Hybrid yew
Taxus media · Taxaceae
⚠️ Feuilles, graines, écorce contiennent taxine alcaloïde; ingestion provoque troubles digestifs, tremblements, arrêt cardiaque chez tous. Très grave.
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around hybrid yew and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Taxus media
- Family
- Taxaceae
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Mature height
- Up to 4 m
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -20 °C)
- Growth
- Slow to moderate
- Origin
- Hybrid from Taxus cuspidata and Taxus baccata
- Soil type
- Well-draining, neutral to slightly acidic
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Taxus media thrives in neutral to acidic, well-drained soil in dappled shade or full sun. It's a very slow-growing shrub; water it only during the first two years to establish roots.
The common mistake
Pruning it too young or planting it in alkaline chalky soil: growth slows down or foliage turns yellow.
The pro's trick
Apply acidic mulch (pine sawdust, bark) in March; it feeds gradually and keeps the pH just right.
Care
Exposure
Your hybrid yew thrives in partial shade or dappled light, but also tolerates full sun if the soil stays moist. Avoid overly hot and dry exposures in Mediterranean climates. Protection from strong winds is beneficial, especially when young.
Watering
Keep the soil regularly moist, especially during the first two years. In dry periods, water deeply once or twice a week. Reduce watering in winter, but never let the soil dry out completely.
Soil and planting
Plant in well-draining, neutral or slightly acidic soil. Enrich the soil with compost when planting. Hybrid yew tolerates moderate chalky soils, but prefers a pH between 6 and 7.
Pruning and shaping
Prune lightly each spring (April-May) to maintain a compact, dense form. Yew responds well to pruning and can be shaped into topiary. Use clean, disinfected secateurs to prevent disease.
Fertilizing
Apply balanced or potassium-rich fertilizer in spring. A single annual application is usually enough. Work compost into the surface in autumn to gradually enrich the soil.
Pests and diseases
Hybrid yew is generally resistant to disease. Watch for scale insects and spider mites in warm climates. Good air circulation and tool hygiene reduce risks. Avoid waterlogging at the base of the plant.
Did you know?
Hybrid yew is a cross between two ancient species: Japanese yew and European common yew. This hybrid was created to combine the hardiness of one with the foliage density of the other. Fascinating: the Taxus genus is one of the oldest in the world, with fossils dating back 200 million years!
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Common yewTaxus baccata
- BoxwoodBuxus sempervirens
- Pedunculate oakQuercus robur
- CamelliaCamellia japonica
- SageSalvia officinalis
- GrapevineVitis vinifera
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.