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Taxus baccata Ball

Heijnen Plants is proud to present the venerable Taxus baccata, commonly known as the common yew or English yew. This distinguished conifer is celebrated for its dense, dark green foliage and its ability to form elegant hedges that provide structure and privacy in any garden. The yew's flowers are modest in appearance, with subtle green and yellow hues that complement its rich foliage. Native to regions spanning from Europe to North Africa and Western Asia, the Taxus baccata is a timeless classic that embodies resilience and longevity, making it a preferred choice for gardeners seeking both beauty and hardiness in their landscapes.

Winter hardiness
Very winter hardy

Pruning
Twice a year

Growth rate
10-20cm a year

Position
Shade, partial shade, sun

Fruiting
Low maintenance

2+ £79.50

15+ £75.55

25+ £73.55

50+ £71.55

2+ £155.65

15+ £147.90

25+ £144.00

50+ £140.10

2+ £186.80

15+ £177.45

25+ £172.80

50+ £168.15

2+ £283.20

5+ £269.05

10+ £261.95

15+ £254.90

2+ £512.50

5+ £486.90

10+ £474.05

15+ £461.25

2+ £572.40

5+ £543.80

10+ £529.45

15+ £515.15

2+ £608.35

5+ £577.90

10+ £562.70

15+ £547.50

Taxus baccata Ball

The Taxus baccata, known as the common yew or English yew, is a timeless classic revered for its dense, evergreen foliage and its ability to thrive in a variety of environments. Prized for its versatility and elegant appearance, it serves as an excellent choice for both formal and natural landscapes.

Its rich history and widespread distribution across Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa have cemented its status as a staple in traditional gardens. The English yew's sculptural form lends itself to topiary art, while its slow growth rate and ease of maintenance make it a favoured option for many gardeners.

Key features of Taxus baccata

The Taxus is remarkably adaptable, flourishing in full sun, partial shade, or shade, and is tolerant of a range of soil types, provided they are well-drained.
With a modest growth rate of 10 to 20 centimeters per year, it forms a lush, green ball shape that can be maintained with minimal effort.
The English yew showcases a spectrum of colors throughout the year, with green foliage that remains vibrant across all seasons and red fruits that emerge in autumn, contrasting beautifully against the greenery.
It is winter-hardy, withstanding temperatures as low as -17.8°C to -23.3°C (USDA zone 6), ensuring that its majestic presence endures even in the coldest months.

Tips for cultivating and caring for Taxus baccata

To maintain the shape of your Taxus baccata, prune it twice a year. This will not only keep it looking tidy but also encourage denser foliage growth.
While the yew is not drought-resistant, it does not require excessive watering. Ensure the soil is moist, particularly in dry periods, but avoid waterlogging, as this can be detrimental to the plant's health.
Propagation can be achieved through semi-ripe cuttings or by sowing seeds, allowing you to cultivate new plants and expand your garden with this noble species.
Be mindful of the yew's slow growth when planting, as it may take some time to reach the desired size, but with patience, the results are undeniably rewarding.

Ideal placement of a Yew Ball

This species thrives in a variety of lighting conditions, from full sun to complete shade, making it a versatile choice for garden placement. As an yew topiary ball, it serves as a striking focal point in any landscape design. It is imperative to ensure the soil is well-drained, as this will support its growth and overall health. While adaptable to most soil types, attention to proper drainage will prevent root issues and promote a robust root system, essential for maintaining the sculpted form of this evergreen.

Planting a Yew Ball

Planting Taxus baccata with a root ball requires careful attention to detail. Begin by digging a hole that is both wider and slightly deeper than the root ball itself. This ensures ample space for the roots to expand. It's crucial to plant in a location that can range from full sun to partial shade, accommodating the plant's versatility. Once placed, backfill the hole with a mixture of native soil and well-draining planting compost to promote healthy growth. Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil and provide the moisture needed for the roots to establish in their new environment.

Pruning a Yew Ball

Pruning is best performed twice a year to maintain the elegant ball shape of Taxus baccata. The ideal times are late spring, after the new growth has hardened slightly, and in late summer to encourage denser foliage. Precise cuts should be made to encourage the plant's natural growth habit, ensuring that the evergreen maintains its sculptural form throughout the year. As the species is tolerant of heavy pruning, it can be cut back quite severely if reshaping is required, though it is advisable to do so gradually over several seasons.

Watering a Yew Ball

Taxus baccata, with its evergreen foliage, requires consistent moisture to maintain its health and vitality. While it is somewhat drought-resistant, ensuring the soil remains well-drained yet moist is key, particularly during dry spells. During the establishment phase, regular watering is crucial to develop a strong root system. Once established, the watering frequency can be reduced. In winter, less frequent watering is necessary; however, it's important to prevent the root ball from drying out completely, even in colder temperatures. Remember, this species thrives across a range of sunlight exposures, from full sun to shade.

Fertilising a Yew Ball

To ensure that the yew ball maintains its vigorous health and dense foliage, fertilizing is a crucial aspect of its care. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in the early spring will support the growth throughout the growing season. A second application in the late summer can help bolster the plant as it prepares for the cooler months.

It is important to apply the fertilizer around the base of the plant, avoiding direct contact with the foliage to prevent burn. The evergreen nature of Taxus baccata means it continues to photosynthesize year-round, thus requiring a consistent supply of nutrients. A proper fertilization regime will contribute greatly to the plant's lush green appearance and overall vitality.

The characteristics of a Yew Ball

An often-overlooked feature of Taxus baccata is its versatility in landscape design. Notably, it can be shaped into elegant Taxus balls, which add a touch of formal beauty to any garden. When planting, ensure that the root ball is adequately covered with soil, which should be well-draining to support healthy growth. This species thrives in both sun and partial shade, making it a flexible choice for various garden locations.

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