The hybrid elm cultivarUlmus 'Den Haag' is a Dutch development derived from a chance crossing of the Siberian Elm cultivar Ulmus pumila 'Pinnato-ramosa' and the Belgian Elm Ulmus × hollandica 'Belgica'. S. G. A. Doorenbos (1891-1980), Director of Public Parks in The Hague, finding that seeds he had sown in 1936 from the Zuiderpark 'Pinnato-ramosa' had hybridized with the local 'Belgica', selected six for trials. The best was cloned and grafted on 'Belgica' rootstock as 'Den Haag'; it was planted first in that city, then released to nurseries elsewhere in the Netherlands. The other five were also planted in The Hague.[1]
Description
The tree is distinguished by its pendulous branches, and its foliage, which is light-green on emergence but turning lime-green and ultimately deep green by midsummer.[2] The leaves are typical of U. pumila × Ulmus × hollandica, being very unequal at the base.[3] The seed is central in the samara.[4]
'Den Haag' leaf
'Den Haag' long shoots
Pests and diseases
Although reputed to be slightly resistant to Dutch elm disease, drought, and frost, the tree has brittle branches, and is vulnerable to Coral-spot Fungus Nectria cinnabarina[5]
Etymology
The tree is named for the city of Den Haag (known as The Hague in English). An unnamed cultivar of the same parentage stood in Zuiderpark, The Hague, in the mid-20th century.[6][7]
Cultivation
The tree remains in commerce in the Netherlands (on its own rootstock) and New Zealand. 'Den Haag' is not known to have been introduced to North America.
'Den Haag' on Southsea Common, Hampshire, UK (2007)
'Den Haag', Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, UK (2015)
Elm cultivars, The Netherlands; 'Den Haag' far right of picture (2014)
Notable trees
The UK TROBI Champion grows at Preston Park in Brighton, measuring 14 m high by 77 cm d.b.h. in 2009. [8]
Synonymy
Ulmus 'Ieplaan': old (original?) name for Ulmus 'Den Haag'.
