Eastern Hemlock 'Gentsch White'

Tsuga canadensis 'Gentsch White' is a stunning, slow-growing conifer that brings a frosted, delicate appearance to the garden. It forms a globose or flat-topped mound with gracefully arching branches. The foliage is fine-textured and dark green, but the tips of the new growth are a brilliant, creamy white, giving the plant a "snow-dusted" effect. This variegation is most intense in autumn and winter. It is hardy (H6) and, unlike many conifers, it thrives in partial shade and can even tolerate full shade, making it invaluable for brightening up darker corners of the garden. It prefers cool, moist, well-drained soil and does not like to dry out. It should be sited away from strong, drying winds which can damage the delicate variegated tips. Pruning in late summer can help maintain its compact shape and encourage a fresh flush of white growth for the winter season.

Sun: Partial shade to full shade.

Soil: Moist but well-drained, acidic soil.

Hardiness: H6 — down to −20°C.

Flowering: May.