shrub RHS Award

Irish Yew

Taxus baccata 'Fastigiata'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

240 inches

Width

72 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

6, 7

Water

Medium

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Extremely long-lived

Native To

Europe, Northern Africa, Western Asia

Toxicity

Highly toxic if ingested (all parts except aril flesh)

The Story

Plant Bio

Taxus baccata, the English Yew, is a dense, medium-sized evergreen conifer with dark green, needle-like leaves. It is famously tolerant of heavy pruning and shade, making it a staple for hedges and topiary. 'Fastigiata' is a well-known female cultivar with a striking, narrow, columnar habit when young, broadening with age. Its upright branches are densely clothed in very dark green needles, creating a strong vertical element in the landscape.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

The Irish Yew is a classic architectural plant, providing a strong, dark green vertical line that acts as a formal accent or 'exclamation point' in garden design. It is frequently used to frame doorways, mark gateways, or as a focal point in formal gardens and churchyards.

Its narrow habit makes it suitable for tight spaces. It is extremely tolerant of pruning and can be maintained as a very formal, tight column. It also tolerates a wide range of light conditions, including deep shade where few other evergreens will thrive.

The fleshy red arils (but not the toxic seeds) are eaten by birds such as thrushes and blackbirds, which then disperse the seeds. The dense foliage provides excellent shelter and nesting opportunities for small birds.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with well-drained soil; this is the most critical factor.
It tolerates a wide range of light from full sun to deep shade.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
Set the plant so the top of the root ball is slightly above soil level.
Backfill with native soil and water well.
Mulch to conserve moisture, but keep it away from the stem.

Pro Tip

As the plant ages, branches can splay open under snow or ice; loosely tying the branches together in fall can prevent damage.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide excellent drainage.
Prune or shear in summer to maintain its formal shape.
Water during dry spells, especially in the first few years.
Protect from heavy snow loads which can cause branches to split.

Don't

Do not plant in waterlogged or poorly drained soil.
Avoid planting where livestock can access it due to its toxicity.
Do not allow the plant to dry out completely when young.
Do not bury the root flare when planting.

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

Strong vertical accent for entryways or cornersFormal hedge or screen in narrow spacesArchitectural element in mixed borders or cemeteries

Companion Plants

Buxus sempervirens 'Suffruticosa' Hosta 'Frances Williams' Geranium 'Rozanne' Hydrangea macrophylla Astilbe chinensis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Irish Yew questions

What zones can Irish Yew grow in?

Irish Yew is hardy in USDA Zones 6–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Irish Yew deer resistant?

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

When does Irish Yew bloom?

Irish 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 Irish Yew need full sun?

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

Is Irish Yew drought tolerant?

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