Tsuga canadensis 'Sargentii' (Sargents Hemlock)


Michael's Opinion

Sargents Canadian Hemlock could be one of the most beautiful evergreen shrubs. The soft and short needles attached on the weeping branches can reach the ground. It is generally an excellent specimen and also an erosion control evergreen shrub.

Botanical Information

FamilyPinaceae
GenusTsuga
Speciescanadensis
Cultivar'Sargentii'
CategoryWoody
TypeShrub (evergreen)
References“Hemlock, Weeping.” Lorax.opp.psu.edu. 2012. “Sargent’s Weeping Hemlock.” Pnwplants.wsu.edu. 2012.
OriginHorticultural origin
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone3–7
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone4–8
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-34-(-18)
Temperature (°F)-30-(0)
Height3–4.5 m
Spread4.5–7.5 m
GrowthSlow

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionA conical and upright form evergreen shrub; has soft and green needles; large spreading area. Usually planted as a specimen, hedge, or massing.
ID CharacteristicThe foliage is fragrant and very attractive; with multiple stems. The distinctive characteristic is the weeping form.
LandscapeIt is an excellent evergreen shrub for controlling erosion. Generally, it functions as a hedge, massing, foundation, free standing specimen, but still works well as the container shrub.
PropagationIt can be propagated by cuttings from the woody stem of this species’ cultivar of eastern hemlock, especially in summer. Remove the soft tip growth, and cut into 15–30 cm long. Make sure all cuttings are clean above a bud at the top. Keep moist in dry times in summer. It won’t be successful if heat, rooting hormone, and moisture levels don't meet the demands.
CultivationIt prefers moist soil conditions but it still withstand moderate drought. Sand and loam acidic soil will be the optimum. Full sun, partial sun or partial shade are the desirable conditions for better growth and it should be kept out of excessive water at all times.
PestsWoolly adelgid, scales, weevils, bagworm, mites, sapsucker woodpecker. Particularly, woolly adelgid and scales would be the greatest killer for this cultivar. Needle rust, cankers, and non-parasitic bark splitting on heavy, poorly drained soil can also be problematic.
Notable SpecimensBiltmore Estate, Asheville, North Carolina. Fanshawe College Gardens, London, Ontario, Canada.
HabitatHorticultural origin.
Bark/Stem DescriptionAsh to silver in colour with the deep ridges and furrows; a rough feel to the touch. The bark is thicker in mature plants.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionThe winter bud is very tiny with an oval or round-head, and it could be a little bit downy with a brown colour.
Leaf DescriptionThe foliage is arranged in a simple way with its soft, green needles and they are approximately 4 cm long. The foliage will give out fragrance, which is easy to identify. Its margin is a little bit serrate, and the upper side presents green glabrous surface. The shorter needles will hardly be seen on the stem.
Flower DescriptionYellow or green in colour; the flowers are not prominent.
Fruit DescriptionThe cone is oval shaped and about 0.5-2.5 cm long. Yet, a 3 cm light brown thimble like cone may be found on the elder plants.
Colour DescriptionIts foliage is green; the flower is light yellow or green, but it is seldom seen. Bark is grayish and cone is light brown. No outstanding winter colours.
Texture DescriptionThis cultivar has a fine surface texture.

Photographs