Description
Taxus media 'Hicksii' shrub 40-50 cm C3 | Hicks yew
The Hicks yew shrub is the shrub form of Taxus media 'Hicksii', also known as Hicksii yew. Its upright, columnar shape and dense branching create a compact vertical outline that brings structure to a garden. The dark green, needle-like foliage stays on the plant throughout the year, so its form remains part of the garden in every season. This shrub can reach around 3 m in height when mature; no mature width is specified. It is a coniferous shrub that grows slowly and tolerates pruning well. Its flowers are inconspicuous and green, while the plant also bears fruit. All parts of the plant are poisonous except for the red flesh of the fruit, so it should not be treated as an edible plant. For gardeners considering other plants in the same genus, see Taxus. The upright outline makes this particular shrub form distinct from other forms of Hicks yew. Rather than spreading across the garden, it gives a clear vertical accent. Its evergreen character and dark needles provide lasting visual structure, while its eventual height of about 3 m is useful to consider when choosing a place for it. The plant is suited to sun, partial shade or shade, making it possible to consider it in different parts of a British garden. A humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil is appropriate, especially in the often damp conditions found in the UK.
Key features of Hicks yew (Taxus media 'Hicksii') as a shrub
- This is a slow-growing, upright, columnar and densely branched shrub. At maturity it can reach around 3 m in height. Its vertical outline gives a garden a clear point of structure without relying on flowers for its main effect.
- The evergreen foliage consists of dark green needles. It keeps its foliage throughout the year, so the shrub can contribute colour and form beyond the flowering season. No foliage size or mature width is specified.
- Flowering is inconspicuous, with green flowers appearing in March and April. The flowers are not a prominent display feature, so the plant’s main visual interest comes from its evergreen needles and upright, dense growth.
- Choose a position in sun, partial shade or shade. The shrub suits a humus-rich, moist soil, provided it is well drained. Good drainage is important in the often wet British climate.
- Hicks yew is suitable for consideration among coniferous shrubs. It tolerates pruning well, though no particular pruning method or schedule is specified. All plant parts except the red flesh of the fruit are poisonous.
Uses of the Hicks yew shrub in the garden
- Use the upright, columnar shape when planning a hedge. Its dense branching gives this shrub form a strong vertical outline, while the evergreen, dark green needles keep that outline present through the year.
- As a specimen shrub, Hicks yew can provide a distinct upright feature. Its slow growth and mature height of around 3 m are useful points to consider when deciding where it will sit in the garden.
- In group planting, several shrubs can contribute repeated vertical structure. Their dense, columnar habit gives a planting a clear outline, while the evergreen foliage keeps the dark green element visible throughout the seasons.
- The plant is described as hardy to around -28.9°C to -34.4°C, USDA zone 4. This is the stated hardiness information, not a promise of identical performance in every British garden or in all local conditions.
- Sun, partial shade and shade are all suitable positions. For a moist, humus-rich site, ensure the soil is well drained; this is particularly relevant when choosing a position in a mild, often damp British garden.
The evergreen, vertical form of this Hicks yew shrub can bring year-round structure to a hedge, stand as a specimen or provide definition in group planting. Its dark needles and dense, upright outline make the shrub form a practical choice wherever that particular effect is wanted.
