shrub

Spreading Japanese Plum Yew

Name: Spreading Japanese Plum Yew
Brand: Cephalotaxus
Availability: InStock

Cephalotaxus harringtonia 'Prostrata'

$65.00

Expertly Curated

Real-Time Pricing

Loved by Designers

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

30 inches

Width

48 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Tolerant of high humidity

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Japan, Korea, China

Toxicity

Non-toxic, unlike true yews (Taxus).

The Story

Plant Bio

Cephalotaxus harringtonia is a slow-growing, shade-loving evergreen conifer with handsome, yew-like, dark green needles. It is exceptionally tolerant of heat, humidity, and shade. 'Prostrata' is a low-growing, spreading cultivar that forms a dense, vase-shaped mound. Its arching branches and dark green foliage provide excellent texture as a groundcover or foundation plant in shady areas.

Uses & Benefits:

The rich, dark green, yew-like foliage and low, spreading habit provide superb texture and year-round color to shady areas of the landscape, where many other evergreens struggle.

It is an exceptional groundcover for shade, effectively suppressing weeds once established. Its tolerance for dry shade and slopes makes it a valuable problem-solver plant.

Its dense, low growth provides excellent cover for ground-foraging birds like towhees and wrens, as well as other small wildlife, protecting them from predators.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Sooner Plant Farm

1+ Gal Pot

In Stock$65.00

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a location with partial to full shade and well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
Amend the soil with compost to improve its structure and fertility.
Set the plant at the same depth it was growing in the container.
Backfill the hole and water deeply to settle the soil.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch to conserve moisture.

Pro Tip

An excellent, deer-resistant and non-toxic substitute for yews (Taxus) in shady, southern gardens.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in a shady location, especially protecting it from hot afternoon sun.
Provide consistent water until the plant is well-established.
Use as a groundcover on shady slopes where grass will not grow.
Appreciate its extreme resistance to deer and rabbits.

Don't

Do not plant in waterlogged or poorly drained soils, which can cause root rot.
Avoid planting in full, harsh sun, which can scorch the needles.
Don't worry about heavy pruning; it rarely needs it.
Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers that can cause leggy growth.

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

Lush and durable shade groundcoverTextural foundation planting for north-facing wallsEffective slope stabilizer for shady banks

Companion Plants

Hosta Heuchera Dryopteris erythrosora Helleborus Brunnera macrophylla

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Spreading Japanese Plum Yew questions

What zones can Spreading Japanese Plum Yew grow in?

Spreading Japanese Plum Yew is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Spreading Japanese Plum Yew deer resistant?

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

Does Spreading Japanese Plum Yew need full sun?

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

Is Spreading Japanese Plum Yew drought tolerant?

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