All Species > Tsuga heterophylla

Western Hemlock

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

Seasonal Care Guide

Placement & Seasonal Notes

  • Placement: Partial shade
  • Notes: Ideal for dappled light; foliage may burn in full sun.
  • Winter: Winter protection from wind helps maintain needle health.
  • Summer: Misting helps in dry heat; avoid full sun in peak summer.

Leaf Traits

  • Persistence: Evergreen
  • Form: Conifer

Watering & Fertilization

  • Watering: Moderate
  • Notes: Consistent moisture required - shallow roots dry quickly.
  • Season: Spring → Autumn
  • Fertilization: Balanced
  • Notes: Low-nitrogen formula preferred; feeds root development.

Training Techniques

  • Wiring: Spring or Autumn
  • Notes: Wire loosely; branches can crack under stress.
  • Pruning: Maintenance throughout growing season; structural in spring
  • Notes: Avoid cutting into old wood; prune back to green tips.
  • Repotting: Every 3-5 years
  • Notes: Repot before bud swell; sensitive to aggressive root work.

Propagation

  • Method: Cuttings or seed
  • Notes: Softwood cuttings with bottom heat and humidity work best.

Zone 8b Considerations

Watch for spider mites (Jul-Aug); Prevent rot in wet Nov-Jan