Light
Sun to full shade. In hot climates it wants afternoon shade.
Growing guide · Shrubs
Taxus × media
How to grow Spreading Yew 'Densiformis'.
Dark green, low, wide, patient.
- Light
- Full sun, part sun, shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Zones
- 4–7
- Size
- 3–4 ft tall, 4–6 ft wide
- Spacing
- 4–5 ft apart; 3 ft for a solid low hedge.
- Pets
- Not pet-safe; keep out of reach
Water
Water weekly the first year. Established plants need water only in drought.
Planting and soil
Plant in spring or fall in well-drained soil. Set the root ball slightly high if your soil is heavy clay.
Feeding
A slow-release evergreen fertilizer in early spring, if growth is slow.
Pruning
Shear or hand-prune in late spring after new growth, and again lightly in summer if you like it tight. It regrows from old wood.
Through the year
Bright new growth in spring. Dark green all summer. Red berry-like cones on female plants in fall. Holds color through winter.
If something's off
Root rot in soggy soil is the main killer. Deer browse yews hard. All parts except the red flesh are highly toxic to pets, people and livestock.
Why we stock it: One of the few evergreens that looks good in shade and forgives a bad haircut.
Spreading Yew 'Densiformis'from $59.95 · Arrives alive, or we replace it
Spreading Yew 'Densiformis'from $59.95 · Arrives alive, or we replace it