Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
144 inches
Width
36 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average garden humidity
Lifespan
Over 50 years
Native To
Garden origin (hybrid)
Toxicity
Highly toxic if ingested
The Story
Plant Bio
A cultivar of Taxus x media, 'Hicksii' is a popular, fast-growing, evergreen shrub with a dense, columnar form. Its dark green needles make it an excellent choice for hedges and foundation plantings. This cultivar is recognized for its unique tolerance to shearing, making it a popular choice for formal hedges.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select well-draining soil with slightly acidic to neutral pH.
- Plant in a location with full sun to partial shade for optimal growth.
- Tuck young plants into the soil at the same depth they were in the nursery container.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity during propagation.
- Water deeply once a week during dry spells to promote healthy roots.
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Pro Tip
Prune Hicksii yew in early spring to shape and remove dead or damaged branches.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly, especially in dry periods 🌱
- Prune lightly to maintain shape and health
- Fertilize in early spring with a slow-release evergreen fertilizer
- Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
Don't
- Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot ❌
- Do not prune in late summer or fall to prevent stress
- Avoid planting in poorly drained soils
- Never use excessive chemical fertilizers
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
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Hicks Yew questions
What zones can Hicks Yew grow in?
Hicks 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 Hicks Yew deer resistant?
Yes — Hicks Yew is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Hicks Yew bloom?
Hicks 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 Hicks Yew need full sun?
Hicks Yew does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Hicks Yew drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Hicks Yew handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Taxus to compare
Golden Japanese Yew
Taxus cuspidata 'Aurescens'
Dark Green Spreader Yew
Taxus baccata 'Dark Green Spreader'
English Yew Skinny
Taxus baccata 'Skinny'
English Yew 'Dark Druid'
Taxus baccata 'Dark Druid'
Stonehenge English Yew
Taxus baccata 'Stonehenge'
Upright Japanese Yew
Taxus cuspidata 'Capitata'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Hicks Yew with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
