Cephalotaxus
Plum yew
- Height × spread
- 1m – 3.5m × 0.4m – 5m
- Position
- All conditions
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
There are around nine species of the plum yew. They cover a large area in east Asia including parts of China, Eastern parts of the Himalayas and Malaysia. A few species are seen in cultivation in the UK. They are attractive trees with foliage somewhat akin to that of the common yew (Taxus baccata). Cephalanthus grow naturally in forests as under storey trees and therefore have a good degree of shade tolerance which can be a useful attribute. The popular name 'Plum yew' describes the fruit which is somewhat plum-like in appearance.
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Cube, Prostrate
- Height
- 1m – 3.5m
- Spread
- 0.4m – 5m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Sun or shade
- All conditions
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Ground cover, Structural
- Maintenance
- Some varieties are easycare (low/no maintenance)
- 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
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.