Taxus baccata (English Yew) Hedging Versatile and classic evergreen for dense, formal hedges Taxus baccata, commonly known as English Yew, is a traditional and highly valued evergreen for hedging. With its rich, dark green foliage and dense growth habit, it creates a thick, impenetrable barrier ideal for formal or privacy hedges. Yew is one of the most versatile and long-lived plants, offering year-round interest and the ability to be easily shaped through regular pruning. As a slow-growing conifer, Taxus baccata is perfect for creating neatly manicured hedges that can withstand heavy trimming, providing privacy and shelter. It is also particularly well-suited for topiary work, creating elegant shapes and structures in the garden. Its tolerance of shade makes it a popular choice for screening in less sunny parts of the garden or for urban environments with limited sunlight. Key Features: Evergreen foliage providing year-round colour and structure Ideal for dense, formal hedging or privacy screens Tolerates both sun and shade, making it versatile for different locations Can be easily shaped and pruned to maintain a neat, compact form Hardy and long-lived, with minimal maintenance once established Growing Conditions: Position: Full sun or partial shade Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil; thrives in most soil types, including clay, chalk, or loam Hardiness: Fully hardy throughout the UK, including cold regions Maintenance: Prune once or twice a year to maintain shape and encourage dense growth; water regularly during dry periods while establishing Ultimate Height & Spread: Height: Can grow up to 10m if left untrimmed; typically kept to 2–3m for hedging Spread: 1.5–2.5m Slow-growing, with moderate growth rate when well-maintained Taxus baccata is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a traditional, reliable, and dense hedge that provides privacy, shelter, and structure to the garden. Its longevity and ease of care make it one of the most popular choices for both formal and informal hedging schemes
