Green Inspiration Taxus baccata 60cm Cone 22cm Pot

Taxus baccata
Common name: English yew

A classic, evergreen conifer with dense, dark green foliage and red berries, Taxus baccata is a slow-growing yet long-lived plant that brings structure and elegance to gardens. Highly versatile, its perfect for hedging, topiary, or as a standalone specimen.

Plant Overview

• Type: Evergreen conifer

• Height & Spread: Up to 18m tall 9m wide (can be maintained smaller with pruning)

• Growth Rate: Slow to moderate

• Lifespan: Extremely long-lived (hundreds of years)

• Hardiness: Fully hardy (H6 UK)

• Toxicity: All parts, including berries, are toxic if ingested (to humans and animals)

Growing Conditions

Soil

• Prefers moist, well-drained, fertile soil

• Tolerant of chalk, clay, loam, and sandy soils

• Avoid waterlogged or poorly drained areas

Light

• Tolerates full sun to full shade

• Performs well in partial shade, especially in hot or dry areas

Watering

• Water regularly when newly planted

• Once established, drought-tolerant

• Do not plant in soggy or poorly drained sites

Temperature

• Extremely hardy and resilient to UK winters

• May suffer from windburn in exposed, cold locations

Maintenance

• Pruning: Can be pruned hard or lightly to maintain shape or size

  • Best time: Late summer to early autumn

  • Ideal for hedging or topiary

• Fertilising: Feed in early spring with a balanced slow-release fertiliser if growth appears weak

• Mulching: Mulch in spring to conserve moisture and suppress weeds

Foliage & Berries

• Foliage: Dark green, flat, needle-like leaves in dense arrangements

• Berries: Bright red arils appear in autumn attractive but highly toxic

Pests & Problems

• Generally pest- and disease-resistant

• Root rot may occur in poorly drained soil

• Winter browning may occur in exposed areas

Propagation

• Cuttings: Semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer

• Seeds: Slow to germinate, requires stratification (less common for home growers)

A timeless choice for formal or traditional landscapes, Taxus baccata offers year-round greenery and exceptional adaptability, thriving in sun or shade with minimal fuss.

The plant’s growth rate and size will vary depending on planting position & conditions, and bloom, foliage and interest may vary from photo upon delivery, dependant on season.

Delivery Note: Please note that unfortunately we are currently unable to deliver plants to Northern Ireland.