Species Canadian hemlock
white-green foliage with brown stems

Canadian hemlock

Tsuga canadensis 'Albospica'

Also Known As - eastern hemlock
Canadian hemlock (Tsuga canadensis 'Albospica') is an evergreen conifer with graceful, drooping branches. It generally reaches 20-30 feet in height, and has a broad spread between its branches. Its deep green needles, which are found on both sides of its twigs, are soft to the touch and have a distinct aroma. Its bark is dark gray and rough to the touch. In the spring, its drooping branches become covered in fluffy, greenish-white cones. It is an ideal choice for providing cover to wildlife such as songbirds, and is also drought resistant.

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,yellow

Growth Rate:

Moderate

Maintenance:

Low

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Canadian Hemlock is a medium to slow-growing coniferous tree, and it requires regular moisture for strong growth. Water your Canadian Hemlock frequently, but don’t over-water. Aim for about 1-2 inches of water per week. Soak the soil around the plant deeply, and water only when the top inch of soil is dry. During hot and dry periods, you should water more frequently. Water the root zone completely all the way around the plant and then let the soil drain completely before watering again.

sunlight

Canadian hemlock (Tsuga canadensis 'Albospica') prefers partial sun to full shade. It is best to give the plant a minimum of 3 hours of direct sunlight or partial shade (dappled shade) each day in order to flourish. Too much direct sunlight can damage its foliage and too little light can limit the growth of the plant. In the northern climates of Canada, a minimum of 4 hours of direct sun is recommended, while in more southern parts of the country, 2 or 3 hours of direct sun is adequate.

pruning

For the Canadian hemlock (Tsuga canadensis 'Albospica'), pruning should generally be done in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. The best time to prune depends on the climate of the area and the desired effect. In mild climates, pruning can occur during the dormant season between late November and mid March. In colder climates, pruning should take place anytime between late March and early April. When pruning the Canadian hemlock, basic gardening principles should be followed to ensure that it remains healthy. First and foremost, do not remove more than 1-third of the plant’s foliage during a single pruning session. Not only is this unsightly but it can also damage the vitality of the plant. Also, make sure to use sharp scissors or pruning shears so as to avoid ragged cuts or tearing of the plant structure. Finally, whenever possible, remove dead or diseased branches and shoots from the plant. This will help promote healthy new growth and allow for healthy flowering.

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