Taxus

At Heijnen Plants, we take pride in offering the venerable Taxus, commonly known as yew, an evergreen conifer that exudes a sense of timeless elegance. With its rich green foliage and discreet yellow, green, and white flowers, this species has been a staple in European, Western Asian, and North African landscapes for centuries. Ideal for creating lush, dense hedges that require minimal maintenance, the Taxus is a distinguished choice for gardeners seeking to infuse their space with a classic and stately presence.

Taxus baccata

Winter hardiness
Very winter hardy

Pruning
Twice a year

Growth rate
20-40 cm per year

Taxus baccata 'David'

Taxus baccata 'David'

Winter hardiness
Very winter hardy

Pruning
Once a year

Growth rate
10-20 cm per year

Taxus media ‘Hicksii’

Taxus media ‘Hicksii’

Winter hardiness
Very winter hardy

Pruning
Once a year

Growth rate
20-30 cm per year

Taxus media ‘Hillii’

Taxus media ‘Hillii’

Winter hardiness
Very winter hardy

Pruning
Once a year

Growth rate
10-20cm a year

Taxus ‘Fastigiata Aurea’

Taxus ‘Fastigiata Aurea’

Winter hardiness
Very winter hardy

Pruning
Once a year

Growth rate
10-20cm a year

Taxus 'Fastigiata Robusta'

Taxus 'Fastigiata Robusta'

Winter hardiness
Very winter hardy

Pruning
Once a year

Growth rate
10-20cm a year

Yew Ball

Winter hardiness
Very winter hardy

Pruning
Twice a year

Growth rate
10-20cm a year

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Buy taxus

The genus Taxus, commonly known as yew, is a resilient and versatile conifer that has graced landscapes across Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa with its lush evergreen foliage. Esteemed for its robust nature and ornamental beauty, yews are a popular choice for everything from stately hedges to solitary showpieces. With a range of green to gold foliage that remains vibrant throughout all seasons, Taxus adds a touch of perpetual verdancy to any garden.

Key Features

The Taxus genus is lauded for its array of uses and its year-round appeal. Here are some of the key features that make the yew an exceptional choice for gardeners and landscapers:

Evergreen foliage: The leaves of Taxus exhibit a splendid tapestry of green, gold, and yellow hues, which persist throughout the year, ensuring continuous color in your garden.
Versatility in landscaping: Whether you are looking to create a dense hedge, an elegant border, or a stunning solitary feature, yews are adaptable to a variety of garden roles.
Shade tolerance: Taxus thrives in a range of lighting conditions, from full sun to partial shade, and even in shaded areas, making it a suitable choice for diverse garden layouts.
Ornamental fruit: In autumn, the yew's foliage is complemented by bright red berries, adding a splash of color and interest to the autumnal garden palette.
Low maintenance: Yews require minimal pruning to maintain their shape and can flourish with average water needs, making them a low-maintenance option for busy gardeners.

Tips

Cultivating Taxus in your garden comes with ease, given its hardy nature. However, to ensure the most vigorous growth and the fullest potential of your yews, consider these tips:

Watering: Yews have average water needs, so ensure a regular watering schedule, especially in dry periods, to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Planting location: Choose a location that meets the light requirements of your specific yew variety, keeping in mind that some yews can tolerate full shade while others may prefer sunnier spots.
Soil preparation: While yews are not particularly fussy about soil types, they do best in well-drained soils. Amending the planting site with organic matter can enhance growth.
Propagation: Yews can be propagated through various methods, including semi-ripe cuttings, grafting, and hardwood cuttings. Select the method that best suits your gardening style and the resources at your disposal.
Pruning: Taxus does not require rigorous pruning, but if you wish to shape your yew or maintain a particular size, it is best to prune in late winter or early spring before the growing season commences.

By following these simple guidelines, your Taxus will be a long-standing, distinguished feature in your garden, providing structure, color, and life throughout the entire year.

Types

Embrace the timeless elegance and stately presence of the yew in your garden. With its dense, evergreen foliage and versatile nature, Taxus species are a distinguished choice for hedges and topiary, offering year-round privacy and structure. Each variety boasts its own unique charm, from the classic silhouette to variegated leaves that capture the light.

The Taxus baccata, commonly referred to as the common yew or English yew, is a distinguished plant native to Europe, as well as regions of Western Asia and North Africa. Renowned for its hardy nature and elegant appearance, it exhibits a delicate display of yellow and green flowers during the months of April and May. The Taxus baccata is a timeless choice for gardeners seeking a touch of classic beauty and longevity in their garden landscapes.
The Taxus baccata 'David' is a notable cultivar of the yew family, celebrated for its robust growth and striking foliage. This particular variety is known for its unique form and the vibrant yellow flowers that grace its branches in the months of April and May. With its rich green leaves and compact habit, Taxus baccata 'David' is a splendid choice for creating structured hedges or as an ornamental specimen within diverse garden designs.
The Taxus baccata 'Fastigiata Aurea' stands out with its distinctive golden-yellow foliage, which adds a bright contrast to the garden palette. This cultivar of the common yew Fastigiata Aurea Group is appreciated for its upright, columnar habit, making it a superb selection for formal gardens or as a focal point in landscape design. Flourishing in the cooler months of April and May, it subtly showcases its yellow blossoms, which complement the golden tones of its leaves. This plant is an elegant addition to any setting, offering year-round interest and color.

Alternative Hedge Plants for the Taxus

Would you prefer a different type of hedge than the taxus? Then discover our popular and possible alternatives here:

Ideal placement of a Yew

The ideal location for this species is quite versatile, as it can thrive in full sun to complete shade. Whether planted as yew hedge plants to create a lush, living boundary or as a yew tree to stand majestically in solitude, it adapts well to various light conditions. It prefers a site where it can receive an average amount of water, which will suffice for its moderate hydration needs. Its evergreen foliage, displaying hues of green, gold, and yellow throughout the seasons, is maintained even in less-than-ideal lighting, making it a reliable choice for many garden designs.

Planting a Yew

Planting should take place in an area that can range from full sun to shade, catering to the versatility of the species. As evergreens, they offer year-round interest and adaptability to different garden designs, whether as a hedge or a solitary feature. When planting, ensure the soil is well-drained to accommodate the average water needs of the Taxus. Space the plants appropriately to allow for growth and air circulation. After planting, water sufficiently to settle the soil around the roots. This genus thrives across a wide range of environments, from Europe to Western Asia and North Africa, and is a robust addition to any landscape.

Pruning a Yew

Pruning the Taxus is generally not necessary, as it maintains its form well. However, to shape or control its size, light pruning may be performed. It is best to prune in late winter or early spring, avoiding the flowering months to preserve the plant's natural display of yellow blossoms. When shaping hedges or topiaries, ensure cuts are made to encourage denser growth. The Taxus' resilience allows it to recover from pruning, making it a reliable choice for structured garden designs.

Watering a Yew

The species boasts an average water need, thriving in a variety of lighting conditions—from full sun to deep shade. Although drought-tolerant once established, it's crucial to maintain consistent moisture levels during the establishment period, especially for yew hedge plantings which can be susceptible to drying out. During dry spells, deep watering is recommended to promote a robust root system. As evergreens, they require adequate hydration throughout the year, even during the colder months, to preserve their lush green foliage.

Fertilising a Yew

To ensure robust health and dense foliage for a Taxus hedge or a yew tree hedge, fertilization is key. The ideal time to fertilize is in early spring, which coincides with the start of the growing season, and again in mid-fall to prepare it for the winter months. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer that can provide a steady supply of nutrients over several months. Apply the fertilizer around the base of the plant, taking care not to come into direct contact with the trunk or main stems. Water the area well after application to help distribute the nutrients into the soil. This routine will contribute to the vibrant green coloration of the foliage throughout the seasons and enhance the plant's overall vitality.

The characteristics of a Yew

When considering the placement of your yew plant, remember that it thrives in both sun and shade, making it immensely versatile for garden design. Additionally, Taxus can be easily shaped to fit aesthetic preferences or spatial requirements, showcasing its forgiving nature when it comes to pruning. This adaptability ensures that the yew can be a long-standing and stately presence in your garden.

The ideal variety for you Buy taxus

The Taxus, with its dense foliage and elegant form, serves as a magnificent addition to any landscape. Its evergreen nature ensures year-round beauty, offering a timeless appeal. Ideal for topiary or hedges, this plant is a testament to both beauty and resilience.

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