Taxus baccata – English Yew

Description

Taxus baccata more commonly known as the English Yew has been the backbone to English garden design over many centuries. Part of the conifer family it has horizontal branches with secondary shoots which left un-clipped are gently weeping.

Yew is extremely popular for use in Topiary and Hedging where a fine finish is required and often can be seen alongside Box ( Buxus sempervirens ) in many modern garden designs and historic gardens. 

Yew requires plenty of water but never wants to sit in water just like Box so a fertile, well drained soil is required. Suitable for chalky and acid soils, full sun and semi-shaded positions.

Always plant slightly on the high side as Yew likes to draw plenty of oxygen into the top of its root system.