Other Names:  Canadian Hemlock, Eastern Hemlock

Description:

A handsome dwarf cultivar that is excellent as an accent plant; vase shaped with arching branches and fine linear needles, generally fine-textured; use for its contrasting form and texture in a garden composition

Ornamental Features

Bennett Hemlock is a dwarf conifer which is primarily valued in the landscape or garden for its cascading habit of growth. It has dark green evergreen foliage which emerges light green in spring. The needles remain dark green throughout the winter.

Landscape Attributes

Bennett Hemlock is a dense multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with a shapely form and gracefully arching branches. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.

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

Bennett Hemlock is recommended for the following landscape applications;

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

Planting & Growing

Bennett Hemlock will grow to be about 5 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 6 feet. It has a low canopy, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 30 years.

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 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.