Species

Taxus baccataEnglish Yew

8 other cultivars

shrub RHS Award

Spreading English Yew

Taxus baccata 'Repandens'

The Story

Plant Bio

Taxus baccata is a dense, medium-sized evergreen conifer with needle-like, dark green leaves. It is widely used in landscaping for its tolerance of heavy pruning and shade.

'Repandens' is a low-growing, spreading, female cultivar with graceful, arching branches and dark green foliage. It's an excellent groundcover or foundation plant, especially for shady areas.

Uses & Benefits:

The graceful, arching branches and deep green color provide a soft, elegant texture in the landscape. It offers year-round structure and is particularly beautiful when lightly dusted with snow.

Its low, wide-spreading habit makes it an ideal, low-maintenance groundcover for large areas, slopes, or under trees where grass is difficult to grow. It's also an excellent foundation plant that won't block windows.

The fleshy red arils (fruits) are a food source for birds like thrushes and waxwings during the fall and winter. The dense foliage also provides shelter for small birds.

SpeciesTaxus baccataEnglish Yew

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

36 inches

Width

144 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

6, 7

Water

Low to medium

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Very long-lived evergreen

Native To

Europe, northern Africa, western Asia

Toxicity

Highly toxic if ingested, except for the red aril

Bloom period

Early spring

In flower about 1 month of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with well-drained soil in sun or shade.
Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball.
Ensure the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the soil line.
Backfill with the original soil, breaking up any large clumps.
Water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch, keeping it away from the stem.

Pro Tip

Ensure excellent drainage above all else; yews will not tolerate 'wet feet' and are highly susceptible to root rot in soggy soil.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide supplemental water during prolonged dry spells, especially in the first year.
Plant in a location with good air circulation.
Prune as needed to control size or shape.
Tolerates a wide range of soil pH.

Don't

Do not plant in a low spot where water collects.
Avoid overwatering; allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Don't fertilize unless a soil test indicates a deficiency.
Never pile mulch against the main stem.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Elegant evergreen groundcover for shadeGraceful foundation plantingCascading feature over retaining walls

Companion Plants

Hosta Heuchera Astilbe Buxus sempervirens 'Suffruticosa'Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Spreading English Yew questions

What zones can Spreading English Yew grow in?

Spreading English Yew is hardy in USDA Zones 6–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Spreading English Yew deer resistant?

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

When does Spreading English Yew bloom?

Spreading English 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 Spreading English Yew need full sun?

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

Is Spreading English Yew drought tolerant?

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