Species

Taxus cuspidataJapanese Yew

3 other cultivars

shrub

Green Wave Japanese Yew

Taxus cuspidata 'Green Wave'

The Story

Plant Bio

Japanese Yews are dense, evergreen shrubs with dark green, needle-like foliage, highly valued for their tolerance of shade and shearing.

'Green Wave' is noted for its unique, arching branches that create a mounding, wave-like appearance. The foliage is a rich, dark green, and the form is more graceful and less rigid than many other yews.

Uses & Benefits:

The arching branches create a soft, elegant texture and form that stands out from more rigid conifers. It provides year-round dark green color.

A versatile shrub for sun or deep shade, useful for foundation plantings, massing, or as a specimen where a graceful form is desired.

Provides excellent winter cover for birds and small animals. The red arils on female plants are a food source for birds.

SpeciesTaxus cuspidataJapanese Yew

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

48 inches

Width

60 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Medium

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Very long-lived shrub

Native To

Japan, Korea, China (species)

Toxicity

All parts are highly toxic if ingested, except the red aril.

Bloom period

Early spring

In flower about 1 month of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Site in a location with well-drained soil.
Dig a planting hole twice as wide as the container.
Place the plant with the root flare at soil level.
Backfill the hole and water well to remove air pockets.
Apply a layer of mulch to conserve moisture.
Water regularly during the first growing season.

Pro Tip

Avoid heavy shearing to preserve the unique, arching habit that gives this cultivar its name.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in well-drained soil.
Allow its natural, graceful form to develop.
Protect from deer if they are a problem in your area.
Water during prolonged dry spells.

Don't

Don't plant in soggy, waterlogged locations.
Don't shear it into a boxy shape.
Don't forget its toxicity when planting near children or pets.
Don't let it get overgrown by more aggressive plants.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Graceful foundation plantingTextural accent in shade gardensLow, informal hedge

Companion Plants

Brunnera macrophylla Hakonechloa macra Helleborus Astilbe Pulmonaria

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Green Wave Japanese Yew questions

What zones can Green Wave Japanese Yew grow in?

Green Wave Japanese 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 Green Wave Japanese Yew deer resistant?

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

When does Green Wave Japanese Yew bloom?

Green Wave Japanese 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 Green Wave Japanese Yew need full sun?

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

Is Green Wave Japanese Yew drought tolerant?

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