yew

Taxus media 'Hicksii'

The yew (Taxus media 'Hicksii') is an evergreen, high-branched shrub or small tree with bright green, narrow leaves. It is hardy in USDA zones 4-9 and can reach a height of 8-10 feet with a spread of 8-10 feet. It is an excellent plant for hedges, screens, and topiary, due to its production of dense foliage. This yew is a slow-growing plant and is low-maintenance, requiring little or no pruning. Yews are shade tolerant and can handle full sun, and also drought tolerant, making them great plants for gardens. Yews also produce small, red berries in late summer that are attractive to birds.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Cutting,Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Seed Propagation,Tissue Culture

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 7

Flowers:

Non-flowering Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Cones:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Poisonous To Humans:

Yes

Poisonous To Pets:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

watering

Yew (Taxus media 'Hicksii') should be watered deeply every 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the season and the weather conditions. During the active growing season (May to August), increase watering to once every 2 weeks for evergreens. In extremely hot weather, yew may require weekly watering. During the cooler winter season, reduce watering to once every 4 weeks. Make sure that the soil is moist, not wet; water the plant until you see some drainage. Be sure not to overwater, as yew are very sensitive to it. Monitor the soil moisture level; once it becomes slightly dry, water deeply.

sunlight

The yew (Taxus media 'Hicksii') does best in bright, indirect light, such as in a partially shaded area or filtered sunlight. It is hardy beyond USDA Hardiness Zones 7–9 and can survive temperatures as low as -10°F (-23°C). As the yew is an evergreen tree, it requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day during the spring and summer months to stay healthy. However, it can tolerate lower amounts of sunlight during the winter, or if placed in a very brightly lit indoor environment.

pruning

Yews (Taxus media 'Hicksii') typically need very little pruning, as they grow slowly and have a naturally dense habit. Pruning can be done in late winter or early spring, while the plants are still dormant. This is the best time to prune as it will ensure the best shape for the plant and provide the most protection against disease in the plant's vulnerable new growth. When pruning yews, the main goal should be to thin out the plant to promote air circulation and increase light penetration. Dead or diseased wood should be removed first. This should be followed by selective removal of weak or excess branches you don't want growing. This selective pruning will create the desired shape for the yew and help maintain its natural form. For taller yews, prune the lower branches to decrease the overall height of the plant. Prune with long-handled pruning shears, so you can reach the center of the plant without damaging it. Yews are tolerant of pruning so it's better to start with small cuts and work from there, rather than over-pruning. Removing too much can damage the inner structure of the plant, making it more vulnerable to disease and pests.

Season

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

Yews typically start flowering in April.

Hardiness Map