B
Shade Grade: B
Grows well in part shade, but greener than yellow. 4-5 feet in 3 years
Golden Duchess Eastern Hemlock
UPDATE 2021: This guy got too tall for its spot, so after much wrangling I moved it to an area by the blue atlas cedar where it can stretch its wings more. After moving it I decided to cut to lop off the top, essentially cutting it in half. Hopefully it will survive the chop job. I’m not sure if I like it in its new home but it will stay there for at least a year!
I found this brand new variety of hemlock shrub online while researching possibilities for the “behind the garage” garden, and was delighted to happen upon one at the nursery while picking up a Mountain Hemlock for the same garden. I’m always thrilled to find any kind of conifer that tolerates shade, and I’m super excited about this bright yellow little specimen. Now I need to decide on some companion plants to complement it – some possibilities include Ninebark, Weigela, Fuchsia and red Japanese Maples.
Gardener's Log
05/2018: Planted in front of garage retaining wall.
08/2021: Moved to back yard retaining wall area next to blue atlas cedar/hinoki cypress
Hi – Does it maintain yellow coloration in shade, even if only with new growth in spring? -Jason
Hi Jason, great question – sadly mine has not maintained its yellow color after I moved it to its new, almost-full-shade home. The spring growth is brighter than old growth, but is more of a bright green than yellow. I still love it for the texture though. Thanks for your question!