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How to Grow Tauntonii

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Tauntonii

Taxus x media 'Tauntonii'

shrub

Tauntonii is a compact, spreading cultivar of hybrid yew that forms a dense, rounded mound of dark green foliage. It grows slowly and is highly valued for ornamental landscaping, hedging, and foundation plantings due to its reliable form and year-round color. This evergreen shrub is hardy, low-maintenance, and suitable for both formal and informal garden designs.

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Example Tauntonii timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Tauntonii

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Tauntonii

    Late summer into fall

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Tauntonii dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Partial shade to full sun; tolerates 3-8+ hours of sunlight daily. Performs best with afternoon shade in hot climates
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Water: Moderate moisture; water deeply after planting and maintain consistent soil moisture for first 2-3 years. Established plants are drought-tolerant once roots are developed. Avoid waterlogging; ensure drainage
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Spacing: 24 inches
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Days to maturity: Not applicable (ornamental shrub); reaches mature size of 4-6 feet wide and 2-3 feet tall in 10-15 years
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Planting depth: Plant at same depth as root ball; mulch 2-3 inches around base

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil
pH: 6.0-7.0
Amendments:
Peat moss or compost for moisture retention Sand or perlite if soil is heavy clay Organic matter for long-term soil structure

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 4-7; cold-hardy and tolerant of northern climates

4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b

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Growth Stages

1

Establishment (Year 1)

12 months

Young plant adjusts to site conditions with gradual new growth and root development

Water consistently 2-3 times weekly; apply 2-3 inches of mulch; avoid fertilizing first year; prune only dead wood

2

Early Growth (Years 2-3)

24 months

Plant develops fuller branching structure and deeper root system; foliage becomes denser

Reduce watering frequency as roots establish; light pruning to shape; can begin light feeding in spring if desired

3

Mature Form (Years 4-10)

60+ months

Plant reaches ornamental maturity with dense, compact mounding habit and dark green color

Minimal watering needed except during drought; light annual pruning to maintain shape; apply balanced fertilizer in spring if desired

4

Full Maturity (Year 10+)

Indefinite

Fully established shrub at maximum ornamental value; dense, well-formed mound

Occasional pruning for shape maintenance; no fertilizer needed; minimal care required

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Boxwood Dwarf Alberta Spruce Heuchera Japanese Maple Hostas Hydrangeas Rhododendrons Daylilies

Avoid planting near:

Plants requiring frequent watering or wet conditions Shallow-rooted aggressive plants that compete for moisture

Common Pests

  • Inspect regularly; spray with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap if detected; prune affected branches

  • Dormant oil spray in early spring; horticultural oil or neem oil during growing season; remove heavily infested branches

  • Increase humidity; spray foliage with water; use miticide if severe infestation occurs

  • Ensure excellent drainage; avoid overwatering; remove and replace severely affected plants

Uses

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Landscape & Foundation Planting

Household

Tauntonii's compact, mounding form makes it ideal for foundation plantings, hedges, and formal or informal garden designs. Its year-round dark green foliage provides reliable structure and visual interest in landscapes. [source]

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Wildlife Habitat & Cover

Wildlife

Dense evergreen foliage provides excellent shelter and nesting habitat for birds and small wildlife. The shrub offers year-round cover in harsh climates. [source]

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Cut Foliage & Floral Arrangements

Craft

Dark green yew foliage is used in holiday arrangements and formal floral designs. Branches can be cut for decorative purposes while maintaining plant shape. [source]

Harvest Tips

Tauntonii is an ornamental shrub; no harvesting for consumption. Prune lightly in late winter or early spring to maintain shape. Remove dead or diseased wood anytime. Note: All parts of yew plants are toxic if ingested

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Taxus species are among the longest-lived trees and shrubs in the world, with some specimens over 2,000 years old
  • 🌱 All parts of yew plants contain taxine alkaloids, making them highly toxic to humans and livestock; the bright red berry-like fruit is the only non-toxic part
  • 🌱 Tauntonii was developed by the Taunton nursery in England and represents a superior compact form of hybrid yew with exceptional landscape value

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Annual Cultivar Full Sun Hybrid Mulch Partial Shade
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