Japanese yew

Japanese yew grows slowly and tolerates deep shade better than any other conifer here, with soft, flat dark-green needles and red-brown bark that peels in attractive flakes on older trunks. Every part except the red aril around the seed is toxic, worth knowing if pets or children are near the bench; growth is patient work over many years.

Care at a glance

Watering

Water thoroughly, let the surface dry between waterings. Roughly every 2 days in spring, 2 in summer, 3 in autumn and 7 in winter.

Light

Full sun to shade; the most shade-tolerant conifer here.

Winter

Fully hardy; tolerates hard pruning back to old wood. Protect it when the forecast drops below -20 °C.

Feeding

Every 21 days, Apr to Sep.

Repotting

Every 3 to 4 years, as new growth begins, in Apr.

Growth

Slow growing. Hardy in zones 4 to 7.

The work calendar

Styles that suit it

MoyogiBunjinHokidachi

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