Description
Taxus baccata 200-225 cm | Common yew
Taxus baccata hedge is a popular choice for creating a dense and evergreen screen in gardens. The Taxus genus includes the English yew, known for its lush, dark green foliage and striking red berries. This conifer is ideal for both low and tall hedges, making it versatile for various garden designs. A Taxus baccata hedge provides excellent privacy and can be used as a front garden hedge or as part of a block hedge. Its dense foliage makes it perfect for creating a natural barrier, while the evergreen nature ensures year-round coverage. The beautiful red berries add a touch of colour, attracting birds to the garden. Choosing Taxus baccata as a hedge plant offers a classic and elegant look, suitable for any garden style.
Discover the Characteristics of English Yew Hedge Plants
The Taxus baccata hedge, commonly known as the English yew hedge, is a versatile choice for gardens. This evergreen plant retains its lush green foliage throughout the year, making it an excellent option for creating a tall hedge or a low hedge. The leaves are needle-like and soft to the touch, adding a classic look to any garden setting. English yew hedge plants thrive in various light conditions, including full sun, partial shade, and even full shade, offering flexibility in placement. With a growth rate of 20-40 cm per year, the Taxus baccata hedge is moderately fast-growing. Regular pruning can help maintain the desired height and shape, whether it's a front garden hedge or a more extensive conifer hedge. The mature height of this hedge plant depends on how it is pruned, allowing gardeners to tailor it to their specific needs. Its upright growth habit and dense branching make it an ideal choice for those seeking privacy, as it becomes quickly sight-tight with proper care. For those interested in creating a conifer hedge, the English yew hedge is a reliable option. Its dense foliage provides excellent coverage, and with timely trimming, it remains thick and healthy. This hedge plant is not only a beautiful addition to any garden but also a practical one, offering both aesthetic appeal and functional benefits. For more information on evergreen options, consider exploring our evergreen hedge selection.
The Taxus baccata hedge, also known as the English yew, is a versatile plant suitable for various garden settings. It is winter hardy, thriving in USDA zone 6, and can withstand temperatures as low as -23.3°C. However, the timing of frost and the plant's location, including soil and wind conditions, can affect its hardiness. This hedge plant prefers well-drained soil and can adapt to different soil types, making it a flexible choice for many gardens. Ideal soil moisture is crucial for its growth, so ensure the soil is not waterlogged to prevent root rot.
Taxus baccata is beneficial for biodiversity, providing shelter and food for birds, bees, and butterflies. While the plant is toxic, it is safe for gardens when handled properly, keeping children and pets away from its berries and leaves. The plant blooms in April and May, displaying yellow and green flowers. Its ornamental value is significant, with its dense foliage offering privacy and a classic look. It combines well with other plants, such as conifers and flowering shrubs, to create a diverse garden landscape. When planting, consider the size of the plant to determine the number needed per metre. For a tall hedge, fewer plants are required compared to a low hedge. See plant properties for specific planting guidelines. The hedge plant is an excellent choice for those looking to enhance their garden with a reliable and attractive barrier.
Taxus Baccata Hedge: Advantages and Disadvantages
The Taxus baccata hedge is a popular choice for gardens due to its many benefits:
All advantages:
- Dense foliage screen: Provides excellent privacy and wind protection.
- Ideal for both low and high hedges: Versatile for different garden designs.
- Evergreen: Maintains its green colour throughout the year.
- Beautiful red berries: Adds visual interest and attracts wildlife.
- Fast-growing: Grows 20-40 cm per year, quickly becoming sight-dense.
- Hardy: Can withstand temperatures as low as -23.3°C, suitable for USDA zone 6.
All disadvantages:
- Does not tolerate wet soils: Requires well-drained soil to thrive.
Overall, the Taxus baccata hedge is a reliable and attractive choice for creating a tall or low hedge in the garden.
