Species

Taxus mediaAnglo-Japanese Yew

5 other cultivars

shrub

Ward's Yew

Taxus media 'Wardii'

The Story

Plant Bio

Taxus x media, or Anglo-Japanese Yew, is a hybrid group of dense, evergreen conifers known for their dark green needles, tolerance of heavy pruning, and shade adaptability.

'Wardii' is a classic, slow-growing, low, and wide-spreading cultivar. It has a somewhat flat-topped appearance and maintains its rich, dark green color throughout the winter.

Uses & Benefits:

'Wardii' provides a solid, dependable block of dark green color and fine texture year-round. Its low, spreading form creates a strong horizontal line in the landscape, acting as an excellent anchor for foundation plantings or as a formal, low hedge.

Its extreme tolerance for shade and heavy pruning makes it one of the most versatile evergreen shrubs. It can be used to create formal shapes, hide foundations, or provide evergreen groundcover in difficult shady areas where other plants might fail.

The fleshy red arils (fruit) are eaten by birds, which digest the pulp and excrete the toxic seed, aiding in dispersal. The dense evergreen branches provide important winter cover and nesting sites for small birds.

SpeciesTaxus mediaAnglo-Japanese Yew

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

48 inches

Width

84 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Very long-lived

Native To

Hybrid

Toxicity

Highly toxic if ingested (all parts except aril flesh)

Bloom period

Early spring

In flower about 1 month of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with well-drained soil; amend heavy clay if necessary.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper.
Tease out any circling roots before placing in the hole.
Ensure the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the soil.
Backfill the hole with the original soil.
Water well after planting, but do not keep the soil saturated.

Pro Tip

Excellent drainage is the absolute key to success with yews; they will not tolerate 'wet feet'.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide excellent drainage.
Prune or shear to maintain desired size and shape.
Plant in sun or shade; it's highly adaptable to light conditions.
Protect from deer, which find them highly palatable.

Don't

Do not plant in waterlogged or poorly drained soil.
Avoid letting the soil dry out completely during establishment.
Don't plant where deer are a significant problem without protection.
Be aware of its toxicity; do not plant where children or livestock might graze.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Classic foundation planting shrubDurable low hedge or borderExcellent mass planting for shade

Companion Plants

Hosta Hydrangea Buxus (Boxwood)Heuchera Astilbe

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Ward's Yew questions

What zones can Ward's Yew grow in?

Ward'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 Ward's Yew deer resistant?

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

When does Ward's Yew bloom?

Ward'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 Ward's Yew need full sun?

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

Is Ward's Yew drought tolerant?

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