Taxus baccata ‘Fastigiata Robusta’ – A Striking Upright Evergreen for Structure and Sophistication
Taxus baccata ‘Fastigiata Robusta’, also known as the Irish Yew, is a bold, upright form of English Yew prized for its narrow, columnar shape and dense, deep green foliage. Unlike traditional spreading yew varieties, this fastigiate form offers strong vertical interest, making it ideal for formal planting schemes, hedging, or as a punctuation point in borders and garden architecture.
Its slow-growing nature and naturally neat habit make it a popular choice for structured designs, entranceways, or clipped topiary. This robust cultivar is hardy, low-maintenance, and provides year-round colour and form.
Why Grow Taxus ‘Fastigiata Robusta’?
Distinctive Upright Habit
With its tight, vertical form, ‘Fastigiata Robusta’ adds strong architectural lines to any garden design, ideal for framing views, entrances, or formal layouts.
Evergreen Elegance Year-Round
The rich, dark green needles maintain their colour throughout winter, delivering continuous interest when other plants fade.
Ideal for Small Spaces
Its narrow footprint means it fits beautifully into compact gardens or narrow beds where height is needed without taking up too much ground space.
Low Maintenance & Long-Lived
This yew is slow-growing and requires minimal pruning, making it easy to maintain. It’s also incredibly long-lived — a true legacy plant.
Perfect for Formal Hedges or Specimen Use
Use singly as a focal point or plant in rows for an elegant, clipped hedge with a more upright character than classic Buxus or Yew forms.
Where to Site Your Yew ‘Fastigiata Robusta’
Taxus ‘Fastigiata Robusta’ thrives in sun or shade and is highly adaptable to various soil types, including clay and chalk, provided drainage is good. It's perfect for:
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Formal avenues and garden entrances
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Mixed borders needing strong vertical structure
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Containers on terraces or patios
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Churchyards and heritage-style gardens
How to Grow and Care for ‘Fastigiata Robusta’
Soil – Grows well in fertile, well-drained soil. Tolerates alkaline or chalky ground and urban pollution.
Light – Performs beautifully in full sun, partial shade, or full shade.
Watering – Keep moist during establishment. Once mature, it’s drought-tolerant and very low maintenance.
Pruning – Very little needed. Light trimming in early autumn can shape or control growth if desired.
Feeding – Apply a slow-release fertilizer in spring to promote healthy growth and rich green colour.
Design Inspiration
‘Fastigiata Robusta’ looks stunning when paired with clipped Box balls, soft grasses, or flowering Hydrangeas and Lavender. It brings gravitas to contemporary gardens and classical symmetry to formal settings. Try planting in repeating rhythm along a pathway or driveway for a stately, timeless look.
Taxus baccata ‘Fastigiata Robusta’ is a superb choice for adding evergreen structure, elegance, and height to your garden — all in a naturally manageable, compact form. A true classic for modern and traditional landscapes alike.
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.
