Photo: Aaron ListonCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Chinese hemlock Plant Care
Nothotsuga longibracteata (W.C.Cheng) Hu ex C.N.Page
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This rare coniferous plant is easily recognized by its long, drooping bracts that hang from its branches. Native to the mountains of Taiwan, Nothotsuga longibracteata is highly coveted by plant collectors for its unique appearance and limited availability in cultivation. With its striking bracts and origins in a remote region, this species is sure to be a prized addition to any collector's garden.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Chinese hemlock?
Plant Chinese hemlock in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 8a–9b) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C).
Where Is the Chinese hemlock Native To?
What Is the Chinese hemlock?
Chinese hemlock (Nothotsuga longibracteata) belongs to the Pinaceae family within the Nothotsuga genus. Chinese hemlock is native to southeastern China, in southern Fujian, northern Guangdong, northeast Guangxi, northeast Guizhou, and southwest Hunan.
Chinese hemlock displays a tall, conical tree growth habit, reaching up to 80 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Chinese hemlock produces small, inconspicuous cones.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Chinese hemlock?
Water a young or newly planted Chinese hemlock every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Chinese hemlock Need?
Chinese hemlock thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Chinese hemlock Prefer?
Nothotsuga longibracteata tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Chinese hemlock prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Chinese hemlock?
Well-draining, acidic soil with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Chinese hemlock to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
Where Should You Plant a Chinese hemlock?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining, acidic soil with good organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Chinese hemlock is suited to USDA Zone 8a – 9b.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Chinese hemlock?
Chinese hemlock can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 80 ft (24 m) tall. Space plants about 20 ft (6.1 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Chinese hemlock?
Chinese hemlock needs little pruning. Remove dead, damaged or crossing branches in late winter or early spring.
Don't cut back into old, bare wood: conifers in the pine family rarely sprout new growth from it. To keep a denser shape, trim only the soft new shoots in late spring.
How Do You Care for a Chinese hemlock in Winter?
Chinese hemlock is hardy down to USDA zone 8a, so once established it can stay outdoors through winter in that zone and warmer ones.
Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes — evergreens keep losing water through their needles all winter, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.
Young and container-grown trees need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.
How Do You Propagate a Chinese hemlock?
Chinese hemlock can be propagated through seeds, grafting.
Is the Chinese hemlock Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Chinese hemlock, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Chinese hemlock?
Chinese hemlock is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, pine needle scale. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Chinese hemlock Need?
Chinese hemlock grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. Chinese hemlock is native to southeastern China, in southern Fujian, northern Guangdong, northeast Guangxi, northeast Guizhou, and southwest Hunan.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
Chinese hemlock is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Nothotsuga genus — compare its care with other Nothotsuga species on PlantoScan.
Nothotsuga is part of the Pinaceae plant family — browse all Pinaceae genera and species.
Chinese hemlock thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Nothotsuga longibracteata (W.C.Cheng) Hu ex C.N.Page, family Pinaceae (first published in Notes Roy. Bot. Gard. Edinburgh 45: 390 (1988 publ. 1989)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Chinese hemlock, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Aaron Liston, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8a – 9b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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