Other Names:  Canadian Hemlock, Eastern Hemlock

Description:

This is a beautiful upright tree that has upswept branches which arch outward like a fountain; makes a wonderful garden accent or landscape focal point; likes sunshine and acidic moist soil

Ornamental Features

Forest Fountain Hemlock is a dwarf conifer which is primarily valued in the landscape for its ornamental upright and spreading 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

Forest Fountain Hemlock is a multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with an upright spreading habit of growth. 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

Forest Fountain Hemlock is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Forest Fountain Hemlock will grow to be about 15 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 10 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 1 foot from the ground, 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 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.