Welcome to the world of the Yew (Taxus) plant, a fascinating and mysterious evergreen that has been admired for centuries. This unique plant is often seen in gardens, parks, and cemeteries, thanks to its striking appearance and long lifespan. While the Yew plant is known for its beauty, it also has a bit of a dark side, with parts of the plant being toxic if ingested. Still, it’s a stunning addition to any landscape if handled with care!
Popular Yew Varieties:
- English Yew (Taxus baccata)
- Japanese Yew (Taxus cuspidata)
- Irish Yew (Taxus baccata ‘Fastigiata’)

Care
- Water: Yew plants prefer moist, well-drained soil but don’t like to be waterlogged. It’s important to let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings to avoid root rot. Once established, Yews can tolerate drought quite well.
- Light: Yews are versatile when it comes to sunlight. They grow well in both full sun and partial shade. In hot climates, they’ll appreciate some shade during the hottest part of the day to prevent their needles from scorching.
- Soil: Yews thrive in well-drained soil, whether sandy, loamy, or even slightly clay-like. Adding compost to the soil can improve drainage and give the plant a boost of nutrients.
- Temperature and Humidity: Yews are tough and can handle cold weather, making them a great choice for gardens in temperate regions. However, they don’t do as well in very hot or humid environments, so keep that in mind when choosing where to plant.
Planting & Growing
Yew plants are best planted in early spring or fall, when the temperatures are mild. They can be grown from seeds or cuttings, though cuttings are often easier and quicker. Make sure to space them about 60 centimeters feet apart (2 ft.), as Yews can spread out over time. With proper care, Yew plants can live for hundreds of years, slowly growing and developing their dense, dark green needles.
Pruning
Pruning your Yews twice a year, in early July and again in early September, helps maintain their health and shape. In July, you can trim up to two-thirds of the new growth, as the spring growth has matured and can handle a more substantial cut. The September pruning is lighter, just to tidy up any stray new growth and keep the plant looking neat.
For more info on proper Yew pruning techniques, check out our full article!
Common Pests
While Yew plants are generally resilient, these pests can sometimes cause issues. Regularly checking for signs of infestation and treating early can prevent any major damage to your plant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do yews like sun or shade?
Yews grow best in full sun but can also tolerate partial or full shade. Just remember, more shade means you’ll need to prune them more often to keep their shape.
What causes a yew to turn brown?
Yews can turn brown if they sit in overly wet soil or experience extreme temperature or wind changes. Too much moisture can harm their roots, causing the needles to die back.
Why do my yews keep dying?
Yews may die from improper pruning or salt damage. Prune them properly to allow enough light, and keep them away from salt to avoid browning.
Can you rejuvenate a yew?
Yews can bounce back from pruning, but it may take a few growing seasons to fully recover. They’re tough plants and can handle heavy trimming or even being cut back down to the ground.