Elizabeth Mountain Hemlock
Tsuga mertensiana 'Elizabeth'
Height: 3 feet
Spread: 4 feet
Sunlight:
Hardiness Zone: 5a
Description:
A dwarf variety of Mountain Hemlock with soft blue-green needles and a wide spreading habit; needs adequate moisture, rich, acidic and organic soils and shelter from drying winds
Ornamental Features
Elizabeth Mountain Hemlock is a dwarf conifer which is primarily valued in the garden for its ornamental upright and spreading habit of growth. It has bluish-green foliage with powder blue undersides which emerges light green in spring. The glossy sprays of foliage remain bluish-green throughout the winter. The brick red fruits are held in cones in mid fall.
Landscape Attributes
Elizabeth Mountain Hemlock is a multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with an upright spreading habit of growth. It lends an extremely fine and delicate texture to the landscape composition which should be used to full effect.
This shrub will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;
- Insects
Elizabeth Mountain Hemlock is recommended for the following landscape applications;
- Mass Planting
- Rock/Alpine Gardens
- General Garden Use
Planting & Growing
Elizabeth Mountain Hemlock will grow to be about 3 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 4 feet. It has a low canopy. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 70 years or more.
This shrub performs well in both full sun and full shade. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It is particular about its soil conditions, with a strong preference for rich, acidic soils. It is quite intolerant of urban pollution, therefore inner city or urban streetside plantings are best avoided, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This is a selection of a native North American species.
