English Yew 'Dark Druid'
Taxus baccata 'Dark Druid'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
48 inches
Width
20 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
6, 7, 8
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Over 100 years
Native To
Europe and Asia
Toxicity
Highly toxic to humans and animals
The Story
Plant Bio
Taxus baccata is a dense, evergreen coniferous shrub or tree with linear, dark green needles. It produces fleshy, red, cup-like arils in fall on female plants. A very slow-growing, dwarf, columnar cultivar with dense, dark green foliage. Its compact size makes it ideal for rock gardens, small spaces, and containers.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck cuttings or seeds in well-draining soil and water regularly.
- Mist cuttings daily to maintain humidity.
- Transplant young plants in early spring for best establishment.
- Prune to shape after new growth appears.
- Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Monitor soil moisture and avoid overwatering.
Pro Tip
Use well-draining soil and avoid overwatering for healthy growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Prune to maintain shape and remove dead branches
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t prune in late summer or winter
- Do not expose to air pollution
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| 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
English Yew 'Dark Druid' questions
What zones can English Yew 'Dark Druid' grow in?
English Yew 'Dark Druid' is hardy in USDA Zones 6–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is English Yew 'Dark Druid' deer resistant?
Yes — English Yew 'Dark Druid' is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does English Yew 'Dark Druid' bloom?
English Yew 'Dark Druid' typically blooms in early spring through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does English Yew 'Dark Druid' need full sun?
English Yew 'Dark Druid' does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is English Yew 'Dark Druid' drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), English Yew 'Dark Druid' 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'
Hicks Yew
Taxus baccata 'Hicksii'
English Yew Skinny
Taxus baccata 'Skinny'
Stonehenge English Yew
Taxus baccata 'Stonehenge'
Upright Japanese Yew
Taxus cuspidata 'Capitata'
Keep exploring
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See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
