Folio № 11 of 36

Canadian Hemlock

Tsuga canadensis

EvergreenConiferPartial shade to full sun

Graceful native conifer with fine needles and flowing habit; excellent for literati or natural styles.

Zone 8b notesWatch for spider mites (Jul-Aug); Prevent rot in wet Nov-Jan
Canadian Hemlock botanical plate
Tsuga canadensisPlate XI · Mossy Spot Herbarium

The year, as this species lives it

Thirteen phases. Touch any arc — the wheel remembers what each season asks.

Late DormancyEarly SpringMid SpringLate SpringEarly SummerMid SummerLate SummerEarly FallMid FallLate FallEarly WinterMid WinterLate Winterthe yearOF A CANADIAN HEMLOCK

Early Fall · Sep 1 – Sep 30 · happening now

  • WateringWater consistently as temps drop. Hemlock dislikes dry spells.
  • PruningLight cleanup pruning acceptable.
  • WiringBegin fall wiring session.
  • Pests DiseaseClean benches and remove leaf litter.
  • Winter ProtectionPlan protection strategy.
  • Deadwood CarvingDry wood is easier to work now.

click another arc to travel the year →

All thirteen phases, side by side →

The care sheet

The constants — what stays true in every season.

Placement

Partial shade to full sun

Protect from hot afternoon sun; prefers cool roots.

Watering

Moderate to high

Keep moist but never waterlogged; sensitive to drought.

Feeding

Balanced

Fertilize in early spring and late summer.

Pruning

Maintenance throughout growing season; structural in spring

Remove vigorous leaders; encourage lateral growth.

Wiring

Spring or Autumn

Flexible but slow to set - leave wire on longer.

Repotting

Every 3-5 years

Repot as new growth emerges; protect from wind post-repot.

Propagation

Cuttings or seed

Layering is reliable; cuttings root with care.

Winter

Protect roots in containers from deep freeze.

Summer

Provide humidity and shade to reduce needle drop.

← Previous folioGinkgo bilobafolio 11 of 36 · back to the libraryNext folio →Mountain Hemlock

Paths onward

CollectionThe GardenEvery bench, by species or by rank.The yearFull seasonal calendarCanadian Hemlock’s thirteen phases, side by side.TodayThe AlmanacEarly Fall is underway — see what the garden asks now.
Mossy Spot · PNW · Zone 8bgrow slowly
Mossy Spot❧The Species Library❧Canadian Hemlock
57° Clear · Early Fall
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