Plant, Tree & Shrub Library

Other Names:  Canadian Hemlock, Eastern Hemlock

Description:

A fantastic self-contained color accent evergreen with white new foliage that sets itself off against the dark green older needles just perfectly on a conical shrub, the light-dark combination is magical; annual trimming will encourage more white growth

Ornamental Features

Summer Snow Hemlock is a dwarf conifer which is primarily valued in the landscape for its decidedly oval form. It has attractive dark green evergreen foliage which emerges white in spring. The needles are highly ornamental and remain dark green throughout the winter.

Landscape Attributes

Summer Snow Hemlock is a multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with a shapely oval 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 is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Insects

Summer Snow Hemlock is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Mass Planting
• Hedges/Screening
• General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Summer Snow Hemlock will grow to be about 15 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 4 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 performs well in both full sun and full 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 somewhat tolerant of urban pollution, 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.