Yew Shrubs
Uses:
- Borders
- Mass planting
- Hedges
Features:
- Fragrant Foliage
- Easy to Care For
- Great For Bird Habitats
Sunlight:
- Full Shade to Full Sun
- Can Tolerate Most Sunlight Conditions
Growing Zones:
- 5-10
- What is My Zone?
Yews (Taxus) are a varied group of coniferous evergreen shrubs and trees that produce seed cones called yew berries. Depending on the variety you choose, yews are typically used as a hedge, screen, or specimen plant. The shrubs can grow in most sunlight conditions, which makes these very adaptable to any area.
Why Buy Yews Online
Yew (taxus) are a species of evergreen tree in the family Taxaceae. Also known as common yew, English Yew, or European Yew, it is primarily grown as an ornamental tree. Typically colored blue/green or chartreuse/gold, the yew looks great in a container or as a ground cover or privacy screen. Known for its spring berries and winter interest, this fragrant bush attracts birds and is drought resistant. We sell Yew bushes because they are slow growing and live a long time. Yews can be toxic to humans and animals.
The Best Way to Use Yews
With so many sizes of Yew trees and shrubs to choose from, the uses in your landscape area are endless. Depending on the variety you choose, this plant can grow anywhere from 4 ft up to 60 ft tall with a width of 4 to 20 ft. The upright conifer habit and slow growth rate allows for this tree to be a staple in your landscaping for many years. Most Yews are winter hardy to growing zones 3 to 8. This plant prefers moist, well drained soil with full sun to partial shade conditions. Mainly used as a hedge, yews are also great as a windbreak, focal point, foundation plant, border or container plant. Oftentimes, this shrub is pruned into eye-catching shapes.
Use tall varieties as a windblock or focal point
Great for hedges, borders or in containers
Available in blue/green or chartreuse/gold
Growing zones 5-10
About Yew Shrubs
Genus
Species
Family
Taxus
Taxus baccata (English Yew), Taxus canadensis (Canadian Yew), Taxus cuspidata (Japanese Yew), Taxus floridana (Florida Yew), Taxus brevifolia (Pacific Yew)
Taxaceae
Common Names:
Native To:
Europe, North America, Asia
Plant Type:
Bushes
Foliage Type:
Evergreen
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
4 - 7
Flower Color:
Non-flowering (produces small cones and red arils)
Flower Bloom Time:
Spring
Growth Habit:
Upright, Spreading
Attracts:
None (primarily grown for foliage)
Tolerates:
Shade, Drought (once established)
Resists:
Deer, Rabbits
How To Use Witch Hazel In The Garden
Yews, belonging to the genus Taxus, are evergreen trees and shrubs known for their dense, dark green foliage and longevity. They produce red, berry-like structures called arils, which are toxic to humans and animals if ingested. Yews are dioecious, meaning male and female reproductive structures are found on separate plants.
Their dense growth and tolerance to pruning make them ideal for creating privacy screens and hedges. Yews can also be shaped into topiaries, adding architectural interest to landscapes. Additionally, they can be planted as standalone specimens or used in foundation plantings near homes for a classic look.
Yew Shrubs Care
Yews thrive in well-drained, nutrient-rich loamy soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. They require at least four hours of sunlight daily; insufficient light can lead to sparse growth. Maintain evenly moist soil until the plant is established, then reduce watering, as mature yews are drought-tolerant. Fertilize young yews annually in spring with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer, keeping it a foot away from the trunk.
Prune yews in mid-summer or early spring after new growth appears, as they respond well to shaping and can sprout from old wood. For container-grown yews, use a porous pot with drainage holes and nutrient-rich potting soil mixed with perlite. In winter, place the container in partial shade to lessen temperature fluctuations and protect it from snowstorms and heavy rains. Adding mulch around the base can help retain moisture, but keep it about a foot away from the trunk to prevent rot.
Learn More About Yew Shrubs
Yew Shrubs Companion Plants
A Yew’s upright column form and height make them a valuable architectural feature in foundation plantings or formal gardens. A statement piece planted alone, Yews are also great for mixed borders. Yew trees and shrubs grow best where pH levels are basically neutral, so almost any shrubs or perennials are great companion plants. Avoid acid loving plants such as azaleas. Here are our favorite plants to complement the yew’s dark green foliage.
