Canadian Hemlock 'Gracilis' is a refined shrub form of the native Eastern hemlock, a dense conifer prized for its delicate, lacy evergreen foliage composed of the smallest needles in the entire hemlock genus. Growing 2 to 3 feet tall and 2 to 4 feet wide at maturity, this cultivar thrives in zones 4 through 7 and excels as a hedge or shade-garden specimen. Its tolerance for black walnut, deep shade, and deer browsing makes it an excellent choice for challenging woodland settings where few other plants succeed.
Partial Shade
Moderate
4-7
36in H x 48in W
—
High
Hover over chart points for details
The 'Gracilis' cultivar earns its name honestly; its fine-textured, flat sprays of lacy foliage create an elegant, almost feathery appearance that few shrubs can match. This variety holds its needles year-round, providing consistent structure and color even in the deepest winters, while its naturally compact habit requires minimal pruning to maintain a tidy hedge line. The small scale of its needles and cones gives it a refined quality that rewards close inspection, and its ability to thrive in heavy shade where most plants languish makes it invaluable for the difficult corners of any garden.
Canadian Hemlock 'Gracilis' is used primarily as a hedge plant and as an evergreen shrub specimen in shade gardens and woodland landscapes. Its dense, fine-textured foliage and compact growth make it suited to formal hedging and structured plantings where refined appearance matters.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped hemlocks in spring or fall into a sheltered location with partial shade, ensuring the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Space plants according to mature width expectations (typically 24 to 48 inches apart for hedging) to allow for full development without crowding.
Prune Canadian Hemlock 'Gracilis' lightly to maintain its naturally dense, pyramidal form. Remove any dead or diseased branches promptly, and shear hedges in late spring or early summer to encourage dense branching. Avoid severe pruning into old wood, as hemlocks do not regenerate well from bare stems.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.