Loowit Northern Japanese Hemlock

Loowit Northern Japanese Hemlock (Tsuga diversifolia 'Loowit')

Loowit Northern Japanese Hemlock is a miniature, slow-growing selection of Northern Japanese hemlock forming a tight, bun-shaped mound of short, deep green needles; its refined texture and compact habit make an elegant four-season accent for rock gardens, troughs, and shaded borders.

Distinctive Features

Dwarf Cushion Form: Naturally mounding, very slow growth with dense, layered sprays; Fine Evergreen Texture: Short, soft needles create a plush look with subtle winter depth of color.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Partial shade to bright dappled light; protect from hot afternoon sun.
• Soil: Moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil; avoid compaction and standing water.
• Water: Keep evenly moist, especially in heat and during establishment; do not allow prolonged drought.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 7.
• Mature Size: About 10 to 18 in tall and 16 to 24 in wide in 10 years; slowly larger with age.
• Soil pH: Acidic to slightly acidic, about 5.0 to 6.5.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Jewel-box specimen for small beds, troughs, and containers.
• Rock and Conifer Gardens: Pairs with dwarf pines, spruces, and stones for scale and contrast.
• Woodland Border: Adds low, evergreen structure beneath taller shrubs.
• Foundation Accent: Neat mound softens edges without overgrowing.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Deeply soak during dry spells and maintain even moisture with mulch.
• Pruning: Minimal; light tip-pinching after spring flush to refine outline; avoid cuts into bare wood.
• Fertilizing: Apply an acid-forming, slow-release fertilizer in early spring if soil tests indicate need.
• Mulching: 1 to 2 in layer of pine bark or leaf mold, kept a few inches from the trunk, to cool roots and conserve moisture.
• Notes: Site out of drying winter winds; monitor for hemlock woolly adelgid and treat promptly if detected.

Why Choose Loowit Northern Japanese Hemlock?

• Miniature Scale: True dwarf fits the smallest spaces and containers.
• Four-Season Elegance: Dense, soft needles hold color year-round.
• Tidy Habit: Naturally neat cushion needs little shaping.
• Shade Adaptability: Performs reliably in dappled light where many conifers struggle.

Plant in acidic, well-drained soil with partial shade and steady moisture to showcase its compact, jewel-like form.