Taxus species/ Yew Species Guide
Commonly used Taxus species include T. Baccata/English Yew, T. cuspidata/Japanese Yew and T. x media/Japanese and English Yew hybrid.
Ease of Cultivation 8/10 Suitablity and Ease for Bonsai Styling 6/10
Position Outside tree only. Will tolerate some sun but a shaded position with little direct sunlight is preferred. Fully hardy to -10°C after which some protection should be given.
Repotting Due to their slow growth rate, Yews only need repotting every 3 to 4 years in Spring as new buds extend. Use a very free draining mix as Yews dislike very wet soils.
Pruning New growth needs to be plucked out during the
growing season. However to retain fruits, do not pinch out after flowering
in Spring. Hard pruning and branch pruning should be carried out in Autumn.
To encourage back-budding, pinch out 2 or 3 year old needles in late-Autumn.
This will result in the stimulation of new buds in Spring at the points
where needles were plucked.
Propagation Sow seed as soon as ripe, outside in Autumn.
Seed can take 2 or more years to germinate and usually produces male trees.
Take semi-ripe cuttings in late-Summer or early-Autumn. By layering in
late Spring.
Pests and Diseases Resistant to almost all diseases except root-rot. Insect damage is likely to be from either tortrix moth caterpillars or yew scale.
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