Introducing...
Yew
Botanical name: Taxus
Yew (Taxus baccata) is a versatile, long-lived native evergreen tree or shrub that fits well into any style of garden. It is popular as hedging and topiary, and can also be grown as a free-standing specimen, adding year-round structure. It also grows well in containers.
Looks
Yew has distinctive needle-like evergreen foliage and red berry-like fruits in autumn and winter. It can be a tree or shrub, or can be clipped into topiary shapes, or grown as hedging.
Likes
This versatile native plant is happy in most soil types and situations, from shade to full sun. It can be planted closely to form a hedge, or individually as a standalone specimen, in the ground or in a container.
Dislikes
Avoid planting in waterlogged soil, as the roots are susceptible to rotting. Make sure new plants and those in containers don't dry out.
Did you know?
All parts of yew are toxic, except the berry-like fruits (although the seeds inside them are highly poisonous). So to be on the safe side, wear gloves when handling hedge clippings, taking cuttings or sowing seeds.
Growing guide
How to grow yew
All the information you’ll need to grow and care for yew in your garden.
Yew we recommend
Taxus baccata 'Standishii' (f)
yew 'Standishii'
- 1–1.5 metres
- 0.5–1 metres
Taxus baccata 'Fastigiata Aureomarginata' (m/v)
golden Irish yew
- 2.5–4 metres
- 1.5–2.5 metres
Taxus baccata 'Icicle'
yew 'Icicle'
- 0.5–1 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Taxus baccata 'Standishii' (f)
yew 'Standishii'
- 1–1.5 metres
- 0.5–1 metres
Taxus baccata 'Fastigiata Aureomarginata' (m/v)
golden Irish yew
- 2.5–4 metres
- 1.5–2.5 metres
Taxus baccata 'Icicle'
yew 'Icicle'
- 0.5–1 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Useful advice
Hedges: nuisance and overgrown
Hedges: planting
Hedges: selection
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.