TreesTaxus baccata
English Yew
English Yew is an evergreen conifer used both as a freestanding tree and as a formal hedge. Its dark green needles are densely packed and form an impenetrable screen. Female trees bear striking red berries in autumn. All parts except the berry flesh are poisonous.
Characteristics
- Sun
- Full shade, Partial shade, Full sun
- Water
- Medium
- Height
- 1000–2000 cm
- Spread
- 400–800 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 6–7
- Family
- Taxaceae
- Evergreen
- Yes
- Wildlife value
- birds
Bloom period
Care guide
Plant in shade, partial shade, or sun — yew adapts to almost any position. Ensure well-drained soil; the tree cannot tolerate waterlogging. Water regularly during the first year. Feed in spring with a general-purpose fertilizer.
Pruning tips
Trim once or twice a year: in June and optionally in September. Yew tolerates hard pruning and will resprout even from old wood. Avoid pruning in frost or strong sunshine.
Good companions
ShrubsBuxus sempervirens
Boxwood
Boxwood is an evergreen shrub with small, glossy dark green leaves that is ideal for topiary and hedging. The plant grows slowly and can live for hundreds of years. Small green-yellow flowers appear in April and May, attracting early bees.
PerennialsHosta sieboldiana
Hosta
Hosta is the quintessential shade plant, valued for its large, blue-green, ribbed leaves. Light purple or white bell-shaped flowers appear on tall stems in July and August. Over the years the plant forms substantial clumps that give a shaded border a lush character.
ClimbersHedera helix
Common Ivy
Common Ivy is an evergreen climber that uses aerial roots to cover walls, fences, and trees. Its dark green, glossy leaves provide year-round greenery. Mature plants flower in autumn with inconspicuous green-yellow blooms that are an important late food source for bees and insects.