August 1996
Foliage: Evergreen needles
Height: 40 to 70 feet
Spread: 25 to 35 feet
Shape: Upright
Evergreen needles are short, flat and dark green with narrow, white stripes on the underside. Its small cones are only about 1/2 inch long.
Zone: 4 to 8
Light: Partial shade to full sun
Moisture: Wet or moist
Soil Type: Sandy, loam, or clay
pH Range: 3.7 to 6.5
Suggested uses for this plant include border, hedge, massing, screen, and windbreak.
Transplants readily, but requires good
soil.
Plant in spring or fall using plants that have
balled and burlapped roots.
Plant in sheltered location away from open,
exposed, windy areas. Prefers partial shade.
Will not thrive in hot, dry conditions.
Prune in spring and summer, if needed.
Withstands heavy pruning and shearing.
Does not tolerate air pollution, salt, and
prolonged dry periods.
Rust mites and scale insects are the most common
insect problems in Virginia.
Ends of branches may be killed back when
temperature reaches 95 degrees F.
Consult local sources, including historic or public gardens and arboreta, regarding cultivars and related species that grow well in your area.
Cultivars of TSUGA CANADENSIS:
`Sargentii' is a spreading form with weeping
branches.
Hemlock is one of the most graceful and
beautiful of the needled evergreen trees.
It is one of the better needled evergreens for
growing as a hedge.
Native to western Virginia, it can rarely
survive the heat of the Tidewater area.
The PRUNING SERIES videotape can be ordered
through your local Extension office.
The following Extension publications are
available through your local Extension office or
directly from:
Virginia Tech
Extension Distribution Center
112 Landsdowne St.
Blacksburg, VA 24061
#426-500 "Winter Injury to Trees and Shrubs"
#426-605 "Selecting Landscape Plants - Conifers"
This material was developed by Carol Ness as part of the
Interactive Design and Development Project funded by the Kellogg
Foundation. Mary Miller, Project Director. Diane Relf, Content
Specialist, Horticulture. Copyright 1989 by VCE.