Spreading English Yew

Spreading English Yew (Taxus baccata 'Repandens')

Spreading English Yew (Taxus baccata 'Repandens') is a low-growing, wide-spreading evergreen shrub valued for its graceful arching branches, dark green needles, and reliable year-round coverage. Ideal for groundcover or mass plantings, it brings soft structure and timeless greenery to shaded or partially sunny landscapes.

Distinctive Features

This cultivar typically grows 2 to 4 feet tall and spreads 8 to 12 feet wide, creating a dense, cascading mat of foliage. Its slightly curved needles and layered branching give it a refined yet natural appearance. Female plants may bear red arils if pollinated by a male yew nearby.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Partial shade to full shade, tolerates sun with sufficient moisture
• Soil Type: Moist but well-drained loam, clay, or sandy soil
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral
• Water Needs: Moderate; water regularly during establishment
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 7

Ideal Uses

• Focal point in shaded foundation beds or beneath trees
• Massed groundcover in woodland or formal gardens
• Low evergreen hedge or border along pathways
• Soil stabilizer on gentle slopes or embankments
• Understory filler in shaded mixed plantings

Low Maintenance Care

• Little pruning needed, but may be trimmed to shape in early spring
• Mulch to conserve moisture and insulate roots
• Water during dry periods for best appearance
• Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring if growth is slow
• Protect from salt spray in high-traffic areas

Why Choose Spreading English Yew

• Graceful form with wide coverage for low-maintenance areas
• Evergreen foliage adds year-round structure and depth
• Excellent tolerance of shade and varied soils
• Ideal solution for large beds, slopes, or woodland gardens
• A classic, understated focal point that softens the landscape

Spreading English Yew is a refined, dependable evergreen groundcover that offers quiet elegance and lasting utility in shaded or semi-shaded spaces.