Species

Taxus mediaAnglo-Japanese Yew

5 other cultivars

shrub

H.M. Eddie Yew

Taxus media 'H M Eddie'

The Story

Plant Bio

Taxus x media, or Anglo-Japanese Yew, is a hybrid evergreen shrub known for its dense, dark green foliage and tolerance of heavy pruning. It is widely used for hedging and foundation plantings, but all parts except the red aril are highly toxic.

'H.M. Eddie' is a male cultivar selected for its narrow, columnar to fastigiate growth habit, making it an excellent choice for vertical accents or narrow hedges where space is limited. As a male clone, it does not produce the toxic red berries.

Uses & Benefits:

'H.M. Eddie' provides a strong, formal, vertical element in the landscape with its dense, dark green foliage. Its narrow, columnar habit is perfect for creating a sense of height and structure in tight spaces, offering year-round color and texture.

This yew is an outstanding choice for creating a 'no-shear' narrow hedge or privacy screen. It can be used to frame doorways, flank gateways, or as a formal accent in a mixed border. Its tolerance of shade makes it versatile.

While highly toxic and not a food source, dense evergreen shrubs like yews provide critical winter cover and shelter for small birds, protecting them from predators and harsh weather. As a male clone, it produces no fruit.

SpeciesTaxus mediaAnglo-Japanese Yew

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

120 inches

Width

48 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Medium

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Very long-lived

Native To

Hybrid Origin

Toxicity

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

Bloom period

Early spring

In flower about 1 month of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with well-drained soil; sun or shade is acceptable.
Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball.
Amend heavy soils with organic matter to improve drainage.
Set the plant so the top of the root ball is slightly above the surrounding soil.
Backfill the hole, gently firming the soil.
Water thoroughly and apply a layer of mulch, keeping it from the trunk.

Pro Tip

The key to success with yews is excellent drainage. Amend heavy clay soils with compost and plant the root ball slightly high to prevent root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during the first year to establish a deep root system.
Prune annually to maintain its narrow, dense form.
Protect from heavy snow loads which can splay the branches.
Monitor for scale insects and black vine weevils.

Don't

Do not plant in waterlogged or poorly drained soil; this is fatal.
Avoid planting where deer are a significant problem, as they may browse it.
Do not allow the plant to dry out completely, especially in its first few years.
Never ingest any part of the plant.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Formal vertical accent for entrywaysExcellent narrow privacy screen or hedgeStrong architectural element in foundation plantings

Companion Plants

Buxus sempervirens Hydrangea macrophylla Hosta sieboldiana 'Elegans'Astilbe Rhododendron

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

H.M. Eddie Yew questions

What zones can H.M. Eddie Yew grow in?

H.M. Eddie 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 H.M. Eddie Yew deer resistant?

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

When does H.M. Eddie Yew bloom?

H.M. Eddie 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 H.M. Eddie Yew need full sun?

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