Description

Taxus Everglow is a refined, low-maintenance yew with dense, finely textured needles. New foliage emerges with a warm, glowing tone that matures to deep, lustrous green, often showing bronze highlights in winter. Its naturally tidy habit responds beautifully to light shearing, making it a versatile choice for foundation plantings, low hedges, and year-round structure. Like other yews, it tolerates a wide range of soils provided drainage is good, and it thrives in partial shade to sun. Note: all parts are toxic if ingested.

Suggested Uses

Plant Details

• Botanical NameTaxus Everglow (Yew cultivar)
• Common NameTaxus Everglow (Yew)
• Size & GrowthTypically 2–4 ft tall and 3–6 ft wide in 10 years; compact, mounded to spreading habit; easily kept smaller with light pruning.
• Hardiness ZonesUSDA 4–7 (established plants may succeed at the edges with protection and excellent drainage).
• Foliage TypeEvergreen; flat, soft needles. New growth glows warm golden-bronze before deepening to rich green; may bronze slightly in winter.
• Bloom TimeSpring (inconspicuous pollen/seed cones); not grown for flowers. Female plants may produce red arils if pollinated.
• Growth RateSlow to moderate; about 3–6 in (7–15 cm) per year under good conditions.
• Light RequirementsPart shade to full sun. Best color with 4–6 hours of sun; provide afternoon shade in hot-summer regions and shelter from harsh winds.
• Attracts PollinatorsLow. Yews are wind‑pollinated and offer minimal pollinator resources.
• Indoor FriendlyNot recommended as a houseplant; best grown outdoors year‑round in temperate climates.
• Container FriendlyYes. Performs well in large, well‑drained containers outdoors; protect containerized roots in severe cold.
• Deer ResistantNo. Deer frequently browse yews, especially in winter—use repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
• Pet WarningAll parts (especially seeds and needles) are highly toxic to pets, livestock, and humans if ingested. Plant with care.
• FragrantNo notable fragrance; valued for foliage and form rather than scent.
• Cut FlowerSuitable for long‑lasting evergreen foliage in arrangements and holiday décor (use gloves; keep away from children/pets).
• Grows Well WithGrows Well With Hosta, Heuchera, Ferns, Helleborus, Hydrangea (shade‑tolerant types), Japanese Maple, Boxwood, Epimedium, Hakonechloa.

Care Tips

• Planting InstructionsPlant in spring or early fall. Dig a hole 2× as wide as the root ball and no deeper; loosen circling roots. Set the root flare at or just above grade, backfill with native soil, water to settle, and mulch 2–3 in (keep mulch off the stems). Space 3–6 ft apart depending on desired hedge density.
• Soil MoistureKeep evenly moist the first 1–2 seasons; water deeply, then allow the top inch to dry. Once established, tolerates short dry spells. Avoid waterlogged soils—yews dislike “wet feet.”
• Soil TypeWell‑drained loam or sandy loam preferred; tolerates clay if drainage is improved with organic matter or raised beds. pH neutral to slightly alkaline (approx. 6.0–7.5) is ideal.
• HumidityAverage outdoor humidity is fine. Provide wind protection in exposed sites to reduce winter desiccation, especially for new plantings and container specimens.
• Pruning InstructionsLightly shear or shape in late winter to early spring before new growth. A touch‑up after the spring flush (midsummer) is fine. Yews can be renovated by cutting back into older wood, but leave some green on each branch; avoid heavy pruning after late summer.
• Winter CareMaintain 2–3 in mulch, water well into late fall before ground freeze, and shield from de‑icing salt and drying winds. Consider burlap windbreaks for first winters and use deer protection where browsing is common.
• Planting DepthSet the crown/root flare level with or 0.5–1 in above surrounding soil. Do not bury stems. In containers, keep soil line about 1 in below the rim for proper watering.
• FertilizationFeed lightly in early spring with a balanced, slow‑release fertilizer (e.g., 10‑10‑10) or top‑dress with compost. Avoid late‑season nitrogen to prevent tender growth before winter.
• Special CareEnsure excellent drainage; avoid chronically wet sites. Salt‑sensitive—keep away from road salt. Rotate containers a few times per year for even light. Wear gloves when pruning and dispose of clippings safely due to toxicity.