A strongly upright, columnar yew with dark green foliage forming a dense vertical pillar. A formal accent and clipping plant, though all parts except the aril are toxic if ingested.
At a glance
- Plant type: Shrub
- Mature size: 5 m H × 1.5 m W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: moderate maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Irish Yew
Botanically, Taxus baccata 'Fastigiata' is a slow-growing shrub in the Taxaceae family. It reaches around 5 m tall and 1.5 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage.
Where to grow Irish Yew
Irish Yew suits cool-temperate and warm-temperate climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Irish Yew does best in free-draining and clay soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool. For a screen, space plants about 90 cm apart.
Watering & feeding
Irish Yew does best with regular, moderate watering. Refresh mulch and provide a modest balanced feed at the start of spring. During the first growing season, water deeply whenever the upper soil begins to dry, then reduce the frequency as roots establish.
Pruning & care
Tip-prune Irish Yew in spring to maintain a dense, shapely habit. It clips well, so trim two or three times a year for a formal finish. Overall it is moderate maintenance.
Using Irish Yew in the garden
Irish Yew earns its place for a feature or specimen planting, clipping into topiary and a fast screen or informal hedge.
Companion planting & design
Combine Irish Yew with plants that share its preference for regular, moderate watering and cool-temperate climate. Use an odd-numbered group where space allows, or repeat it at intervals through a longer bed.
Good to know
Note that it is toxic to cats and dogs, so site it away from pets that chew. All parts can be toxic if eaten, so keep it away from small children.
Buying Irish Yew
Plant Sale lists Irish Yew as potted plants and advanced specimens. Current stock is confirmed manually, so register interest above before planning around a specific size.
