Description
Taxus baccata 'Goldstrike' shrub 25-30 cm C2 | Golden yew
The Goldstrike golden yew shrub is an upright, bushy form of Taxus baccata 'Goldstrike', known in the UK as Golden yew. Its golden-yellow evergreen foliage brings colour to the garden throughout the year. As a shrub, it has a fuller, compact-looking presence than a tree-form yew, while keeping a clear upright habit. It can reach an average mature height of approximately 200 cm; no mature width is specified. The plant is slow-growing, so its shape develops gradually, and it responds well to pruning. Its flowers are inconspicuous and yellow-green, appearing in March and April, rather than being a main ornamental feature. Fruit may also develop, but all parts of the plant are poisonous, so none should be eaten. The shrub form makes this cultivar a distinct choice for gardeners looking for golden foliage in a bushy structure rather than a tree-form plant. It belongs to the Taxus genus and is suited to gardens where evergreen form and foliage colour are part of the planting design.
Key features of Golden yew (Taxus baccata 'Goldstrike') as a shrub
- Evergreen golden foliage: This shrub carries golden-yellow foliage throughout the year. It offers colour in the garden beyond the flowering period, with the upright, bushy form providing leafy structure.
- Position: Golden yew can grow in full sun or partial shade. These options allow it to be considered for different garden positions, according to the needs of the planting space.
- Soil and drainage: It prefers well-drained, humus-rich soil that remains slightly moist. In the UK’s often wet garden conditions, good drainage is important; the soil should not be left waterlogged.
- Growth and flowers: ‘Goldstrike’ is slow-growing, with an upright and bushy shrub habit. Its yellow-green flowers appear in March and April but are inconspicuous, so the evergreen golden foliage remains its main feature.
- Important to know: All parts of the plant are poisonous. The shrub’s ornamental qualities are its foliage and form, rather than any use of its fruit.
- Garden setting: As an evergreen coniferous shrub, it may suit planting plans that include evergreen shrubs. Its golden foliage can add a contrasting colour among other garden plants.
Uses of the Goldstrike golden yew shrub in the garden
- Specimen planting: Use the upright, bushy shrub as a specimen where its golden-yellow evergreen foliage can be seen clearly. Its form gives the planting a leafy presence, while the foliage provides colour through the year.
- Group planting: Several shrubs can be considered for a group planting where a repeated evergreen structure is wanted. Their golden foliage can also be combined with other shrubs or garden plants whose foliage contrasts with or complements it.
- Hedging: Golden yew is listed as an option for hedging as well as for use as a shrub. This can be considered where the golden foliage and upright, bushy habit suit the intended hedge; the outline does not specify a particular hedge size or growth rate.
- Containers: The shrub can also be used in a pot. Consider this option where an evergreen shrub form and golden foliage are wanted in a container, taking account of the requirements of the intended garden setting.
- Hardiness: The supplied winter hardiness is -28°C to -23°C, USDA zone 5. This gives a useful indication of its hardiness, but does not promise identical performance in every UK garden or location.
Whether used as a specimen, in a group, as a hedge or in a pot, this shrub combines golden evergreen foliage with an upright, bushy form for colour and structure through the year.
