Species Canadian hemlock

Canadian hemlock

Tsuga canadensis 'Stewart's Gem'

Also Known As - eastern hemlock
Canadian hemlock (Tsuga canadensis 'Stewart's Gem') is a fast-growing evergreen tree. It has beautiful foliage and a pyramidal shape that makes it an ideal choice for screening, windbreaks, and large garden specimens. Its green needles are soft to the touch and its slow release of moisture helps to keep soil moist and cool during hot summer days. Its deep root system also helps prevent soil erosion. It thrives in partial shade and acidic, moist, well-drained soils. Hardy in USDA zones 3-7, it will reach heights of up to 35 feet in maturity, making it a lasting investment for your 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

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Canadian hemlock needs to be watered thoroughly every 4-6 weeks. During the winter months, it should be watered about once a month. While growing, water frequently enough for the top 4-6 inches of soil to remain moist and never dry out. Make sure that the soil is well-draining and not holding too much water for a prolonged period of time. In the summer months, water more frequently and generously to sustain the plant throughout the hot, dry weather. You should always check the soil for moisture levels before and after watering. Make sure not to over-water or over-saturate the soil as this can kill the plant.

sunlight

Canadian hemlock thrives in full sun to partial shade. For optimal growth, it should be planted near southern-facing windows or in an area that gets at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day. During summer months, it should receive at least 8 hours of direct sunlight to ensure healthy and sustained growth. It should be shaded from intense afternoon sun in hotter climates. This will help the plant stay healthy and perform well.

pruning

For Canadian hemlock (Tsuga canadensis 'Stewart's Gem'), pruning should be done each year, preferably in late fall or early spring before the plant comes into active growth. Pruning should be kept to a minimum, removing no more than 25-30% of the foliage at 1 time. Sharp pruning tools should be used and it is important to remove only dead and diseased material or areas that needed to be thinned or reduced to keep the overall shape and size of the plant in check. After each pruning, the plant should be monitored to ensure it is healthy and growing well.

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