The yew is a very popular tree in the garden where it has multiple ornamental functions. Easy to grow and maintain, its many varieties, of various sizes, colors and shapes, can create beautiful atmospheres.
The yew, a tree with exceptional longevity
The yew is a coniferous tree native to the northern hemisphere; the two most cultivated species in the garden are Taxus baccata and Taxus cuspidata.
This evergreen tree made of needles can reach a height of 20 meters and live more than a thousand years. All the parts of the plant are very toxic by ingestion, that's why it has been used for all times for hunting (on arrows) but also as poison by the Romans who got rid of their enemies.
In the garden, it appreciates all types of soil, whether chalky or acid, poor or fertile. However, the soil must remain slightly cool but never soggy. The yew can be pruned very well, which is why it is one of the most appreciated trees in topiary.
Uses of yew in the garden
Yew comes in species and varieties ranging in size from 60 cm to 15 m high. Some adopt a fastigiate habit ideal for verticality, others a compact and spreading habit, perfect for ground cover.
Taxus baccata 'Fastigiata', erect and with a strong development, will find its place on both sides of an entrance of property or in alignment to underline a vast path. Its narrow pyramid shape, reaching for the sky, can also adorn a lawn or serve as a sentinel near a home.
As an isolated subject, this yew catches the eye, it serves as a focal point in perspectives, in which case it can take on the shape of a cone once pruned or retain its natural fastigiated habit.
The non-fastigiated varieties of Taxus baccata are of course widely used to form dense hedges as is Taxus x media. The latter is faster growing and has a compact habit, although it can still reach 5 m in height. Very durable, this evergreen hedge will only need one annual pruning, which is an advantage compared to other species that grow much faster.
In Zen gardens or gardens with a Japanese tendency, Taxus cuspidata with its well-structured branches and evenly distributed needles is a subject of choice. Trimmed 'in the cloud' it always looks good surrounded by Japanese maples, camellias and ferns. This species, if planted in semi-shade, tolerates drought well.
To cover an embankment, adorn a riprap, or simply cover an area where grass is not growing, consider Taxus baccata 'Rependans' a ground cover variety that doesn't exceed 60 cm in height but spreads to nearly 5 m. Over time, or with a little help from precise pruning, it forms very attractive rounded cushions. The variety 'Summergold' with its very luminous golden yellow foliage can be used for the same purpose.
The yew can also find its place in beds, depending on the variety, it will then be planted in the background of the decor in the company of shrubs, or in the center to create a contrast with flowering plants.
The yew also invites itself on the terrace in pots or large containers. Once again, the 'cloud' shapes will have the best effect, but don't neglect the compact varieties that can easily replace boxwood and be cut into a cone or ball for a very classic look.
