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Taxus baccata

At Heijnen Plants, we take pride in offering the esteemed Taxus baccata, known to many as the common yew or English yew. This distinguished conifer is celebrated for its dense, dark-green foliage and its ability to form an elegant, formal hedge. The yew's small, inconspicuous flowers, which bloom in yellow and green, are a subtle highlight, complementing its year-round appeal. Native to regions including Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa, Taxus baccata is a timeless choice for gardeners seeking a touch of classic elegance and enduring charm.

Winter hardiness
Very winter hardy

Pruning
Twice a year

Growth rate
20-40 cm per year

Visual barrier
Quickly obscuring

Position
Shade, partial shade, sun

Maintenance
Average maintenance

2+ £19.55

50+ £18.55

100+ £18.10

200+ £17.60

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
60-80

Planting distance per meter
3

17.60

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

2+ £23.65

50+ £22.45

100+ £21.85

200+ £21.25

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
80-100

Planting distance per meter
3

21.25

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

2+ £34.60

25+ £32.90

50+ £32.00

100+ £31.15

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
100-120

Planting distance per meter
2,5

31.15

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

2+ £54.15

25+ £51.40

50+ £50.05

100+ £48.70

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
120-140

Planting distance per meter
2

48.70

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

2+ £67.60

15+ £64.20

25+ £62.50

50+ £60.85

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
140-160

Planting distance per meter
2

60.85

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

2+ £98.40

15+ £93.45

25+ £91.00

50+ £88.55

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
160-180

Planting distance per meter
2

88.55

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

2+ £118.45

15+ £112.50

25+ £109.55

50+ £106.60

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
180-200

Planting distance per meter
2

106.60

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

2+ £170.75

25+ £162.25

50+ £157.95

100+ £153.70

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
200-225

Planting distance per meter
2

153.70

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

Taxus baccata

Taxus baccata, widely known as the common yew or English yew, is a remarkably adaptable and long-lived conifer. This species has an iconic place in garden and landscape design due to its dense foliage and elegant, dark green needles. It is a top choice for creating lush hedges and topiaries, but it also stands out as a solitary plant with its stately presence.

Key Features

Taxus baccata offers year-round visual density with its evergreen foliage, making it ideal for privacy screens.
This species is incredibly winter hardy, capable of withstanding temperatures as low as -17.8°C to -23.3°C (USDA zone 6), which means it can thrive in a variety of climates.
The growth rate of the English yew is steady, with an annual increase of 20 to 40 cm, allowing for a quickly obscuring hedge without the need for constant trimming.
The common yew is versatile in its placement, flourishing in full sun, partial shade, and even in shaded areas, providing flexibility in garden design.

Tips

For optimal growth, ensure that your Taxus baccata is planted in well-drained soil. While it is tolerant of various soil types, waterlogged conditions can be detrimental.
Prune your yew hedge twice a year to maintain its shape and density. The best times to do this are in the late spring and early autumn.
Propagation of Taxus baccata can be achieved by sowing seeds or taking semi-ripe cuttings. For the latter, cuttings should be taken with care, using clean, sharp scissors to avoid damaging the parent plant.

By following these tips, your Taxus baccata will remain a vibrant and robust feature in your garden for years to come.

Ideal placement of a Taxus

For optimal growth, the English yew tree thrives in a range of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade and even full shade, making it a versatile choice for many garden settings. It is essential that the soil is well-drained to prevent waterlogging, which could adversely affect the plant's health. This species is hardy, tolerating temperatures as low as -17.8°C, aligning with USDA zone 6 climates. While it can adapt to various soil types, ensuring the ground is well-prepared and not prone to drought is key to its successful cultivation.

Planting a Taxus

For successful establishment, ensure that the planting site for Taxus baccata is well-prepared with well-drained soil, as it is tolerant of a wide range of soil types. Planting should be done when the ground is not frozen, ideally between late autumn and early spring. The root ball should be placed into a hole that is wider than it is deep, allowing for ample space for root expansion. Once positioned, backfill with the excavated soil, pressing down firmly to eliminate air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the root ball and continue to provide adequate moisture, especially during dry spells.

Pruning a Taxus

To maintain the dense and formal appearance of Taxus baccata as a hedge, pruning should occur twice annually. The first trim should be in late spring after new growth has hardened, typically around June, and the second in late summer, around August. It is essential to shape the hedge so that it is wider at the base than at the top to allow light to reach the lower branches and prevent the base from thinning out. Use sharp shears and make clean cuts to promote healthy regrowth.

Watering a Taxus

The Taxus baccata tree has a moderate tolerance to dry conditions but should not be exposed to prolonged drought. Regular watering during dry spells is crucial to maintain its vibrant green foliage. A deep watering routine is beneficial, encouraging a strong root system that can sustain the plant through varying weather conditions. It is particularly important to ensure that the root ball is well-hydrated, especially after planting and during the establishment phase. During winter, the plant's water requirements diminish, but it's essential to prevent the soil from completely drying out.

Fertilising a Taxus

For optimal health and dense foliage of the English yew hedge, a balanced approach to nutrition is essential. Fertilize in early spring and again in mid-autumn to support vigorous growth and the rich green color that is characteristic of Taxus baccata hedge. Utilize a complete granular fertilizer, which includes both macro and micro-nutrients to ensure a robust root system and strong plant structure.

The granules should be spread evenly around the drip line of the hedge, not against the trunk or stems, to prevent burning and ensure the roots can access the nutrients. As these hedges are evergreen and maintain their foliage year-round, consistent fertilization is key to sustaining their visual density and hardiness, especially in preparation for the winter months.

The characteristics of a Taxus

One often overlooked attribute of baccata is its exceptional tolerance to pruning, allowing it to be sculpted into various forms without compromising its robust vigor. The dense, evergreen foliage provides year-round structure and color to gardens. Additionally, when planted in groups, this species can form a lush, impenetrable hedge, offering privacy and a haven for wildlife. The root ball establishment promotes a healthy root system, ensuring a strong foundation for the plant to thrive for years to come.

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