Taxus × media Hicksii (Anglo-Japanese Yew)

Taxus × media ‘Hicksii’ (Anglo-Japanese Yew) is a dense, evergreen shrub of narrowly columnar habit when young, becoming wider with age, with long, erect branches clothed in glossy dark green needles. It is available in both male and female types, the female ones producing a profusion of conspicuous, coral-red seed-bearing cones. Slow-growing, 4-5 in. per year (10-12 cm), this Yew is very popular for use as a hedgerow or topiary subject.

Taxus × media 'Hicksii' (Anglo-Japanese Yew) is a dense, evergreen shrub of narrowly columnar habit when young, becoming wider with age, with long, erect branches clothed in glossy dark green needles. It is available in both male and female types, the female ones producing a profusion of conspicuous, coral-red seed-bearing cones. Slow-growing, 4-5 in. per year (10-12 cm), this Yew is very popular for use as a hedgerow or topiary subject.

  • Grows up to 12-20 ft. tall (360-600 cm) and 8-12 ft. wide (240-360 cm).
  • A full sun to partial shade lover, this plant is easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Tolerates full shade as well as a wide range of soils. Urban pollution and drought tolerant.
  • Perfect as a specimen plant, screens or hedges and foundation plant.
  • No regular pruning necessary, but can be trimmed and shaped when required.
  • Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings or grafting
  • Most parts, especially the seeds, are highly toxic by ingestion. The taxine alkaloids contained in yew berries, needles or bark are poisonous.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses, toxic to humans.

Requirements

Hardiness 4
– 7

Heat Zones 5
– 7

Climate Zones 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 14, 15, 16, 17
Plant Type Conifers, Shrubs
Plant Family Taxus – Yews
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter
Height 12'
– 20'
(3.6m
– 6m)
Spread 8'
– 12'
(240cm
– 3.6m)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries
Tolerance Drought, Rabbit
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden