The Site Gardener

Plant Library

Explore 4,545 plants, with photos and growing details.

Back to Tools

← Back to plant results

Tsuga canadensis Summer Snow

Summer Snow Hemlock

Summer Snow Canadian hemlock (Tsuga canadensis ‘Summer Snow’) has pale white spring growth that contrasts sharply with older green foliage. The plant develops a broad, upright outline with the fine texture typical of hemlocks.

The new growth brings a bright seasonal highlight to partially shaded gardens. Allow space for its eventual spread so the contrasting branch tips remain visible against the darker interior foliage.

Choose a cool, moist site with acidic, well-drained soil. Partial shade is helpful, especially where summers are warm. Water carefully during establishment and protect the root area from prolonged drying.

Size guide
• Height: About 10 ft
• Width: About 8 ft
The grower’s garden-size estimate is a planning guide, not a guaranteed mature maximum or a ten-year measurement.

Hardiness
• Published minimum: USDA Zone 4
An upper-zone limit and A/B endpoints are not supplied in this reference.

Best Uses
• Specimen
• Accent Plant
• Woodland Gardens

Plant type
Conifer, Evergreen Tree
Height
10 ft
Width
8 ft
Hardiness zones
4–8
Sunlight
Full sun to part shade
Growth rate
Moderate
Bloom time
Does not flower
Flower color
None
Leaf color
Green, White
Fall color
Variegated
Soil
Acidic, Moist well-drained
Landscape use
Accent Plant, Specimen, Woodland Gardens
Shape
Broad Upright
Fruit
No
Fragrant
No
Deer resistant
Yes
Salt tolerant
No
Drought tolerant
No