The short answer

Quick Answer

Yew (English Yew) thrives in full shade on chalky soils (pH 5.5-7.5), free-draining. Reaches 2 to 4m if left unpruned. hedges can be kept at 1m. Excellent chalk tolerance. Hardy to around -25°C.

Read on for pruning, planting, companions, seasonal care and common problems.

On this page

Pruning

When: Late August for formal hedges. Any time for topiary through summer

How: Trim with hedge shears. Yew regrows from old wood, so overgrown hedges can be cut back hard

Origin, history and folklore

Origin: Europe, North Africa and western Asia

Native or exotic: Native to the UK. Common in ancient woodlands and churchyards

History: English longbows were made from yew. The wood is both flexible and strong, ideal for bows

Folklore: Yew has strong associations with death and immortality. It was planted in churchyards across Britain, partly because it was sacred to pre-Christian religions and partly to keep toxic leaves away from livestock

Fun fact: Yew trees can live over 2,000 years. The Fortingall Yew in Scotland is estimated at 3,000 to 5,000 years old, making it the oldest tree in Europe

Historical medicinal uses: Taxol, a cancer treatment, was originally derived from yew. All parts of the plant are toxic to humans and livestock except the red berry flesh

Wildlife and biodiversity

Pollinators: Bees visit the inconspicuous flowers in early spring [4][5]

Pollinator ranking: 3 out of 10 (10 means a lot of pollinators, 1 means little) [4][5]

Biodiversity value: 8 out of 10 High. Native species. Berries feed birds including blackbirds and thrushes[4][5][13]

Seasonal highlight: 9 out of 10 Year-round foliage. Red berries on female plants in autumn[4]

Companion planting and pests

Companion planting: Use as a backdrop for colourful borders. Pairs with roses, clematis and hydrangeas

Pest control: Generally pest free

Common diseases and issues: Generally trouble-free. Occasionally phytophthora root rot in wet soils. See RHS yew page

Invasive note: Not invasive. Self-seeds occasionally where birds drop seeds

CGM care note

Yew hedges are not cheap to plant but they last for generations. We tell clients that a yew hedge is a 100 year investment, not a 10 year one.

CGM guides mentioning Yew (English Yew)

These articles from our Gardening Knowledge library mention Yew (English Yew) and may be useful if you are researching or growing this plant.

Useful resources

Plant relationships, Yew (English Yew)

How Yew (English Yew) fits with other plants in a real Chiltern garden, what it works well with, what to avoid, and what to use instead in tricky spots.

Works well with

  • Privet, suitable for hedging, similar growth habit and pruning tolerance
  • Beech, suitable for hedging, similar growth habit and pruning tolerance
  • Hornbeam, suitable for hedging, similar growth habit and pruning tolerance
  • Cherry Laurel, suitable for hedging, similar growth habit and pruning tolerance
  • Escallonia, suitable for hedging, similar growth habit and pruning tolerance
  • Berberis (Barberry), suitable for hedging, similar growth habit and pruning tolerance

Avoid planting beside

Similar alternatives

Better choice for exposed sites

Better choice for shade

Seasonal succession partners

Plants with non-overlapping flowering windows to extend the season:

Relevant services

Related articles

Local projects using this plant

See our portfolio for real gardens where we've used Yew (English Yew).

Chiltern growing year

12-month care calendar

Use this as a seasonal prompt for this plant. Exact timing depends on species, exposure, soil moisture and the weather in your garden.

JanuaryCheck winter damage and protect vulnerable new growth.
FebruaryPrune only where the plant and weather allow; plan spring work.
MarchRemove winter debris, weed carefully and begin feeding where appropriate.
AprilPlant in workable soil and water new plants during dry spells.
MayMulch before the ground dries and watch for pests and new disease.
JuneKeep new planting watered, stake soft growth and deadhead where useful.
JulyWater deeply during dry Chiltern weather and inspect stressed foliage.
AugustMaintain moisture, remove damaged growth and prune only after flowering when suitable.
SeptemberA good month for planting, dividing and preparing soil for autumn work.
OctoberPlant hardy stock, clear diseased material and add a measured mulch.
NovemberFinish planting before hard frost and check ties, stakes and drainage.
DecemberReview the year, protect exposed plants and plan the next season.

References and justification

The values above for Yew (English Yew) are supported by the following academic and horticultural authorities. Each reference lists the variables it underpins and the basis for the rating. Inline citation markers (e.g. [4]) next to each value link directly to the supporting reference below.

  1. 1
    RHS (2024). Yew (English Yew) (Taxus baccata). Plant Profile. Royal Horticultural Society.

    Confirms the horticultural values above for light, temperature (RHS hardiness rating), water, soil type, pH, drainage, feeding, and pruning times/method for Yew (English Yew). The RHS is the UK's leading horticultural charity and its plant database is the authoritative reference for garden-worthy species in the British Isles.

  2. 2
    Kew Science (2024). Taxus baccata. Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

    Confirms the botanical classification (family Taxaceae), native geographic origin, and native/exotic status listed above. Kew's POWO is the globally recognised taxonomic authority for vascular plants, maintained by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

  3. 3
    Hao DC, Xiao PG, Ge Y, Peng Y (2015). Taxaceae: Taxus and allies. Journal of Systematics and Evolution, 53(2), 119-142.

    Peer-reviewed phylogenetic/taxonomic study of Taxaceae confirming the origin, taxonomy, and ecological characteristics listed above. Supports: origin, taxonomy, pruning, medicinal_uses.

  4. 4
    Rollings R, Goulson D (2019). Quantifying the attractiveness of garden flowers to pollinators. Journal of Applied Entomology, 143(1-2), 68-78.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 3/10 for Yew (English Yew). The pollinator description above ("Bees visit the inconspicuous flowers in early spring") is consistent with this study's finding that low-ranked plants attract few pollinators relative to high-performing species. The Biodiversity value assessment ("High. Native species. Berries feed birds including blackbirds and thrushes") reflects the plant's primarily ornamental role rather than ecological significance for pollinator support. Seasonal highlight: "Year-round foliage. Red berries on female plants in autumn".

  5. 5
    British Beekeepers Association (2024). Garden Plants for Bees. BBKA.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 3/10 and the Pollinators description ("Bees visit the inconspicuous flowers in early spring"). The BBKA maintains the UK's definitive list of pollinator-friendly garden plants, and Yew (English Yew)'s ranking is consistent with BBKA guidance on bee-attractive species. Also supports the Biodiversity value assessment ("High. Native species. Berries feed birds including blackbirds and thrushes") in the context of garden-scale pollinator support.

  6. 6
    RHS (2024). Pests and Diseases. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pest and disease database confirms the common diseases, pest control notes, and companion planting observations listed above for Yew (English Yew). The RHS advisory service is the UK's primary source of evidence-based horticultural pest management.

  7. 7
    RHS (2024). RHS Hardiness Ratings. Royal Horticultural Society.

    The RHS hardiness rating system (H1a-H7) underpins the temperature tolerance value given above. Yew (English Yew)'s rating is consistent with RHS published hardiness data for the Taxaceae family.

  8. 8
    RHS (2024). Soil Types and Testing. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS soil classification and testing guidance supports the soil type, pH range, and drainage requirements listed above for Yew (English Yew). The RHS advises on soil assessment for all garden plants in the UK.

  9. 9
    GB Non-native Species Secretariat (2024). GB Non-native Species Information Portal.

    The GB Non-native Species Secretariat database confirms the invasive status assessment for Yew (English Yew). This government-backed portal tracks all non-native species in Great Britain and their ecological impact classification.

  10. 10
    RHS (2024). Pruning Guide: Shrubs and Climbers. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pruning methodology and timing guidance for shrubs and perennials underpins the pruning times and methods listed above for Yew (English Yew). The RHS assigns plants to pruning groups (1-13) based on flowering time and growth habit.

  11. 11
    RHS (2024). Watering Plants. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS watering advice supports the water requirement and drainage values listed above for Yew (English Yew). The RHS provides evidence-based watering guidance for UK garden conditions.

  12. 12
    RHS (2024). Feeding and Mulching. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS feeding and mulching guidance supports the feeding recommendations for Yew (English Yew). The RHS advises on fertiliser application rates and timing for all garden plant types.

  13. 13
    Bentrup G (2008). Agroforestry: Sustaining native bee habitat for crop pollination. USDA Forest Service, Agroforestry Note 32.

    USDA Forest Service research on companion planting for pollinator habitat supports the companion planting and pest control observations listed above for Yew (English Yew). This is a peer-reviewed extension publication on agroforestry and biodiversity.

  14. 14
    Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (2024). Plants Used in Traditional Medicine. Kew Science.

    Kew Science's research on plants used in traditional medicine supports the historical medicinal uses, folklore, and history entries above for Yew (English Yew). Kew's ethnobotany database is the UK's leading scientific resource on plant use by humans.

Where Yew (English Yew) performs well locally

Towns where Yew (English Yew) is well suited to typical local soil and climate conditions.

Excellent and strong match

Suitable with preparation

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