Tsuga canadensis ‘Pendula’ (18/11/2012, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Light shade to full shade
Flowering period:
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 5m
Eventual Spread: 10m
Hardiness: 3a – 8b
Family: Pinaceae
Tsuga canadensis ‘Pendula’ is a slow growing spreading evergreen tree. Its dark green leaves needle shaped with serrulate margins, flattened, up to 25mm long. Its branches are horizontal and spreading, these are covered in smaller weeping branches which often touch the ground. Its yellow monoecious flowers and appear at the branch tips. Its fruit are in the form of cones, are up to 25mm long and 15mm broad.
The species Tsuga canadensis, commonly known as Eastern Hemlock, Pruche du Canada or Canadian Hemlock, is native to eastern North America. It was introduced into the UK in 1736. Tsuga canadensis ‘Pendula’ is commonly known as Sargent’s Weeping Hemlock.
The etymological root of the binomial name Tsuga is from the Japanes vanacular for the Hemlock Cedar. Canadensis is derived from the Latin meaning ‘from Canada’. Pendula is derived from the Latin pendeo meaning ‘to hang’.
The landscape architect may find Tsuga canadensis ‘Pendula’ useful as an interesting specimen tree, where space allows, particularly in lawns. It prefers a sheltered location and is not tolerant of urban stress conditions. It is not attractive to rabbits and deer.
Ecologically, Tsuga canadensis ‘Pendula’ provides both cover and food for mammals and birds.
Tsuga canadensis ‘Pendula’ Leaf (18/11/2012, Kew Gardens, London)
The Royal Horticultural Society has given Tsuga canadensis ‘Pendula’ their prestigious Award of Garden Merit in 1993.
Tsuga canadensis ‘Pendula’ prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It prefers a neutral to acidic pH of soil. It will not tolerate dry or waterlogged soils.
Tsuga canadensis ‘Pendula’ requires little maintenance. Formative pruning may be carried out to limit the height of this tree.
