Taxus baccata

Site Selection and Planting Requirements

• Light Tolerance: Taxus baccata is highly adaptable and can grow in full sun to deep shade. It is one of the few conifers that tolerates heavy shade well, making it ideal for north-facing areas.

• Soil Preferences: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil but is tolerant of a wide range of conditions including chalky, sandy, and clay soils. Avoid areas with waterlogged or overly compacted soil.

• Moisture Requirements: Once established, English Yew is drought-tolerant. However, young plants require regular watering during their first two years to ensure healthy root development.

• Planting Time: Best planted in autumn or spring. Container-grown specimens can be planted year-round, provided the soil isn’t frozen or waterlogged.

• Spacing: For hedging, plant 2 to 3 feet apart depending on desired density. For specimen planting, give each plant 6 to 10 feet of space to reach its natural spread.

• Shelter Needs: Tolerant of wind and urban pollution, but benefits from some shelter in exposed sites, especially when young.

Maintenance, Pruning, and Long-Term Care

• Watering: Newly planted yews need consistent watering in dry periods. Established plants typically require little supplemental water, except during prolonged droughts.

• Feeding: Apply a balanced general-purpose fertilizer in spring to encourage healthy growth. An annual mulch of compost or well-rotted manure also helps maintain soil health and moisture.

• Mulching: Mulch around the base in early spring to suppress weeds and retain moisture. Keep mulch away from the trunk to prevent rot.

• Pruning: Tolerates heavy pruning and can be trimmed into formal shapes or maintained as a hedge. Prune in late summer or early autumn. Old wood can be cut back to rejuvenate overgrown plants, as yew readily re-sprouts from older stems.

• Training and Shaping: Excellent for topiary and architectural forms. Begin shaping from a young age, and prune annually to maintain sharp edges and defined forms.

• Pests and Diseases: Generally pest-free. Occasionally affected by vine weevil (in containers), root rot in poorly drained soils, or honey fungus. Ensure good drainage and healthy soil to prevent most issues.

• Longevity: One of the longest-lived garden plants—some specimens in Europe are thousands of years old. With minimal care, they will thrive for generations.

Ornamental and Landscape Value

• Foliage: Features dense, dark green, needle-like foliage that remains evergreen throughout the year. The flat needles are arranged in two rows along each stem, providing a soft texture.

• Form and Growth Habit: Slow-growing, typically reaching 4–6 metres in height over several decades when left unpruned. Forms a naturally dense, upright shrub or small tree, which can be tightly clipped or allowed to grow freely.

• Berries: Female plants produce striking red, fleshy berries (arils) in autumn, which are highly ornamental and attract birds. Note: the seeds inside the berries are toxic if ingested.

• Garden Uses: Ideal for formal hedging, topiary, privacy screens, foundation planting, or as solitary focal specimens. Versatile in traditional, woodland, and contemporary gardens.

• Container Growth: Suitable for large containers if kept well-watered and fertilized. Regular root pruning may be needed every few years in confined spaces.

• Hardiness: Hardy in USDA Zones 6–8 (UK H6). Tolerates frost, coastal exposure, and urban pollution.

• Latin name
  Taxus baccata / 2L, square pot
• Size
  2L, square pot

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

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If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.