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. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in. For a screen, space plants about 90 cm apart.
Watering & feeding
Irish Yew is regular, moderate watering. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
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
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Irish Yew with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering and cool-temperate climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm.
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. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it is available.