English Yew

Soils

English yew will grow on all substrates except peat. Avoid dry soil.

Location

Full shade is tolerated but not preferred.

Annual Growth Rate

10-30cm per annum

pH TOLERANCE

Avoid strong acidic soil

Root Structure

Very deep root system, densely branched and fibrous

Potential

Moderate wind resistance, exceptional tolerance for cutting and shaping

Annual Trimming

English yew can be cut often and responds well when shaping into topiary. Old tired English yew can be cut back hard if necessary.

Characteristics

Long living evergreen conifer used for hedges and topiary.

Favoured by many garden designers to create hedges and screens, English yew are often referred to in the landscaping trade as ‘The King of Hedges.

The foliage is made up of many dark-green needle-like leaves that grow in great density.

The ability of English yew to regenerate after being cut makes them perfect for forming and shaping, over time into large hedges and topiary.
Many old and beautiful hedges and topiaries can be seen around the UK in many a stately home, such as Cliveden, Crathes Castle, Belvoir Castle, Blenheim Palace, Englefield house, Hidcote Manor, Powis Castle or Hampton Court to name just a few.

Linked to the Christian faith in the past and up to the present day, English yew trees were, and still are planted in churches, cemeteries and other holy places.

Fact 1: The foliage of English yew contains a substance successfully used in the medical industry for the treatment of cancer.

Fact 2: With exception to the bright-red fleshy seed casings, all the other parts of English yew are poisonous to humans and many animals.