Folio № 13 of 36

Western Hemlock

Tsuga heterophylla

EvergreenConiferPartial shade

Softer foliage and slightly more shade-tolerant than Eastern counterpart; adaptable to styling.

Zone 8b notesWatch for spider mites (Jul-Aug); Prevent rot in wet Nov-Jan
Western Hemlock botanical plate
Tsuga heterophyllaPlate XIII · 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 WESTERN HEMLOCK

Mid Summer · Jul 1 – Aug 10 · happening now

A quiet season — observe, water thoughtfully, and let it be.

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

Ideal for dappled light; foliage may burn in full sun.

Watering

Moderate

Consistent moisture required - shallow roots dry quickly.

Feeding

Balanced

Low-nitrogen formula preferred; feeds root development.

Pruning

Maintenance throughout growing season; structural in spring

Avoid cutting into old wood; prune back to green tips.

Wiring

Spring or Autumn

Wire loosely; branches can crack under stress.

Repotting

Every 3-5 years

Repot before bud swell; sensitive to aggressive root work.

Propagation

Cuttings or seed

Softwood cuttings with bottom heat and humidity work best.

Winter

Winter protection from wind helps maintain needle health.

Summer

Misting helps in dry heat; avoid full sun in peak summer.

← Previous folioMountain Hemlockfolio 13 of 36 · back to the libraryNext folio →European Hornbeam

Paths onward

CollectionThe GardenEvery bench, by species or by rank.The yearFull seasonal calendarWestern Hemlock’s thirteen phases, side by side.TodayThe AlmanacMid Summer is underway — see what the garden asks now.
Mossy Spot · PNW · Zone 8bgrow slowly
Mossy Spot❧The Species Library❧Western Hemlock
68° Partly cloudy · Mid Summer
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