How to Grow Japanese Yew

It's difficult to find a landscape that doesn't contain at least one Japanese yew (Taxus spp.). This extremely popular evergreen is easy to grow, tolerates a variety of growing conditions and can be found in a size to fit any garden location. You have to love the yew. Here are a few tips to help keep your yew happy.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Choose a planting site. The only location requirement for a yew is that it must be planted in site with rich, loamy soil and has good drainage. Yews should be transplanted in early spring in sun or shade.

2. Prepare the shrub for planting. Remove any wire or twine from the shrub and half of the burlap covering the rootball. Any plastic or synthetic materials should be completely removed. If planting is delayed after purchasing, keep the rootball well watered.

3. Dig the planting hole. Prepare the planting site by digging a hole four times the width of the rootball for balled and burlapped specimens. The depth of the hole should equal that of the rootball. Yews should not be planted too deeply, and if planting in clay, the top of the rootball should be one to two inches higher than the surrounding ground.

4. Position the shrub. Backfill a small portion of the original soil to secure the shrub. Fill the planting hole with water and allow roots and soil to absorb. Making sure the yew is straight, backfill the remaining soil and water again deeply.

5. Mulch the planting site. Spread a layer of mulch two to four inches deep around the shrub and planting area. The mulch should be maintained to prevent the loss of moisture, keep the roots cool and to prevent weeds.

Tips & Warnings

• The Japanese yew can be successfully grown in hardiness zones 5 through 7. The shrub's height, shape and width will vary according to the cultivar.
• Yews should be pruned once a year to maintain their desired shape. Yews used for hedges or a specific shape will need pruning more often. Remove dead or broken branches in the spring.
• Maintain the two to four inch layer of mulch throughout the year to help retain moisture. Water regularly and deeply, particularly in the fall. Giving the shrub a good soaking in late fall just before the ground freezes will help to prevent winterkill in transplants.
• All parts of the Japanese yew are poisonous. Care should be taken if planting where children or pets might ingest.