How to Grow Yew Shrub - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Yew shrub is a plant that is most commonly found in North America. The plant is known for its ability to prosper in a variety of climates and its unique, dark green foliage. Yew shrub is also popular for its use in landscaping and as a Christmas tree.

How to Grow Yew Shrub - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • Common yew
  • European yew
  • Taxus baccata
  • English yew
  • Scottish yew

Things to Know

  • The yew shrub is a small, slow-growing shrub that can reach up to 6 feet in height.
  • It has needle-like leaves that are arranged in pairs along the stems.
  • The leaves are dark green in color and can be either glossy or dull in appearance.
  • The yew shrub produces small, reddish-brown berries that mature in late summer or early fall.
  • The berries are poisonous to humans but are an important food source for many birds and small mammals.
  • The yew shrub is found in woods and hedgerows throughout Europe, Asia, and North America.
  • It is a popular landscaping plant and is often used in topiary.
  • The wood of the yew shrub is very strong and dense, making it ideal for fuel wood and construction lumber.
  • The bark of the yew shrub contains a toxic alkaloid called taxine, which is used in some cancer treatments.
  • The yew shrub has a long history of use in traditional medicine for treating a variety of ailments.

Related plant:
Hydrangea Paniculata Diamant Rouge

Growing Steps

  1. For yew shrub, first step is to find a location which has well-drained soil and also full sun or partial shade.
  2. Second step is to dig a hole which is twice the width and as deep as the root ball of the plant.
  3. Third step is to remove the plant from the container and loosen the roots.
  4. Fourth step is to place the plant in the hole and fill it with soil.
  5. Fifth step is to water the plant deeply.
  6. Sixth step is to apply mulch around the plant.
  7. Seventh step is to fertilize the plant in early spring.
  8. Eighth step is to prune the plant in early spring.
  9. Ninth step is to protect the plant from deer.
  10. Last step is to enjoy your yew shrub!

Related plant:
Hydrangea Runaway Bride

Considering the Soil

About soil , yew shrub prefers well-drained, sandy or gravelly soil that is high in organic matter. The pH should be slightly acidic to neutral. It is tolerant of poor soils, but it will not thrive in wet or boggy conditions. Yew shrub is also sensitive to drought.

Light requirement

Similar to other plants, yew shrubs need sunlight to grow. However, they don't need as much sunlight as other plants. They can grow in shady areas and still thrive. This is why they are a popular choice for shrubs to plant under trees.

The Temperature

The temperature condition that is most favorable for the growth of the yew shrub is one that is cool and moist. This shrub requires little maintenance and is able to withstand a wide range of temperature conditions. It is important to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot. The yew shrub is an evergreen and will remain green throughout the year, even in the colder months.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50%. If the humidity drops below 40%, the leaves will start to turn yellow and drop off. If the humidity is too high, above 60%, the leaves will start to turn brown and drop off.

Fertilizer Requirement

Regarding fertilizer, this family of plant does not require a lot. In fact, too much canburn the roots. A light top dressing of compost in early spring is really all that is needed.As for the roots, they are very dense and invasive, so it is best to plant yews in an areathat has been cleared of other plants.

Light requirement

Pruning a yew shrub is a simple process that can be done with just a few household tools. First, identify the areas of the shrub that you want to prune. Second, using a sharp pair of pruning shears, cut away any dead or diseased branches. Third, trim back any branches that are growing out of control. Finally, stand back and admire your handiwork!

About Propagating

Propagation is typically done by cuttings, since it can be difficult to grow yews from seed. Cuttings should be taken from new growth in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long and should have at least 2-3 nodes. The cuttings should be placed in a rooting medium such as perlite or sand. Keep the cuttings moist and in a bright, but indirect light. Roots should form within 4-6 weeks. Once roots have formed, the young plants can be transplanted into pots or the garden.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate research has been conducted on the Pacific yew, which has a growth rate of about 1.2 centimeters per year. However, other yew species have been found to have different growth rates. For example, the Japanese yew has a growth rate of 2.54 centimeters per year, and the Common yew has a growth rate of 2.1 centimeters per year.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are that it can become leggy and overgrown. Also, the plant can be susceptible to different types of pests and diseases. For example, the yew can be affected by the aphid, which is a small, green insect that feeds on the plant's sap. The yew can also be affected by the scale, which is a small, brown insect that feeds on the plant's sap.

Growing Tips

  • Make sure to plant yew in a location that receives full sun to partial shade.
  • Yews prefer a well-drained soil, so be sure to amend your soil with compost or other organic matter before planting.
  • Yews can be susceptible to root rot, so it's important to plant them in an area with good drainage.
  • Water yews regularly during the first growing season to help them establish a deep, extensive root system.
  • Once established, yews are relatively drought tolerant. However, they will benefit from regular watering during periods of extended drought.
  • Apply a thin layer of compost or other organic mulch around the base of yews to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  • Yews can be pruned to shape as desired. However, pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
  • Deer and rabbits often find yews unpalatable,

Alternative Plants

  • Laurel
  • Bay
  • Cherry
  • Dogwood
  • Magnolia
  • Oak
  • Maple
  • Pine
  • Spruce

Source:
Spreading Plum Yew - Cephalotaxus harringtonia | North Carolina ...
WARD'S YEW - TAXUS X MEDIA 'WARDII' - University of …
Choosing evergreens for your landscape | UMN Extension

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category