Yew Shrubs 1 to 15 of 15 total
Yew Shrubs 1 to 15 of 15 total
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. The foliage is often blue/green or chartreuse/gold and provides year-round color in a container or as a privacy screen. Known for its spring berries and winter interest, this fragrant bush attracts birds and is drought resistant. We recommend and sell many Yew bushes because they are slow growing and live a long time. Yews can be toxic to humans and animals.
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:
Common Yew, English Yew, European Yew
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 Yews 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, so both a male and female plant must be present for berries to form. Depending on the variety, this shrub can grow anywhere from 4 ft up to 60 ft tall with a width of 4 to 20 ft.
With so many sizes to choose from, yews can take on a variety of roles in the landscape. 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.
Types of Yew Shrubs
| Type | Scientific Name | Native Range | Foliage | Zones | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Yew | Taxus baccata | Europe, North Africa, Western Asia | Dark green, short needles; some variegated or gold-leaf cultivars | 6–8 | - Historic, classic “Yew hedge” plant in Europe - Berries (arils) are red; seeds and foliage are highly toxic |
| Japanese Yew | Taxus cuspidata | Japan, Korea, NE China, Far East Russia | Dark green needles, slightly wider than English yew | 4–7 (some forms to Zone 3) | - Very cold-hardy forms - Tolerates pruning; widely used in northern US - All parts except red aril are toxic |
| Hybrid Yew (“Foundation Yew”) | Taxus × media | Hybrid of T. baccata and T. cuspidata (developed in the US) | Similar to English & Japanese yew, dense needle foliage | 5–7 (some to 4) | - Combines cold hardiness of Japanese yew with ornamental traits of English yew - Many forms: upright, spreading, golden |
| Plum Yew (Not a “true yew”) | Cephalotaxus harringtonii | E. Asia (Japan, China, Korea) | Dark green, elongated needles, softer texture than Taxus | 6–9 (many thrive 8–9) | - Tolerates heat & humidity better than Taxus - Produces plum-like fruits (1” brownish drupes), not red arils - Great for deep shade or under tree canopies |
Yew 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 Shrub Care
Yew 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.
