shrub

Columnar English Yew

Taxus baccata 'Fastigiata Robusta'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

240 inches

Width

60 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

6, 7

Water

Moderate, drought tolerant once established

Humidity

Average garden humidity

Lifespan

Many decades

Native To

Europe, northern Africa, southwestern Asia

Toxicity

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

The Story

Plant Bio

Taxus baccata, the English Yew, is a long-lived evergreen conifer with dense, dark green, needle-like foliage. Female plants produce fleshy, bright red, cup-shaped fruits called arils. 'Fastigiata Robusta' is a columnar cultivar known for its very narrow, upright, and dense growth habit, making it an excellent choice for formal accents, screens, or hedges.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round structure and dark green foliage, ideal for formal gardens.

Drought tolerant once established, low maintenance.

Provides habitat and cover for birds.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Tuck young plants into well-drained soil in early spring.
Water regularly during the first growing season.
Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Prune lightly to maintain shape in late winter or early spring.
Fertilize with a balanced evergreen fertilizer in early spring.
Monitor for pests and treat as needed.

Pro Tip

Ensure good drainage and avoid overwatering for best growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
Prune to shape in late winter
Mulch annually to conserve moisture
Fertilize annually in early spring

Don't

Avoid overwatering ❌
Don’t cut into old wood during pruning
Never plant in poorly drained soil
Avoid fertilizing in late fall

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

Formal evergreen hedgeArchitectural specimen in shrub borders

Companion Plants

Boxwood Holly Japanese Maple Lavender Hosta

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Columnar English Yew questions

What zones can Columnar English Yew grow in?

Columnar English 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 Columnar English Yew deer resistant?

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

When does Columnar English Yew bloom?

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

Does Columnar English Yew need full sun?

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

Is Columnar English Yew drought tolerant?

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