Lakeshore Garden Centres Plant Finder

Other Names:  Canadian Hemlock, Eastern Hemlock

Description:

A slow growing variety with an irregular, upright, loosely pyramidal form; produces light green needles that contrast with the dark green older growth; needs organic, acidic soil, adequate moisture and shelter from drying winds

Ornamental Features

Burkett's Dwarf Hemlock is a dwarf conifer which is primarily valued in the landscape or garden for its distinctively pyramidal habit of growth. It has dark green evergreen foliage which emerges light green in spring. The small needles remain dark green throughout the winter. The smooth gray bark is extremely showy and adds significant winter interest.

Landscape Attributes

Burkett's Dwarf Hemlock is a multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with a distinctive and refined pyramidal form. It lends an extremely fine and delicate texture to the landscape composition which can make it a great accent feature on this basis alone.

This shrub will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and usually looks its best without pruning, although it will tolerate pruning. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Insects

Burkett's Dwarf Hemlock is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Burkett's Dwarf Hemlock will grow to be about 7 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 3 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 50 years or more.

This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It is not particular as to soil type, but has a definite preference for acidic soils. It is quite intolerant of urban pollution, therefore inner city or urban streetside plantings are best avoided, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This is a selection of a native North American species.