Cephalotaxus harringtonia 'Nana'

RHS Plant Profile

Japanese plum yew 'Nana'

Synonyms

Cephalotaxus harringtonia var. nana
Cephalotaxus nana

Conifers Shrubs

A dwarf spreading cutivar, which will grow up to 1.8 tall and 2.5m wide. Dark green needles are shorter than the ones of the species, and create a fine and delicate texture. Flowers or fruit are not ornamentally significant. This cultivar has show a great tolerance to full-sun contitions, urban pollution and even certain levels of drought, once established.

Position

Full shade, Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Sand, Loam

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 10–20 years
Max Spread: 1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height: 1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Sand Loam

Moisture: Moist but well–drained
pH: Neutral or Acid or Alkaline

Position

Full shade Full sun Partial shade

Aspect: East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H5

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Taxaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Evergreen
Habit: Bushy
Genus: Cephalotaxus are evergreen shrubs or small trees, with 2-ranked, linear leaves resembling yew foliage, and somewhat plum-like, fleshy green fruits; male and female flowers are usually on separate plants
Name Status: Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grows best in a moist but well drained soil, in part shade. It will tolerate a wide range of soil conditions and full sun in cool, moist climates. Shelter from cold, dry winds.

Propagation

Propagate by seed, softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings of terminal shoots.

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Architectural
City and courtyard gardens
Low Maintenance
Hedging and screens

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free.

Diseases

Generally disease-free