Hemlock, or Tsuga as they are know by gardeners, are a large group of evergreen conifers comonly found in the wet, misty mountains and valleys of the Pacific Northwest. Young hemlocks are shade tolerant making them ideal for both sunny and shady landscapes. In the garden, they can either be specimen trees or attractive dwarfs excellent in rock gardens and garden beds.
Hemlocks can grow in sun and will tolerate shade and prefer humus rich, slightly acidic, moist, but well drained soils. Shelter from cold winds is also beneficial. Hemlocks will often suffer in hot, poor, dry soils.