How to Grow Anglojap Yew

iNaturalist

Anglojap Yew

Taxus × media

shrub

Taxus × media is a hybrid evergreen shrub resulting from a cross between English yew (Taxus baccata) and Japanese yew (Taxus cuspidata). It combines the elegant foliage of English yew with the cold hardiness of Japanese yew, making it a versatile ornamental for hedges, screens, and foundation plantings. This dense, slow-growing shrub features dark green needle-like foliage and can reach 15-20 feet tall depending on cultivar.

Looking for a specific variety?

Hicksii Wardii Densiformis Greenhedge Tauntonii Viridis

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Example Anglojap Yew timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Anglojap Yew
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Anglojap Yew
Late summer into fall

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

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

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Partial shade to full shade; tolerates 2-6 hours of indirect sunlight daily. Performs best with afternoon shade in hot climates

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Water: Moderate water needs; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Establish with regular watering for first year, then drought-tolerant once established. Reduce watering in winter

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Spacing: 36-60 inches (3-5 feet) depending on mature cultivar size inches

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Days to maturity: 2-3 years to landscape maturity; slow-growing

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Planting depth: Plant at same depth as root ball; top of root ball should be level with soil surface

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil; tolerates poor soils but avoid waterlogged conditions

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Organic compost Peat moss or coco coir for moisture retention Perlite or sand if drainage is poor

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 4-8; excellent cold tolerance

4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a

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Growth Stages

Establishment

3-6 months

Young transplant with emerging new growth; root system establishing in soil

Water deeply 2-3 times weekly; mulch around base with 2-3 inches of organic material; avoid fertilizing first year; protect from harsh winds

Vegetative Growth

1-2 years

Gradual shoot elongation and branching; plant filling out; dark green foliage becoming denser

Maintain consistent moisture; light pruning to shape and encourage branching; apply balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring if desired

Mature Foliage

Ongoing after year 2-3

Dense, full shrub with characteristic dark green needle foliage; established branching structure

Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape; reduce watering in dry periods once established; fertilize lightly in spring if desired

Flowering & Fruiting

Spring flowers; berry development summer-fall

Inconspicuous male flowers (pollen-bearing) or female flowers (berry-producing); female plants develop small red fleshy arils in fall

No special care needed; female plants produce ornamental red berries; note that all parts are highly toxic, including berries and seeds

Winter Dormancy

November-March

Foliage remains evergreen but growth slows dramatically; plant appears dormant

Reduce watering but maintain slight soil moisture; protect young plants from heavy snow/ice damage with burlap if needed; no fertilizing

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Boxwood Rhododendron Azalea Japanese maple Hydrangea Hosta Hellebore

Avoid planting near:

Competing shallow-rooted trees Plants requiring consistent full sun Poorly drained areas that retain standing water

Common Pests

Spray with water to dislodge; use horticultural oil spray in severe cases; ensure adequate humidity
Prune affected branches; treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil; improve air circulation
Remove by hand on small plants; apply horticultural oil in late winter; prune heavily infested branches
Improve drainage immediately; reduce watering; apply fungicide if caught early; may require replacement if severe

Uses

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Formal Hedging & Screens

Household

Taxus × media is excellent for creating formal hedges, privacy screens, and topiary due to its dense growth habit and ability to be pruned into defined shapes. Its evergreen foliage provides year-round structure and screening. [source]

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Ornamental Berries for Wildlife

Wildlife

Female plants produce bright red fleshy arils (berry-like structures) in fall that attract birds such as cedar waxwings, robins, and thrushes, providing valuable wildlife food sources. The evergreen shelter also provides winter protection for birds. [source]

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Taxol Source (Historical Interest)

Medicinal

Yews, including Taxus × media cultivars, contain taxol (paclitaxel), a compound with significant anticancer properties used in pharmaceutical development. While not used directly in home remedies, this demonstrates the plant's biochemical importance. [source]

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Landscape Design & Topiary

Craft

The slow growth and dense foliage make Taxus × media ideal for formal gardens, Zen gardens, and fine-detail topiary work. It holds pruned shapes exceptionally well and develops character with age. [source]

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Foundation & Border Planting

Household

Various cultivars range from dwarf to large sizes, making them versatile for foundation plantings, borders, and background plantings in shade gardens. Their consistent year-round appearance provides reliable structure. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Not harvested for consumption. Prune in late winter (February-March) or after new growth in spring for shape maintenance. Hedges can be trimmed 2-3 times per growing season. Remove dead or diseased wood anytime. Note: ALL parts of yew are toxic—wear gloves when pruning and dispose of clippings safely away from children and pets.

Fun Facts

🌱 Taxus × media is a hybrid created in the 1920s by horticulturist Henry Hicks. The cross combines the elegant spreading form of English yew with the superior cold hardiness of Japanese yew, resulting in a plant superior to both parents in many climates.
🌱 All parts of yew plants, including the foliage, seeds, and red arils, contain taxine alkaloids—highly toxic compounds that have caused livestock deaths for centuries. A lethal dose for a horse is merely 100-200 grams of fresh yew foliage, yet the plant has been cultivated for thousands of years due to its ornamental value.
🌱 Yews are among the longest-lived trees and shrubs in the world. Some individual yew specimens in England and Europe are estimated to be over 2,000 years old, with some possibly predating recorded history. Taxus × media, while younger as a hybrid, can live for centuries in cultivation.

Gardening Terms

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

Cultivar Hybrid Mulch Partial Shade Transplant

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