Duke Gardens Plum Yew

Duke Gardens Plum Yew (Cephalotaxus harringtonia 'Duke Gardens')

Duke Gardens Plum Yew (Cephalotaxus harringtonia 'Duke Gardens') is a compact, shade-tolerant evergreen shrub valued for its glossy, dark green foliage and elegant, mounded habit. A refined selection of the Japanese plum yew, this cultivar offers excellent texture and year-round structure in both formal and naturalistic landscapes.

Distinctive Features

'Duke Gardens' forms a broad, low mound with layered, arching branches covered in soft, needle-like leaves. The foliage is dark green and lustrous, creating a rich, evergreen backdrop throughout the seasons. Unlike upright plum yews, this selection maintains a dense, spreading habit�typically maturing around 3 feet tall and 5 to 6 feet wide�making it well-suited for mass planting, foundation use, or shaded borders.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full shade to partial sun
• Soil: Moist, well-drained soil; adaptable to clay, loam, or sandy soils
• Water: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture but tolerates some drought once established
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 6�9

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Elegant texture and low form provide year-round structure in shady settings
• Foundation Planting: Compact habit works well around homes and buildings
• Shaded Borders: Fills difficult low-light areas with evergreen color
• Mass Planting: Effective as a low-maintenance groundcover in groupings
• Woodland Gardens: Pairs beautifully with ferns, hellebores, and hostas

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water regularly during establishment; drought tolerant once mature
• Pruning: Rarely needed; may be lightly shaped in early spring if desired
• Fertilizing: Feed in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer
• Mulching: Maintain mulch around base to conserve moisture and regulate temperature
• Protection: Deer resistant and tolerant of urban conditions

Why Choose Duke Gardens Plum Yew?

• Shade Tolerant: One of the best evergreens for low-light areas
• Refined Texture: Glossy, soft needles add elegance to any planting scheme
• Compact and Manageable: Ideal for smaller spaces or foundation use
• Low Maintenance: Durable and slow-growing with minimal upkeep
• Focal Point: Dense, architectural form provides structure in shaded landscapes

Cephalotaxus harringtonia 'Duke Gardens' offers dependable year-round beauty, graceful texture, and superior shade tolerance�making it a go-to focal point for woodland borders, shaded foundations, or evergreen massings.