Korean Gold Plum Yew

Korean Gold Plum Yew (Cephalotaxus harringtonii 'Korean Gold')

Korean Gold Plum Yew (Cephalotaxus harringtonii 'Korean Gold') is a rare and striking evergreen shrub known for its bright golden-yellow new growth and ability to thrive in shade. This distinctive cultivar brings luminous color and soft texture to low-light garden spaces, offering a vibrant alternative to darker-foliaged evergreens in foundation beds, shaded borders, and woodland gardens.

Distinctive Features

'Korean Gold' stands out for its vivid golden foliage that emerges bright yellow in spring and gradually matures to chartreuse-green by summer. The soft, needle-like leaves are arranged in flat sprays, giving the plant a fern-like texture. It grows slowly into a spreading, rounded form�typically 3 feet tall by 4 to 5 feet wide�making it ideal for massing or as a glowing specimen in darker corners of the landscape.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Partial to full shade; color is best in filtered light
• Soil: Moist, well-drained soils; tolerates a wide range of soil types including clay
• Water: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture but tolerates dry spells once established
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 6�9

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Bright golden foliage creates a dramatic highlight in shaded settings
• Foundation Planting: Adds color and texture to north- or east-facing beds
• Shaded Borders: Excellent contrast to ferns, hostas, and dark-leaved companions
• Woodland Gardens: Naturalizes well in understory plantings with filtered light
• Mass Planting: Forms a golden ground layer when used in groups

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Keep evenly moist during the first year; requires less frequent watering over time
• Pruning: Rarely needed; may be lightly shaped in early spring
• Fertilizing: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring to encourage new growth
• Mulching: Helps retain soil moisture and protect shallow roots
• Protection: Deer resistant and tolerant of urban conditions

Why Choose Korean Gold Plum Yew?

• Golden Foliage: Bright new growth lights up shady areas
• Shade Tolerant: One of the few golden evergreens that thrives in low light
• Compact Size: Suitable for small gardens or narrow spaces
• Low Maintenance: Durable, slow-growing, and naturally tidy
• Focal Point: Brilliant spring color and soft texture make it a standout in shaded plantings

Cephalotaxus harringtonii 'Korean Gold' offers vivid color, refined texture, and dependable performance in shaded areas�making it a luminous focal point for woodland gardens, foundation beds, or shaded borders.