Canadian Hemlock

Canadian Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis)

Canadian Hemlock is a graceful evergreen conifer with soft, finely textured needles, a gently drooping leader, and tiered horizontal branches. Its adaptable, shade-tolerant habit makes a refined specimen, hedge, or woodland anchor in cool, moist, well drained sites.

Distinctive Features

Feathery dark green foliage and small pendant cones provide four-season texture, while the naturally elegant form responds well to selective pruning or shearing for screens and hedges.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Partial shade to full sun in cool climates; protect from hot afternoon sun and drying winds.
• Soil: Moist, well drained, acidic, humus-rich soil; avoid compacted or waterlogged sites.
• Water: Keep evenly moist, especially in summer and during establishment; do not allow prolonged drought.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 7.
• Mature Size: Typically 50 to 70 ft tall and 25 to 35 ft wide; larger with age in ideal conditions.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Elegant, layered branching and soft needles create a classic evergreen anchor.
• Hedges and Screens: Dense foliage shears cleanly for filtered privacy.
• Woodland Gardens: Thrives under high shade with organic soils.
• Windbreak Edges: Functions as a sheltered, filtered barrier in protected sites.
• Naturalistic Groves: Plant in groups for a cool, forested canopy.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Deeply water during dry spells; maintain a consistently cool, moist root zone.
• Pruning: Lightly thin or shear after spring flush to shape hedges and maintain structure.
• Fertilizing: Apply a light, acid-forming, slow-release fertilizer in early spring if soil tests indicate need.
• Mulching: Maintain a 2 to 3 inch mulch ring to conserve moisture and moderate soil temperature, keeping mulch off the trunk.
• Notes: Monitor for hemlock woolly adelgid; provide wind protection and avoid heat-reflective exposures to prevent scorch.

Why Choose Canadian Hemlock?

• Refined Texture: Soft needles and layered branching read elegant year round.
• Shade Tolerance: Performs where many conifers require full sun.
• Versatile Form: Works as specimen, hedge, or in naturalistic groves.
• Four-Season Structure: Evergreen presence anchors beds and borders.
• Responsive to Care: Takes shearing and selective pruning for custom shapes.

Provide dappled light, acidic well drained soil, steady moisture, and shelter from hot wind to keep foliage lush and the canopy dense and healthy.