Plum Yew

Shade loving, good deer resistance, evergreen, woody conifer.

Botanical Name: Cephalotaus harringtonia

Varieties we carry:

• Prostrata

• Duke’s Garden

• Fastigiata

The following varieties may be available for special request: Golden Dragon

Seasons of availability: All year.

Landscape Value:

Plum yew is an evergreen, woody conifer, with medium to fine texture. Sizes and habits of Plum Yew vary, with varieties ranging from narrow upright shrub to low growing groundcover. Plum Yews tend to grow slowly but steadily. Maximum sizes can be large, but they can be maintained in small areas. Plum Yew are more cold tolerant than Podocarpus (Southern Yew), and more tolerant to heat and clay soils than Taxus (Northern Yew). Plum Yews provide shelter for birds and small mammals while showing good deer resistance. Useful in shade gardens, mass plantings, and cointainers.

Plant Care:

Plum Yew thrives in part shade, ideally having cover from afternoon Southern sun. Hardy to  Zones 6-9, plum yews rarely suffer from insects or disease issues.  Once established, this shrub shows tolerance to drought, heat, and humidity. Plum Yew prefers well drained soils.  Mulch the prepared soil base to retain moisture and fertilize with a slow-release fertilizer to encourage new growth. 

Ideal planting seasons: Fall, Winter, and Spring.