Vermeulen Yew

Vermeulen Yew (Taxus x media 'Vermeulen')

Vermeulen Yew is a dependable evergreen shrub that brings year-round structure and a finished look to foundations, borders, and screening rows. Its dense branching helps it read full from the ground up, so it feels intentional instead of thin or patchy. The deep green needles create a calm backdrop that makes seasonal flowers and foliage colors stand out. If you want a long-lived evergreen that can be kept natural or lightly shaped, this yew is a practical choice.

Distinctive Features

This anglojap yew develops an upright, rounded habit with thick, dark green needles and a naturally dense silhouette. It is often used where a substantial evergreen mass is needed, since it tends to be broader than narrow columnar yews while still holding a strong vertical presence. When female plants are present and pollinated, it may produce red arils that add subtle fall interest. Like other yews, all parts are toxic if ingested, and the plant responds well to pruning for density and size control.

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Full sun to shade, with best density often in full sun to part shade.
• Soil: Well-drained soil is essential, and it adapts to loam, sand, or clay when drainage is reliable.
• Water: Medium moisture, keep evenly moist while establishing, then water during extended dry periods.
• USDA Zones: Zones 4 to 7.
• Mature Size: Typically about 7 to 8 feet tall and 8 to 9 feet wide.
• Habit: Upright, rounded evergreen shrub with dense branching.
• Deer: Not deer resistant and may be browsed where deer pressure is high.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Use it as a focal point where a dense evergreen form can anchor the design and hold interest all year.
• Screening: Plant in a row to create a substantial privacy screen with a classic evergreen look.
• Foundation Backdrop: Place behind lower shrubs to add depth and year-round structure near the home.
• Evergreen Massing: Group several plants to build a calm green wall that supports seasonal color around it.
• Hedge: Shear lightly to form a thick, traditional hedge with dependable winter presence.

Low Maintenance Care

• Pruning: Prune in late winter to early spring or after the main flush of growth to shape, thicken, and control size.
• Watering: Water deeply during the first growing season, then provide supplemental water during drought to prevent stress.
• Mulching: Mulch the root zone to conserve moisture and reduce weeds, keeping mulch a few inches away from stems.
• Drainage: Avoid wet, poorly drained soils to reduce the risk of root and crown problems over time.
• Winter Exposure: In exposed sites, provide shelter from drying wind and strong winter sun to reduce needle scorch.

Why Choose Vermeulen Yew?

• Dense Coverage: Naturally full branching helps it screen well without constant shearing.
• Year-Round Finish: Dark green evergreen foliage keeps landscapes looking organized in every season.
• Broad Presence: A substantial shape works well where you need real evergreen mass, not a skinny accent.
• Pruning Friendly: Responds well to shaping, making it easy to maintain a clean, intentional outline.
• Long-Term Value: A durable evergreen that can serve as a backbone plant for decades with basic care.

Vermeulen Yew is best when you give it good drainage, steady moisture while it establishes, and enough space to develop its dense, rounded form. Once settled, it becomes a reliable screen or hedge that keeps the landscape looking finished even in winter. If deer are common in your area, plan protection so the plant can maintain its full, clean look.