How to Care for Taxus baccata (40–60cm Bareroot)

Taxus baccata, commonly known as English Yew, is a timeless evergreen conifer prized for its dense, dark green foliage and versatility in garden design. Ideal for hedging, topiary, or as a standalone feature, this slow-growing and long-lived plant offers structure and elegance to any landscape. The 40–60cm bareroot Taxus baccata plants are perfect for establishing new hedges or borders, combining affordability with excellent quality.

Key Features of Taxus baccata

• Height: Can grow up to 12–20 meters (40–65 feet) when left untrimmed.
• Spread: Reaches a spread of 6–10 meters (20–33 feet).
• Foliage: Dense, dark green, needle-like leaves that retain their color year-round.
• Growth Rate: Slow to moderate, typically 20–40cm per year under ideal conditions.
• Uses: Perfect for hedging, formal topiary, or as a structural element in mixed borders.

Planting and Positioning

Proper planting is essential to ensure the successful establishment of your Taxus baccata bareroot plants.

• Soil Requirements: Thrives in well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Tolerates sandy, loamy, or clay soils but dislikes waterlogging.
• Light Needs: Grows well in full sun to deep shade, making it suitable for various garden aspects.
• Planting Tips:
  • Soak the bareroot plants in water for 30 minutes before planting to rehydrate the roots.
  • Dig a trench or individual holes wide enough to accommodate the roots and deep enough to allow the crown to sit just above soil level.
  • Space plants approximately 30–50cm apart for a dense hedge.
  • Backfill with soil, firm gently, and water thoroughly after planting.

Maintenance Tips for Taxus baccata

With proper care, Taxus baccata will thrive and provide decades of beauty and functionality.

Watering

• Water regularly during the first year after planting to help the roots establish.
• Once established, Taxus baccata is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering, except during prolonged dry periods.

Feeding

• Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring to promote healthy growth and vibrant foliage.
• For mature plants, a single annual feeding in early spring is sufficient.

Pruning

• Prune Taxus baccata in late summer or early autumn to maintain shape and encourage dense growth.
• For formal hedging or topiary, light pruning twice a year, in early summer and late summer, is recommended.
• Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to maintain the plant's health and appearance.

Mulching

• Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plants in spring to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
• Keep the mulch a few inches away from the stem to prevent rot.

Pest and Disease Management

• Taxus baccata is generally hardy and pest-resistant, though it may occasionally face issues like aphids or scale insects. Treat these with organic or chemical controls as needed.
• Avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot, and ensure good airflow to minimize fungal diseases.

Winter Care

• Fully hardy, Taxus baccata requires no special winter protection. However, avoid planting in areas prone to standing water in winter, as this can harm the roots.

Why Choose Taxus baccata?

• Timeless Elegance: Its dense, dark green foliage adds structure and sophistication to any garden.
• Versatile Usage: Ideal for hedging, topiary, or as a standalone specimen in borders.
• Shade Tolerant: Thrives in both sunny and shaded conditions, making it highly adaptable.
• Wildlife Friendly: Provides shelter for birds, though its seeds are toxic if ingested.
• Long-Lived: English Yew is one of the longest-living plants, offering enduring beauty for generations.

Conclusion

Taxus baccata (40–60cm bareroot) is an excellent choice for gardeners looking to create a formal hedge, structural feature, or long-lasting green boundary. Its versatility, low maintenance requirements, and timeless appeal make it a staple in gardens of all styles.

Visit our garden center today to find Taxus baccata bareroot plants and transform your outdoor space with this elegant evergreen!

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

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All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

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Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

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