How to Grow Dense Spreading Yew - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team / 2024

Dense spreading yew is an evergreen shrub that has a dense, spreading habit. It grows to be 2-3 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide. The leaves are dark green and glossy. The flowers are small and inconspicuous. The fruit is a bright red berry.

How to Grow Dense Spreading Yew - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

T. baccata
T. canadensis
T. cuspidata
T. dioica
T. mertensiana

Common Knowledge

Dense Spreading Yew (Taxus baccata 'Densa') is an evergreen shrub or small tree with a dense, spreading habit.
It is native to Europe and Asia and has been introduced to North America.
The leaves are dark green, leathery, and triangular in shape with a sharply pointed tip. They are arranged in two rows on the stem.
The flowers are small and yellow-green, borne in dense clusters in spring.
The fruit is a dark red berry, toxic to humans but eaten by birds.
Dense Spreading Yew is a popular shrub for hedges and topiary due to its dense growth habit.
It is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks.
The wood is hard and dense, making it suitable for carving and turning.
Yews are slow-growing plants and can live for hundreds of years.
Some yews, including the Dense Spreading Yew, are listed as threatened or endangered in their native habitats due to over-exploitation.

Related plant:
Viburnum Dense Fence

How to Grow

For dense spreading yew, first step is to find a location that has partial to full sun and well-drained soil.
Next, dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the plants root ball.
Put the plant in the hole and backfill with soil.
Water the plant deeply and thoroughly.
Spread a 2-inch layer of mulch around the plant, but keep it away from the stem.
Fertilize the plant once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Prune the plant as needed to shape it or remove any damaged or diseased branches.
Check the plant regularly for pests and diseases and take action as needed.
Enjoy your beautiful and healthy dense spreading yew!
Remember to give your plant plenty of water, especially during the first growing season after planting.

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, the dense spreading yew prefers well-drained soils, including sandy and loamy soils, and can even tolerate heavy clay soils. It is not particular about soil pH, tolerating both acidic and alkaline soils. This yew can also tolerate salty soils and compacted soils.

About light

So, like the other yews, the dense spreading yew requires full sun to partial shade in order to grow properly. Without enough sun, the leaves of the yew will begin to turn yellow and will eventually fall off the plant. If you are growing a dense spreading yew in an area that doesn't get a lot of sun, you may need to supplement the light with a grow light.

The Temperature

The temperature condition that is ideal for dense spreading yew is one that is cool and moist. This type of yew does not thrive in hot and dry conditions. In terms of temperature, dense spreading yew prefers a climate that is on the cooler side, such as that found in northern regions.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% and higher. If the humidity drops below 50%, the plant may experience stress and start to shed its needles. In order to maintain optimal humidity for your dense spreading yew, you can either mist the plant regularly or set the plant on a pebble tray.

Fertilizing

Regarding fertilizer, this kind of plant does not need a lot of nutrients and is actually quite tolerant of poor soils. However, if you want to give it a little boost, you can add some compost or organic matter to the soil around the base of the plant. As for the roots, dense spreading yew has shallow roots that spread out widely, so you'll need to be careful when digging or cultivating around the plant.

Plant Pruning

Pruning dense spreading yew is an important part of maintaining the health of the plant. Pruning allows the plant to get rid of unwanted growth and helps to promote new growth. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or damaged branches. Cut back any branches that are growing in an unwanted direction.

Plant Propagation

Propagation of dense spreading yew is often done via softwood cuttings taken from the plant in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be about 6 inches long and taken from new growth. They should be placed in a well-drained potting mix and kept moist until rooted. Once rooted, the plants can be transplanted into the landscape.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is considered to be slow to medium. They can however, grow quite rapidly when young. Once they reach around 10 years old, their growth will start to slow down considerably. Mature trees can live to be hundreds of years old.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, stem canker, and root rot. These problems are often caused by too much moisture or not enough drainage. To prevent these problems, make sure to plant dense spreading yew in well-drained soil and water only when the soil is dry.

Tips on Growing

Remember to plant your yew in an area with full sun to partial shade.
Well-drained soils are ideal for yews, so be sure to amend your planting area accordingly if needed.
Yews are relatively drought-tolerant once established, but they will appreciate regular watering during the first growing season.
Fertilize your yew annually in early spring with a balanced granular fertilizer.
To maintain a dense growth habit, prune your yew yearly in early spring.
Yews are relatively pest and disease resistant, but scale and aphids can be occasional problems. Monitor your plants closely and take corrective action if needed.
Yews can be propagated by softwood or semi-ripe cuttings taken in summer.
Yews are also commonly grafted onto other rootstocks.
Yews can live for hundreds of years,