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 

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Maintenance / Care:  Very Low

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.

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.

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