Tsuga canadensis Cole's Prostrate

Tsuga canadensis 'Cole's Prostrate' is a dwarf form of the Canadian Hemlock, with slow growth and a prostrate and creeping habit, which makes it an excellent ground cover for shaded areas. It spreads slowly, gradually exposing naked branches covered with a silvery white bark in the centre of the bush. They create a beautiful contrast with the glossy dark green needle-like foliage. This conifer is ideal to cover the base of a shaded slope, to grow between the stones of a rockery, or edging a low wall. It should be grown in shade or partial shade, in cool but well-drained, neutral to acidic soil.

Tsuga canadensis, also known as the Eastern Hemlock, is an evergreen conifer of the pine family, native to eastern Canada, where it often grows in mixed forests and maple groves, always in shade. This species slowly reaches a height of 30 m (98ft), with a diameter of 1 m (3ft), and can live up to 600 years. This very hardy conifer prefers fertile and moist soils, and cannot tolerate drought or direct sunlight. Its roots are shallow and spreading widely.

The variety 'Cole's Prostrate', derived from this species, is distinguished by its very small size, and its almost weeping and prostrate habit. Its growth is very slow, it does not exceed 30 cm (12in) in height and spreads to about 1 m. Its arching branches, starting from a very short trunk, gracefully droop and spread on the ground. They are covered with a silvery white bark that becomes naked towards the base over time. Its twigs are covered with flat and short needles, measuring 7 to 16 mm (1in), finely toothed, dark green on the upper side, with two white bands on the underside. They are arranged in 2 rows on the twigs. The bark peels off in scales from a young age.

Tsuga canadensis 'Cole's Prostrate' is suitable for all gardens, even the smallest ones, in shaded areas where few other plants can grow. In small spaces, it will look good as a stand-alone feature, and will elegantly animate a rockery or a flower bed. It pairs well with large stones and low walls. It can be planted in moist soils. It can also adorn the banks of a natural pond or a water feature, in a sheltered location. The true graphic qualities of this type of conifer make it highly suited to the design of contemporary gardens, that often rely more on shapes, silhouettes, and textures than on the dance of flowers. These plants with reassuring permanence structure pathways, border terraces, and can easily replace trimmed boxwood or holly. The key is to play with volumes and colours.