yew

Yew plants (Taxus x media) should be watered regularly, but not too frequently. Generally, yew plants should receive at least 1 inch of water per week, or about 2-3 gallons per large shrub. It is best to water yews deeply, allowing the water to soak into the soil rather then just wetting the top layer. Yews are particularly tolerant of drought once they reach maturity, but young plants will need to be watered at least twice per week if there is no significant rainfall. It is best to water early in the day, allowing adequate time for the foliage to dry off, which helps to prevent fungal infections.

Yew plants require between 5 to 6 hours of sunlight a day for optimal growth. This includes both direct and indirect light from the sun. If the yew is grown indoors, it should be in a space where it has direct access to the light coming in through the window. If the yew is grown outdoors, it should be placed in a spot that receives partial shade and a few hours of full sun each day in order to ensure adequategrowth and overall health. The optimum temperature for this species is between 50 and 75°F.

For yews, pruning should be done annually in winter or early spring. Prune lightly in the first year, removing 2/3 of the new growth, to maintain a dense form and encourage bushy growth. When pruning yews, it is important to not cut into old wood, as yews will not re-grow from this. Additional minor pruning can be done during the summer to maintain a specific size or shape. Sometimes, yews may require heavy pruning to reduce their size. This can be done over several years, taking no more than 1/3 of the growth each time. If heavy pruning needs to be done, it is best to complete the work in 1 or 2 years.