Growing guide

How to grow yew

This native evergreen tree or shrub has long been popular in gardens, often clipped to form hedging or topiary. As a hedge, large or small, it forms a year-round sheltering screen along boundaries or a dark green backdrop to borders. Its dense growth and red berry-like fruits provide valuable shelter and food for wildlife.
 

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Quick facts

  • Easy to grow and long lived
  • Dense evergreen foliage
  • Ornamental berries on female plants
  • Popular for hedges and topiary
  • Plant in autumn or spring
  • Grow in any soil or situation
  • Trim hedges annually
  • Make new plants from cuttings or seed

All you need to know

Before you get started
Planting
Ongoing care
Pruning and training
Propagating
Problems
While we think all this information will be helpful to you, we always recommend to read the instruction labels on your plants.

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The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.