Sargent's Weeping Hemlock

Sargent's Weeping Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis 'Sargentii')

Sargent's Weeping Hemlock is a graceful weeping form of eastern hemlock with cascading, layered branches and soft, finely textured needles. It can be staked to form a low weeping tree or left untrained to drape naturally, creating a sculptural focal point in shaded gardens.

Distinctive Features

Strongly pendulous branching forms waterfalls of deep green foliage that read elegant year round; training to a leader adjusts height and silhouette while untrained plants form broad, mounded drifts.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Partial shade to bright filtered light; provide afternoon shade and wind protection in hot sites.
• Soil: Moist, well drained, acidic, humus-rich soil; avoid compaction and standing water.
• Water: Maintain even moisture, especially in summer; do not allow prolonged drought.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 7.
• Mature Size: About 6 to 10 ft tall and 8 to 12 ft wide in 10 years; larger with age or staking.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Dramatic weeping habit and layered texture anchor shade plantings.
• Cascading Specimen: Trains over stones, walls, and banks for flowing effect.
• Foundations and Slopes: Low profile softens edges and stabilizes lightly shaded grades.
• Mixed Conifer Gardens: Contrasts beautifully with upright and golden forms.
• Water Feature Edges: Draping branches mirror ripples and add four-season structure.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Deeply water during establishment and dry spells to keep roots cool and evenly moist.
• Pruning: Minimal; tip prune after spring flush to refine outline or stake a leader to set height.
• Fertilizing: Apply a light, acid-forming, slow-release fertilizer in early spring if soil tests indicate need.
• Mulching: Maintain a 2 inch mulch to conserve moisture and moderate soil temperature, keeping mulch off stems.
• Notes: Provide wind protection to reduce scorch and monitor for hemlock woolly adelgid, treating promptly if detected.

Why Choose Sargent's Weeping Hemlock?

• Signature Form: Waterfall branching delivers unmatched elegance in shade.
• Design Flexibility: Train for height or allow natural drape for ground-hugging masses.
• Refined Texture: Soft needles and layered sprays read polished year round.
• Shade Adapted: Thrives where many conifers prefer full sun.
• Enduring Presence: Long-lived evergreen structure with modest care needs.

Provide dappled light, acidic well drained soil, steady moisture, and wind protection to keep foliage lush and the weeping silhouette full and elegant.