Gentsch White Canadian Hemlock
Tsuga canadensis ‘Gentsch White’
Other Names: Gentsch White Frosted Tip Dwarf Canadian Hemlock
Plant Details
USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: 4a-7b (3-8?) Find Your Zone
Shrub Type: Coniferous Evergreen Tree
Height at Maturity: 4-5′ at 10 years of age; might reach 10 feet at maturity
Width at Maturity: 4-5′ at 10 years of age; might reach 10′ at maturity
Spacing: Best as specimen or in small spaced groupings
Growth Habit / Form: Rounded Mound
Growth Rate: Moderate; 6-8″ per year
Flower Color: None
Flower Size: NA
Flowering Period: NA
Flower Type: NA
Fragrant Flowers: No
Foliage Color: Green tipped in White
Fragrant Foliage: No
Berries/Cones: Yes, on older plants
Berry/Cone Color: Brown
Sun Needs: Part Shade to Shade
Water Needs: Average; maintain a damp to moist soil during a summer drought
Soil Type: Clay (amend heavy clay to ensure good drainage|, Loam, Silt, Sand (amend quick draining soils for moisture retention)
Soil Moisture: Moist But Well Drained; does not like soil to dry completely out during summer drought
Soil pH: 4.0-6.0 (Acid to Moderately Acid)
Maintenance / Care: Very Low
Attracts: Visual Attention
Resistances: Cold Temps (-30F), Deer, Disease, Rabbit, Shade
Description
A dwarf variegated form of our native Canadian Hemlock, ‘Gentsch White’ forms a dense rounded mound 4 to 5 feet tall and wide in 10 years, and maybe 10 feet tall and wide when all grown up. What’s really neat about this selection are the contrasting white needles at the tips of stems against the older dark green needles, which gives a frosted look as though the plant were covered in snow. The white foliage is especially intense during the fall and winter. Though not necessary, a light shearing in late winter encourages a fresh flush of new white growth and maintains a more dense plant. Small, thimble-sized cones are produced on older plants. Gentsch White is an excellent low-maintenance evergreen conifer to brighten up a partially to fully shaded spot, and is sure to be a conversation piece in the landscape.
This cultivar originated as a seedling selected in the 1960s by Otto Gentsch of Long Island, New York, USA
Landscape & Garden Uses
Growing slowly in a mounded to 5 to 6 feet tall and wide at maturity, the Moon Frost Canadian Hemlock is ideal for use as an accent in small to medium size shady garden spaces, or in containers. A fine addition to woodland gardens, rock gardens, native gardens, Asian themed gardens, and conifer gardens.
Growing Preferences
The Grentsch White Hemlock is easy to grow in most any acidic, moist but well-drained soil of average fertility and part shade. It will handle the morning and evening sun but appreciates some shade or filtered sun during the afternoon hours. Even all-day shade is fine. Whether growing in the ground or in pots, constantly soggy soil or standing water is problematic, so plant in a well-drained site or pot and avoid overwatering. Provide only enough water to keep the soil damp to moist. Established plants have moderate drought tolerance and will only require an occasional drink during prolonged periods of drought. Maintenance is minimal. No pruning is required though a light shearing in late winter will encourage a heavier flesh of fresh white new growth in early spring that persists through the season and intensifies even more in fall and winter. Like all hemlocks, which are under-story trees, this conifer should not be allowed to dry out during prolonged heat and drought during summer. Heat, especially when combined with full sun, will scorch the white growth for which this wonderful conifer is prized.
Helpful Articles
How To Plant & Care For Canadian Hemlocks
Plant Long & Prosper!
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