shrub

Hatfield Yew

Taxus media 'Hatfieldii'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

150 inches

Width

132 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Medium

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Very long-lived

Native To

Hybrid origin

Toxicity

Highly toxic if ingested

The Story

Plant Bio

Taxus x media, or Anglo-Japanese Yew, is a hybrid cross between English and Japanese yews, combining the hardiness of one with the dark green foliage of the other. They are extremely versatile and tolerant landscape shrubs. 'Hatfieldii' is a classic male cultivar known for its dense, broadly upright, vase-shaped habit when young, becoming more spreading with age. Its ascending branches and dark green needles make it an excellent choice for formal hedges.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

The Hatfield Yew provides a dense, dark green backdrop that makes other colors in the garden pop. Its upright, vase-like form is perfect for creating formal lines, defining spaces, and adding year-round structure to foundation plantings and borders.

It is one of the best shrubs for creating medium to tall hedges due to its tolerance of heavy shearing and its dense branching. Its ability to thrive in both deep shade and full sun makes it an incredibly versatile problem-solver in the landscape.

As a male cultivar, it does not produce the toxic-seeded berries, making it a safer choice for some landscapes. It does, however, produce pollen that fertilizes female yews. The dense evergreen structure provides excellent winter cover and nesting sites for birds.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Choose a location with well-drained soil; this is paramount.
It thrives in sun or shade, making it highly versatile.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball.
Position the plant so the top of its root ball is level with the soil.
Backfill with the excavated soil and water thoroughly.
Apply mulch to conserve moisture, keeping it clear of the stems.

Pro Tip

When shearing as a hedge, keep the base slightly wider than the top to ensure sunlight reaches the lower branches.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Ensure the planting site has excellent drainage.
Prune regularly to maintain a dense, formal hedge.
Water during extended dry periods, especially when establishing.
Plant in sun or shade with equal success.

Don't

Never plant in a location with standing water or soggy soil.
Do not plant where deer are a significant problem, as they will browse yews.
Avoid piling mulch against the stems, which can cause rot.
Do not plant near pastures or where children or pets might ingest foliage.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Excellent formal or informal hedgeReliable foundation plant for corners of buildingsDurable screen for privacy or to block views

Companion Plants

Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle' Cornus sericea 'Baileyi' Spiraea japonica 'Little Princess' Hemerocallis 'Stella de Oro' Buxus 'Green Velvet'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Hatfield Yew questions

What zones can Hatfield Yew grow in?

Hatfield Yew is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Hatfield Yew deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Hatfield Yew, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Hatfield Yew bloom?

Hatfield Yew typically blooms in early spring through early spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Hatfield Yew need full sun?

Hatfield Yew does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Hatfield Yew drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Hatfield Yew handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.