Taxus baccata Hedging – A Classic, Evergreen Yew for Formal Hedges and Screening
Taxus baccata, commonly known as the English yew, is a versatile, evergreen shrub ideal for creating dense, low-maintenance hedges and screens. With its dark green, needle-like foliage and ability to tolerate both pruning and shaping, Taxus baccata is perfect for formal garden borders, privacy screens, or windbreaks. This hardy plant grows slowly, but it’s long-lived, providing year-round structure, privacy, and a sophisticated backdrop for other plants. Its dense growth habit and rich green foliage make it a popular choice for hedging.
Why Grow Taxus baccata for Hedging?
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Dense, Evergreen Foliage – Provides year-round privacy and screening with minimal care.
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Tolerant of Pruning – Ideal for shaping into neat, formal hedges or topiary.
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Hardy & Long-Lived – Withstands harsh conditions and requires little maintenance.
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Attracts Wildlife – Provides shelter for birds and small wildlife in the garden.
Height of Plant
Taxus baccata can reach up to 5 meters in height, though it can be kept lower with regular pruning.
Where to Site Your Taxus baccata Hedging
This adaptable yew prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade, thriving in a variety of conditions. It’s perfect for:
- Formal garden hedges and borders
- Privacy screens and windbreaks
- Low-maintenance garden screens
How to Grow and Care for Your Taxus baccata Hedging
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Soil – Prefers moist, well-drained soil but is adaptable to various soil types, including clay and chalk.
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Light – Tolerates both sun and partial shade, though best colour and growth are achieved in sunnier locations.
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Watering – Regular watering during dry spells is important for new plantings; once established, yews are fairly drought-tolerant.
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Maintenance:
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Pruning – Trim twice a year to maintain shape, typically in spring and late summer.
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Mulching – Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and prevent weed growth.
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Pest & Disease Resistance – Generally pest and disease-resistant, though occasionally affected by aphids and fungal issues. Good air circulation helps prevent these.
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Cold Hardy – Extremely hardy and can tolerate cold winters.
Perfect Plant Combinations
Taxus baccata works well in formal garden settings, where it can be combined with clipped boxwoods, lavender, or seasonal flowering plants. It also complements other hedging plants like Buxus sempervirens or Fagus sylvatica, offering a sophisticated and structured garden design.
With its dense evergreen foliage, versatility in pruning, and ability to thrive in a range of conditions, Taxus baccata is an excellent choice for creating elegant and low-maintenance hedges and screens that provide year-round structure and privacy.
Guide to Planting Field-Grown Root Balled Plants
Pros:
- Established Roots: Typically stronger, established roots ensure better initial growth.
- Immediate Impact: Larger plants provide instant structure and aesthetics.
Cons:
- Heavy and Bulky: Can be difficult to transport and plant due to size and weight.
- Seasonal Availability: Generally available only in the dormant season (autumn to early spring).
Preparation for Planting:
- Unwrap Carefully: Remove any packaging material, but leave the burlap or wire basket on.
- Keep plants moist: Plants should be kept moist until the time of planting.
Planting Process:
- Dig a Hole: Make a hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth.
- Position Plant: Place the root ball in the hole, ensuring the top is level with the ground surface.
- Do Not Remove Root Sack: Leave the burlap or wire basket around the root ball. It is bio degradable and will rot away naturally.
- Backfill: Fill the hole with soil, firming gently around the roots to eliminate air pockets.
- Water: Water deeply after planting to settle the soil and avoid wilting.
Possibility of Losses:
- Initial Shock: Some plants may suffer transplant shock, leading to potential losses.
- Mitigation: Proper care and consistent watering during the establishment phase can minimise this risk.
Main Causes of Failure:
- Improper Planting Depth: Planting too deep or too shallow can stress the roots.
- Poor Soil Conditions: Compacted or poorly drained soil can hinder root growth.
- Insufficient Watering: Both under-watering and over-watering can lead to plant stress and failure. Strong wind can dry leafy pants.
- Pest and Disease: Lack of protection and monitoring can result in damage from pests and diseases.
Tips for Success:
- Stake Larger Plants: Support with stakes to prevent wind damage.
- Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate temperature.
- Regular Monitoring: Check for signs of stress, pests, and disease, and address them promptly.
By following these guidelines and providing consistent aftercare, you can successfully plant and establish field-grown root balled plants in your garden.
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.