distinctive feature, with a texture that can be described as deeply furrowed, providing an interesting pattern and a rugged look. As a cultivar designed for resistance to Dutch elm disease, it boasts good health and vitality, which contributes to its lush appearance throughout the year. This elm is appreciated not only for its resilience but also for its aesthetics, as it commonly develops a straight trunk and well-placed branches that create an orderly and appealing silhouette. The tree's natural form and stature make it a favorite for use in urban landscapes, parks, and residential areas where its beauty can be enjoyed.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Ulmaceae
Synonyms
New Horizon Elm
Common names
Ulmus 'New Horizon' (PBR).
- Toxicity
To humans
The plant commonly known as Elm, specifically the cultivar 'New Horizon', is not known to be toxic to humans. Therefore, if ingested, it should not cause any symptoms of poisoning or adverse health consequences related to toxicity.
To pets
Like for humans, the Elm, particularly the 'New Horizon' cultivar, is not recognized as having toxic properties for pets. Ingesting parts of this plant should not lead to poisoning or toxic effects in animals such as dogs and cats.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Height
40 feet 12 meters (12 m)
Spread
25 feet 7.6 meters (7.6 m)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Resistant to Dutch Elm Disease - Has increased resistance to fatal diseases that typically affect elm trees.
- Tolerant of Pollution - Adapts well to urban environments where air pollution is common.
- Adaptable to Different Soils - Can grow in a variety of soil types, including clay, sandy, and loamy soils.
- Cold Hardy - Capable of surviving in colder climates without significant damage.
- Drought Resistant - Once established, it has a good tolerance for drought conditions.
- Low Maintenance - Requires minimal pruning and care compared to other ornamental trees.
- Attracts Wildlife - Provides habitat and food for birds and other wildlife.
- Prolific Grower - Grows rapidly and establishes itself quickly in new landscapes.
- Attractive Foliage - Offers lush green leaves that create a dense canopy for shade.
- Sturdy Structure - Possesses a strong and robust form that can withstand various weather conditions.
- Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- Windbreak or Shelterbelt Planting: The 'New Horizon' elm is often used to create windbreaks or shelterbelts to protect crops and buildings from damaging winds.
- Noise Abatement: This elm's dense foliage can act as a sound barrier, reducing traffic or urban noise when planted along streets or around residential areas.
- Erosion Control: The strong root system of the 'New Horizon' elm helps stabilize soil on slopes and banks, preventing erosion.
- Bonsai: Although it is a large tree, the 'New Horizon' elm can be cultivated as a bonsai, thanks to its attractive foliage and adaptable root system.
- Artistic Inspirations: Artists may use the leaf shapes or the overall tree silhouette of the 'New Horizon' elm as inspiration in paintings, drawings, and nature photography.
- Habitat Creation: When planted in groups, 'New Horizon' elms can create a habitat for birds and other wildlife, offering nesting sites and food in urban and suburban settings.
- Educational Purpose: This variety of elm, being disease-resistant, can be used in educational settings to teach about plant pathology and the importance of plant breeding for resilience.
- Privacy Screening: The dense canopy of the 'New Horizon' elm can provide a natural privacy screen for homes and yards, growing into a tall hedge-like formation if planted in rows.
- Urban Heat Island Reduction: The 'New Horizon' elm's canopy offers shade in urban areas, which can help mitigate the urban heat island effect through evapotranspiration.
- Playground Shade: The elm's wide canopy makes it an ideal choice for planting near playgrounds to provide shade for children during hot days.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Elm is not specifically used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Elm is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Strength and Resilience: Ulmus 'New Horizon', commonly known as the 'New Horizon Elm', is a cultivar of elm tree. Elm trees are often associated with strength because they have tough, durable wood and a robust structure. This cultivar's ability to resist disease highlights its resilience.
- Interconnectedness and Relationships: Elms are known for their extensive root systems which can signify the interconnectedness of life and the importance of relationships in our lives.
- Dignity: The elm tree's stately appearance has given it a symbolic meaning of dignity and grace.
- Protection: In history, elms have been planted to provide shade and shelter, representing the idea of protection and sanctuary.
- New Beginnings: The 'New Horizon' suggests the start of something new or the hope for a better future, possibly reflected in the planting of a new cultivar like this one.
- Water
New Horizon Elm (Ulmus 'New Horizon') should be watered deeply once a week, ensuring that the water reaches the roots without waterlogging the soil. During the establishment phase which is typically the first couple of years after planting, it's crucial to maintain consistent moisture. As the tree matures, it becomes more drought-tolerant, but watering should increase to twice weekly during extended periods of heat or drought. Depending on the size of the tree and the weather conditions, newly planted trees may require 15-20 gallons of water each week. Adjustments should be made based on rainfall, with less water needed during wet periods and more during dry spells.
- Light
New Horizon Elm thrives in full sun to partial shade. It's best to plant this tree in a spot where it will receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. They adapt well to a variety of lighting conditions but will have the most vigorous growth and best resistance to disease in full sunlight. Partial shaded areas are also acceptable, but avoid deep shade to ensure healthy development.
- Temperature
New Horizon Elm is hardy and tolerant of a broad range of temperatures, but it performs best when the temperature ranges from 60°F to 85°F. It can withstand cold temperatures down to around -30°F and hot temperatures up to around 100°F. To ensure the best growth and vitality, protect the tree from extreme temperatures and winds, especially in areas with temperature fluctuations that could stress the plant.
- Pruning
New Horizon Elm should be pruned to maintain its shape and remove any broken or diseased branches. The best time for pruning is late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Pruning while the tree is dormant will minimize stress and prevent the spread of disease. It is not necessary to prune every year, but regular inspection for damaged limbs should be part of the tree's care regimen. Removal of any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other will help maintain tree health and appearance.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
New Horizon Elm thrives in a well-drained loamy soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. A mix of garden soil, compost, and sand or perlite is ideal to ensure drainage and fertility.
- Repotting
For young New Horizon Elm trees, repot every 2 to 3 years; mature trees rarely need repotting but should be monitored for pot-bound conditions.
- Humidity & Misting
New Horizon Elm is adaptable to various humidity levels, but moderate ambient humidity is ideal for optimal growth.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place New Horizon Elm in well-lit area; ensure pot has good drainage.
Outdoor
Plant New Horizon Elm in full sun to partial shade with moist soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
- Life cycle
The life cycle of Ulmus 'New Horizon', commonly known as New Horizon elm, begins with seed germination, which occurs under the right conditions of warmth and moisture, although this cultivar is often propagated through cuttings or tissue culture due to its patented nature. After sprouting, the seedling goes through a juvenile phase where it develops its root system and initial foliage. As it matures into the vegetative stage, the elm experiences rapid growth, establishing a robust trunk and branching structure. Following this, it enters the reproductive phase, where it develops flowers that are wind-pollinated, leading to the production of seeds encapsulated in a papery samara. The elm reaches its mature phase with a full canopy and may live for several decades, contributing to its ecosystem by providing shade, habitat, and participating in the local carbon and nutrient cycles. Eventually, the elm enters a senescence stage, where growth slows and the tree may succumb to environmental stresses, pests, diseases, or natural aging processes, completing its life cycle.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Ulmus 'New Horizon', commonly known as the 'New Horizon Elm', is often propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings, which is among the most popular methods for this variety. This procedure is generally carried out in late summer. Cuttings are taken from the current year's growth and typically measure 4 to 6 inches (about 10 to 15 centimeters) in length. The bottom leaves of the cutting are removed, and the cut end is often dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then planted in a well-draining rooting medium and kept in a humid environment until roots establish, after which it can be transferred to a more permanent location. This approach is preferred for ensuring genetic consistency and achieving successful growth in new 'New Horizon Elm' trees.