Cephalotaxus fortunei 'Dragon's Plume'
Chinese plum yew, Fortune's plum yew
- Height × spread
- 1m × 5m
- Position
- Tolerates full sun, likes part shade, tolerates light shade
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
An unusual, extremely rare and distinctive ground-hugging form of the Longleaf plum yew. This has trailing chestnut coloured branches that carry very long and slender paired needles, quite widely spaced and looking slightly dishevelled. The branches arch out over the ground and make attractive, though not weed-proof ground cover. This could be interesting if left to cascade over a wall or down a bank where it could appear luxuriant.
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Prostrate
- Height
- 1m
- Spread
- 5m
- Spread in 10 years
- 3m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Sun or shade
- Tolerates full sun, likes part shade, tolerates light shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Ground cover, Structural
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Apply slow release fertiliser
Apply a slow release fertiliser which is spread around the root area of plants soon after they have come into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water during drought
After three or four weeks without rain, except for drought tolerant plants, those in the ground often get stressed. Adopt the habit of deep-watering one section of the garden each day. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.
Encourage plants to develop good root systems by giving occasional deep watering. Some plants, such as conifers and heathers, do not show much sign of distress so water these if in doubt.
Summer
Summer - late · Planting
Trim foliage
Trim foliage to keep the plant looking neat.
Planting & general
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.
Planting
Protect & support young trees
Attach a newly planted tree or tall shrub over 1m to a tree stake to give support and prevent windrock. Use a tree guard to stop tree bark being eaten by animals, especially in areas with deer - removing bark injures a tree and in worst case can kill it.