Species Japanese yew

Japanese yew

Taxus cuspidata 'Bright Gold'

The Japanese yew is an evergreen conifer with a unique, eye-catching bright gold color that stands out in a landscape. Its yellow-green needles stay glossy and lush throughout the year, even during cold weather. This slow-growing yew grows best in partial shade to full sun locations with well-drained soil. Once established, the Japanese yew requires little care, needing a minimal amount of water and fertilizer. The shrubs also serve as an excellent windbreak, and their dense foliage makes them ideal for a privacy hedge. Pruning can help maintain an attractive shape. Winter brings deep scarlet berries that share the beauty of this unique species with birds and other wildlife.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Cutting,Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Tissue Culture,Air Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 7

Flowers:

Non-flowering Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

gold,green,yellow

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Poisonous To Humans:

Yes

Poisonous To Pets:

Yes

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

Care Level:

Moderate

watering

Japanese yew prefer well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. It requires consistent watering during the growing season and should never dry out completely. During the growing season, water when the top inch or so of soil feels dry to the touch. During the winter, allow the soil to dry out between waterings and water only every 2-3 weeks.

sunlight

Japanese yew (Taxus cuspidata 'Bright Gold') prefers partial to full sun. It does best when it receives at least 4 hours of direct sunlight each day. If it receives too little sun, its foliage may become too sparse and its branches will be too elegant. It will also require more frequent watering and fertilization to keep it healthy and vibrant. For best results, provide the Japanese yew with at least 4 hours of direct sunlight each day, preferably in the mid-afternoon.

pruning

Japanese Yew (Taxus cuspidata 'Bright Gold') should be pruned upon planting, and then again in late winter/early spring to keep it shaped and from growing too large. Pruning should involve the removal of dead branches, the trimming of long branches, and if needed, the shaping of the tree. It is important to make sure that no more than 1-third of the tree’s overall canopy is pruned away in 1 session. Pruning Japanese yews is best done using clean and sharp pruning shears to ensure a clean cut. Also, it is important to avoid removing branches from the center of the canopy as this will weaken the tree structure.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Taxus cuspidata 'Bright Gold' typically starts flowering in April.

Hardiness Map