Description
Taxus baccata is the finest formal hedge: dense, dark green and long-lived. Unlike most conifers, yew regrows from old wood, so it can be cut back hard and reshaped.
Trim once a year in late summer. All parts of yew are toxic, so avoid planting where livestock or horses can reach it.
- Evergreen conifer
- Growth: slow to moderate
- Ideal hedge height: 1–4m
- Position: sun or shade
- Soil: any well-drained soil, including chalk
Sizes and packs
| Height | Plants per pack | Plants per metre* | Hedge per pack |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50-60cm | 20 | 4 | 5.0m |
| 60-80cm | 20 | 4 | 5.0m |
| 80-100cm | 10 | 3 | 3.3m |
| 100-125cm | 10 | 3 | 3.3m |
| 125-150cm | 5 | 3 | 1.7m |
| 150-175cm | 3 | 2.5 | 1.2m |
| 175-200cm | 2 | 2.5 | 0.8m |
*Single row. Heights exclude the root ball. Plants are sold in packs; add more packs if you need more plants.
About root ball plants
These are field-grown plants, lifted with their soil and wrapped in hessian during the dormant season (roughly November to March). Root balls give you a bigger plant for your money than pot-grown stock and establish well when planted promptly.
Delivery
Lifted to order at the nursery and delivered on a pallet, usually within 2 weeks. One pallet delivery charge per order, however many plants you buy.
Planting
- Plant within a few days of delivery. Until then, keep the root balls moist and sheltered, and don't let them dry out or freeze.
- Dig a hole or trench twice the width of the root ball and the same depth.
- Loosen the hessian at the top but leave it in place; it rots down in the soil.
- Firm in well and water thoroughly. Keep watering through the first spring and summer, especially in dry spells.
Photos show plants from the current batch at the nursery.
