Species Canadian hemlock
lime-green leaves and stems

Canadian hemlock

Tsuga canadensis 'Abbott's Pygmy'

Also Known As - eastern hemlock
Canadian hemlock (Tsuga canadensis 'Abbott's Pygmy') is a small evergreen coniferous species native to eastern North America. It grows in dense clumps and has bright green foliage which turns to dark green when mature. Its twisted, horizontal branches are covered with short needles that stay green all year round. Its graceful shape and slender pyramidal habit makes it a popular landscape choice for many Canadian gardens. It is also used in erosion control, privacy screens, and windbreaks. Canadian hemlock is hardy and adaptable, thriving in moist, rich soils in partial shade. It's an excellent choice for those who want a long-lasting, low-maintenance addition to their landscape.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Cutting

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 7

Flowers:

Non-flowering Flowers In Spring

Sun:

Deep shade, Filtered shade, Full sun only if soil kept moist, Part sun/part shade

Soil:

Sandy Loamy Clay

Cones:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Moderate

Maintenance:

Low

watering

For Canadian hemlock (Tsuga canadensis 'Abbott's Pygmy'), water should be applied deeply once per week during the growing season ( spring and summer). It's best to soak the soil thoroughly and allow it to dry down before the next watering. During the winter months, watering should be reduced to every other week unless there is persistent snow or rainfall, in which case, additional watering may not be necessary.

sunlight

Canadian hemlock (Tsuga canadensis 'Abbott's Pygmy') is a shade-tolerant evergreen coniferous tree that does best when planted in partial to full shade, particularly in moist, acidic soils, and can tolerate bright dappled light. Since they thrive in cool, shady areas, they can withstand higher amounts of shade than other trees. When it comes to the ideal amount of sunlight Canadian hemlock requires, it needs filtered or indirect sunlight for best results. This species of tree does not do well with direct exposure to full sunlight – if grown in direct sunlight, the tree's foliage can become scorched or burned. An ideal ambiance for this species of tree would be a spot that receives morning sun, and shade in the afternoon. It should receive between 3 to 5 hours of direct sunlight per day.

pruning

Canadian hemlock (Tsuga canadensis 'Abbott's Pygmy') should be pruned in early spring, before the buds break. Pruning should be done in moderation - no more than 1 third of the branches should be removed during 1 pruning session. Remove any branches that are crossing or growing too close together. Prune away any that are dead or diseased, but do not remove too much from 1 area, as this can unbalance the shape of the tree. Prune any damaged or misshapen branches to improve its growth and shape.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Canadian hemlock typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Canadian hemlock typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map