shrub

Taunton's Yew

Taxus media 'Tauntonii'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

Expertly Curated

Real-Time Pricing

Loved by Designers

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

42 inches

Width

60 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Medium

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Hybrid (Europe/Asia)

Toxicity

All parts except aril flesh are highly toxic if ingested.

The Story

Plant Bio

Taxus x media are hybrid yews resulting from a cross between English yew (Taxus baccata) and Japanese yew (Taxus cuspidata). They are dense, multi-stemmed evergreen shrubs with needle-like, dark green leaves. 'Tauntonii' is a compact, spreading cultivar noted for its excellent winter hardiness, retaining its dark green foliage color in harsh winter winds without burning. It is also more tolerant of heat than many other yews.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round structure and deep green color, serving as an excellent backdrop for other plants. Its dense form is ideal for creating formal shapes and hedges.

Excellent for creating low hedges for privacy, defining garden spaces, or as a foundation plant to hide building bases. Its shade tolerance makes it versatile.

The fleshy red arils (seed coverings) are eaten by birds like cedar waxwings and robins, which disperse the seeds. The dense branches provide shelter for small birds.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

We couldn't find this plant listed online right now.

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a location with well-drained soil in sun or shade.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball.
Amend heavy clay soil with compost to improve drainage.
Set the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the soil.
Backfill the hole, gently firming the soil around the roots.
Water thoroughly after planting and mulch to conserve moisture.

Pro Tip

Ensure excellent drainage; yews despise 'wet feet' and are prone to root rot in soggy, poorly drained soil.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune to shape in early spring before new growth emerges or in early summer.
Water deeply during prolonged dry spells, especially in the first few years.
Monitor for scale insects on stems and branches.

Don't

Do not plant in poorly drained or waterlogged soils.
Avoid planting where it will be exposed to winter salt spray.
Never pile mulch against the base of the stems.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Reliable evergreen foundation plantingLow formal or informal hedgeMass planting for year-round texture

Companion Plants

Hosta Heuchera Hydrangea Buxus sempervirens Astilbe

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Taunton's Yew questions

What zones can Taunton's Yew grow in?

Taunton's 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 Taunton's Yew deer resistant?

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

When does Taunton's Yew bloom?

Taunton's 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 Taunton's Yew need full sun?

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

Is Taunton's Yew drought tolerant?

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