Cephalotaxus harringtonia 'Fastigiata', the upright Plum Yew, is a slow growing evergreen conifer that holds a narrow columnar shape without clipping. Dark green needles radiate right around the stems in a bottlebrush arrangement, giving the plant a soft texture that reads well against masonry, rendered walls and clipped hedging.
It grows about 15 to 30 centimetres a year and reaches roughly 2 to 3 metres tall and 1 to 1.5 metres wide. Part shade to full shade suits it best, though it accepts morning sun in cool districts. Frost hardy through Melbourne, Canberra and the tablelands, it wants moist, well drained soil.
Use it for narrow screens along boundaries, as a repeated vertical in courtyard beds, or in pots at an entry where the form stays tidy for years. It is one of the few conifers that holds good colour in genuine shade, which makes it useful under established canopy where junipers and cypress fail.
Also available as a topiary ball. The 110L - Ball Form is pre-clipped and ready to place. What sets it apart from other topiary balls is shade tolerance: Buxus, Camellia and Bay all want reasonable light, while Cephalotaxus is an understorey plant and holds form and colour in part shade, and even under an established tree canopy. Two light clips a year is enough, and it is not susceptible to box blight.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Plum Yew
What is a Plum Yew?
Cephalotaxus harringtonia 'Fastigiata' is an evergreen conifer from Japan, grown for its narrow upright habit and dark green needle foliage. Despite the common name it is not a true yew, though the foliage is similar in look and feel. It is naturally columnar and compact, so it holds a formal shape with very little pruning.
What is the difference between the plain sizes and the Ball Form?
The plain sizes are the natural columnar habit, supplied untrained. The 110L - Ball Form has been clipped at the nursery into a dense formal ball and is ready to place, giving instant structure without waiting years for the shape to build.
How is the Ball Form different from a Buxus ball?
Foliage and shade tolerance. Buxus has small rounded leaves and gives a tighter, finer surface, but wants reasonable light. Cephalotaxus has longer needle-like foliage giving a softer texture, and performs in shade where Buxus struggles. It is also not susceptible to box blight.
How big does Plum Yew grow?
Expect around 2 to 3 metres in height and 1 to 1.5 metres across at maturity, and that takes many years given the slow growth rate. In a container it stays smaller again, usually under 2 metres. The narrow footprint is the main reason it gets specified for tight side passages and courtyards.
How fast does Plum Yew grow?
Roughly 15 to 30 centimetres a year, which is slow. Planting an advanced specimen is the practical way to get height quickly, since a small plant takes a long time to fill a screen. The upside is that it holds its shape and does not outgrow its position, so maintenance stays minimal over the life of the planting.
Does Plum Yew need sun or shade?
Part shade to full shade gives the best foliage colour. It is one of the more shade tolerant conifers available and will grow happily under an established canopy or on the south side of a building. Full sun works in cooler southern districts, but foliage can yellow and scorch in hot inland or harsh western sun.
How often does the Ball Form need clipping?
Two light clips a year, in spring and again in late summer. The growth rate is slow, so it holds shape well between trims. Avoid cutting hard into bare old wood, which reshoots slowly.
Is Plum Yew frost tolerant?
Yes. It handles heavy and repeated frost without damage, which covers Canberra, the Southern Highlands, Melbourne, the Adelaide Hills and Tasmania. Young plants benefit from mulch over the root zone in their first winter, but established specimens need no protection. Cold does not discolour the foliage the way it does with some conifers.
Can Plum Yew grow in pots?
Yes, it is one of the better conifers for containers because it grows slowly and stays narrow. A pot 40 to 50 centimetres wide suits a single specimen at an entry, on a balcony or in a courtyard. Use a quality potting mix, keep the water up over summer and feed in spring and autumn.
How do I care for Plum Yew?
Water regularly through the first two summers and mulch to keep the roots cool. Pruning is optional on the plain sizes, and a light trim in early spring tidies any wayward stems. Feed with a slow release fertiliser in spring. Keep it out of waterlogged ground, which is the one situation it will not tolerate. The seeds and foliage are toxic if eaten.
