Cephalotaxus harringtonia 'Golden Dragon'

Species

Cephalotaxus harringtoniaJapanese Plum Yew

4 other cultivars

shrub

Golden Dragon Japanese Plum Yew

Cephalotaxus harringtonia 'Golden Dragon'

The Story

Plant Bio

Cephalotaxus harringtonia is a slow-growing, dioecious evergreen conifer native to East Asia, featuring soft, flattened needle-like foliage arranged in a distinct V-shaped pattern along arching stems. It thrives in warm, humid summer climates where true yews struggle, forming dense cover in conditions ranging from full sun to deep shade.

'Golden Dragon' is a low-growing, wide-spreading cultivar distinguished by brilliant golden-yellow new shoots that mature to deep green or retain golden highlights. To maintain its brightest yellow coloration, it requires several hours of direct sun each day, as deep shade causes the foliage to revert to green.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round color with bright golden new foliage and an arching, layered horizontal structure.

Highly resistant to deer and rabbit browsing, making it useful in areas with heavy animal pressure.

Dense foliage offers sheltered nesting habitat and winter cover for songbirds and small wildlife.

SpeciesCephalotaxus harringtoniaJapanese Plum Yew

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

36"

Width

60"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Asia (Japan, Korea, China)

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with well-drained soil that receives full sun to partial shade for maximum foliage color.
Dig a broad hole twice as wide as the root ball and set the crown level with or slightly above the surrounding soil grade.
Backfill with native soil, firm gently around the base, and water deeply to eliminate air pockets.
Apply a two-inch layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stems.

Pro Tip

Plant in exceptionally well-drained soil and avoid cutting back into old, leafless wood, which cannot regenerate new buds.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide well-drained soil to prevent fungal root rot.
Ensure several hours of direct sun daily to maintain vibrant golden foliage.
Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring if soil fertility is poor.

Don't

Do not cut back into old leafless interior wood, as it fails to break new buds.
Do not plant in poorly drained or waterlogged soils.
Do not over-prune; allow the naturally arching, mounding form to develop.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Foundation PlantingMass PlantingUnderstory BorderRock Garden AccentSlope Stabilisation

Companion Plants

Heuchera Acer palmatum Rhododendron Hosta

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Golden Dragon Japanese Plum Yew questions

What zones can Golden Dragon Japanese Plum Yew grow in?

Golden Dragon Japanese Plum Yew is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Golden Dragon Japanese Plum Yew deer resistant?

Yes — Golden Dragon Japanese Plum Yew is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Golden Dragon Japanese Plum Yew bloom?

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

Does Golden Dragon Japanese Plum Yew need full sun?

Golden Dragon Japanese Plum Yew does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Golden Dragon Japanese Plum Yew drought tolerant?

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