Key features
AwardsRHS Award of Garden Merit
Final size5 x 2 metres in 20 years
FoliageYellow-green leaves year-round (evergreen)
PositionFull sun to full shade, including exposed sites
SoilPrefers well-draining soil
Description
Irish Yew is a fastigiate or upright, slow-growing conifer with attractive, yellow tinted, evergreen foliage. Taxus baccata fastigiata has a fairly narrow width and columnar shape, making it ideal to use as sentries outside front doors and along pathways or to punctuate a border. This striking conifer is easy to maintain and stray stems can be trimmed back to maintain the symmetrical appearance.
Irish Yew is expected to reach a height and spread of 5 x 2 metres in 20 years, and will grow well in any situation, tolerating full shade and all soils, other than damp, badly drained conditions.
For taller slimmer conifers, consider Cupressus sempervirens. We also have Golden Yew.
Note: please bear in mind that all Taxus varieties are toxic if eaten.
AKA Irish Yew, Blue John
Planting Steps
1Preparation
- Pot-grown plants can be planted at any time of year, whereas bare roots need to be planted between November and March.
- Clear weeds and grass within a metre of the planting hole.
- Dig a hole as deep as the root mass and twice as wide.
- To help your plant establish more effectively, sprinkle Rootgrow in the hole.
2Planting
- Gently loosen the roots and place into the planting hole.
- Ensure the top of the plant’s compost is flush with the level of the surrounding soil and the graft union or collar of the tree is above ground level.
- Mix 50% of the original soil with 50% compost.
- Fill in the hole, firming the soil gently.
3Last Steps
- Water generously around the base of the plant.
- If you are planting either a single stem tree or mature standard tree, we recommend adding a staking kit and rabbit guard.
Aftercare Advice
Conifers require a good watering regime for a couple of years whilst they establish. Water well and regularly through spring and summer, increasing in hot or dry weather. If planting in autumn, you may only need to water a little. It is advisable to keep the area free of competing weeds and grass during this period.
Most Conifers need very little pruning. Simply remove any dead, diseased or awkwardly placed branches as and when you see them.
For more detailed advice and video guides, please visit our Help & Advice section.
