Species

Taxus mediaAnglo-Japanese Yew

5 other cultivars

shrub

Everlow Yew

Taxus media 'Everlow'

The Story

Plant Bio

Taxus x media, or Anglo-Japanese Yew, is a hybrid evergreen shrub known for its dense, dark green foliage, tolerance of heavy shearing, and adaptability to both sun and shade.

'Everlow' is a distinctive dwarf, low-growing, spreading yew that maintains its low profile without extensive pruning. It is wider than it is tall, making it an excellent choice for groundcover, low hedges, or foundation plantings.

Uses & Benefits:

Everlow Yew provides year-round structure and rich, dark green color with a soft texture. Its low, spreading form creates a handsome, undulating groundcover or a neat, low hedge that requires minimal pruning to maintain its shape. It serves as a superb backdrop for more colorful perennials and shrubs.

Its extreme tolerance for a wide range of light conditions, from full sun to deep shade, makes it an incredibly versatile problem-solver in the landscape. It is an excellent choice for planting under large trees or on the north side of a building where little else will thrive.

The dense evergreen branches provide excellent year-round cover and protection for small birds. If a female plant is pollinated, it produces small, red, fleshy arils which are eaten by birds, who then disperse the seeds.

SpeciesTaxus mediaAnglo-Japanese Yew

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

24 inches

Width

60 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Very long-lived

Native To

Hybrid (Europe x Japan)

Toxicity

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

Bloom period

Late winter – Early spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a location with well-drained soil; amend heavy clay with compost.
Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball.
Position the plant so the top of the root ball is slightly above soil level.
Backfill the hole with native soil, firming it gently.
Water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.
Mulch with 2 inches of bark, keeping it away from the stems.

Pro Tip

Excellent drainage is the single most important factor for success; yews will not tolerate wet feet.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Ensure the soil is well-drained before planting.
Water deeply but infrequently once established.
Prune or shear in early spring or mid-summer to maintain shape.
Plant in sun or shade; it's highly adaptable to light conditions.

Don't

Do not plant in a low spot where water collects.
Avoid overwatering, as this leads to root rot.
Don't allow heavy snow to sit on branches and cause splitting.
Do not plant where deer are a significant problem, as they love to eat yews.

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

Lush evergreen groundcover for slopesLow formal or informal hedgeReliable foundation planting for sun or shade

Companion Plants

Hosta 'Frances Williams'Hydrangea macrophylla 'Endless Summer'Astilbe 'Fanal'Heuchera 'Palace Purple'Rhododendron 'P.J.M.'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Everlow Yew questions

What zones can Everlow Yew grow in?

Everlow 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 Everlow Yew deer resistant?

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

When does Everlow Yew bloom?

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

Does Everlow Yew need full sun?

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

Is Everlow Yew drought tolerant?

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