How to Grow Japanese Yew Varieties - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Japanese yew varieties is a plant that is native to Japan. It is a evergreen shrub that can grow to be about 6 feet tall. The leaves of the plant are dark green and have a leathery texture. The flowers of the plant are small and yellow. The fruit of the plant is a red berry that is about the size of a grape.

How to Grow Japanese Yew Varieties - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

  • Common Yew
  • European Yew
  • Japanese Yew
  • Mountain Yew
  • Western Yew

Basic info

  • Japanese yews come in many different varieties, each with its own unique appearance.
  • Some Japanese yew varieties are very rare and hard to find.
  • Japanese yews are known for their slow growth rate.
  • Japanese yews can live for hundreds of years.
  • Japanese yews prefer cooler climates and do not do well in hot, humid weather.
  • Japanese yews need plenty of sunlight to thrive.
  • Japanese yews need well-drained, acidic soil to thrive.
  • Japanese yews are susceptible to a number of pests and diseases.
  • Japanese yews are popular ornamental plants and are often used in landscaping.
  • Japanese yews are poisonous to humans and animals if ingested.

Related plant:
Japanese Azalea Orange

Planting Process

  1. For japanese yew varieties, first step is to find a suitable location. It is important to choose a spot that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. The soil should be well drained and the plant should be protected from strong winds.
  2. The next step is to prepare the soil. The soil should be loose and free of any debris. If the soil is too dense, it will need to be loosened up with a shovel or spade.
  3. Once the soil is prepared, it is time to plant the japanese yew varieties. It is important to plant the seeds at the correct depth. The general rule is to plant the seeds twice as deep as their diameter.
  4. After planting the seeds, water them well.
  5. Once the seedlings have germinated, thin them out so that they are about 6 inches apart.
  6. When the japanese yew varieties are about 6 inches tall, they can be transplanted into their permanent location.
  7. Once the plants are in their permanent location, water them regularly.
  8. Fertilize the plants once they are established.
  9. Prune the plants as needed to maintain their shape.
  10. Enjoy your beautiful japanese yew varieties!

Related plant:
Japanese Snowball Viburnum

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, it seems that well-drained, loamy soils are best, but the Japanese yew is tolerant of other soil types as well. It also does well in full sun to partial shade, and is quite drought-tolerant once established.

Light condition

Not too different with other yew varieties, the Japanese yew requires sun to partial shade in order to grow properly. too much sun will result in the plant becoming dry and stressed, while too little sun will cause the plant to become leggy and produce fewer berries. The ideal spot for a Japanese yew is in an area that receives morning sun and afternoon shade.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature conditions that are ideal for growing Japanese yew are between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant does not do well in temperatures that are above 80 degrees Fahrenheit or below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Japanese yew can tolerate shade, but it grows best in full sun.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 60-70% The Japanese yew ( Taxus cuspidata), is a member of the Taxaceae family, native to Japan. It is an evergreen conifer with a pyramidal to irregular shape. The yew has flattish, spreading branches that form a dense crown. It is a slow-growing plant, eventually reaching a height of 15-20 m. The yew is dioecious, with male and female cones on separate plants. The female cones are globose, with 8-10 ovules. The yew is pollinated by the wind. The seeds are dispersed by birds. This plant prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. The yew is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions, including poor, sandy and clay soils. It is also tolerant of urban pollution. The yew does not like overly wet conditions and will not grow well in swampy areas. The ideal humidity condition for this plant is 60-70%.

Fertilizing

Discussing fertilizer, usually the plant that is being grown is the main focus. However, the root zone is where a plant's uptake of water and nutrients occurs, so it is important to maintain a healthy root system. Japanese yews are a popular evergreen shrub, and there are many different varieties to choose from. When selecting a fertilizer for Japanese yews, it is important to consider the needs of the root zone.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important aspect of caring for a Japanese yew. It is important to prune regularly to encourage new growth and to keep the plant healthy. There are a few different ways to prune a Japanese yew. One way is to shear the plant. This involves trimming the plant evenly all around. This method is good for keeping the plant compact and for encouraging new growth. Another way to prune a Japanese yew is to thin it out. This involves removing some of the branches so that air can circulate through the plant. This method is good for preventing the plant from becoming too dense and for encouraging new growth.

About Propagating

Propagation of Japanese yew is typically done by softwood cuttings taken from new growth in late spring or early summer. Cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and taken from the tips of branches. The cuttings should be placed in a propagation bed or pot with moistened potting mix. The pot should be placed in bright, indirect light and kept at a temperature of 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit. After the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted into their permanent location.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is relatively slow compared to other plant species. This is due to the fact that the vast majority of japanese yew varieties are found in forest habitats where there is little light available for photosynthesis. As a result, japanese yew varieties have adapted to grow slowly so that they can make the most efficient use of the available light. In addition, the slow growth rate of japanese yew varieties helps to prevent them from being outcompeted by faster growing plant species.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are stem and root rots, as well as fungal diseases. Root rots are the most serious, and can often lead to the death of the plant. Fungal diseases can also be a problem, especially in wet conditions.

Tips on Growing

  • Do not forget to water your yew regularly, especially during hot weather.
  • Place your yew in an area of your garden that receives full sun.
  • Fertilize your yew every two months using a balanced fertilizer.
  • Prune your yew regularly to encourage new growth.
  • Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and take action immediately if you notice any problems.
  • Harvest the berries from your yew in late summer or early autumn.
  • Store yew berries in a cool, dry place until you are ready to use them.
  • If you want to grow yew trees, start by planting seedlings in early spring.
  • Transplant yew trees to their permanent location in late spring or early summer.
  • Don't forget to mulch your yew trees to help protect their roots during the winter.

Similar Plants

  • Taxus baccata 'Fastigiata'
  • Pyramidal yew, Irish yew
  • Taxus baccata 'Flavescens'
  • Yellow-berried yew
  • Taxus baccata 'Inermis'
  • Irish yew
  • Taxus baccata 'Nana'
  • Dwarf yew
  • Taxus baccata 'Repandens'
  • Spreading yew

Source:
Yew | Horticulture, Landscape, and Environmental Systems
Japanese Yew (Taxus cuspidata) - University of Illinois Extension
Plant of the Week: Yew, Japanese Plum - uaex.uada.edu

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
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Shrubs Category