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Family: Yew
Type: Shrub
Hicks Yew, or Taxus x media ‘Hicksii’, is a popular evergreen shrub known for its dense, upright growth habit and glossy, dark green needles. This hybrid yew is favored for its adaptability and elegance, making it a versatile choice for a variety of landscape designs. It is often used as a hedge or privacy screen due to its dense foliage and ability to be pruned into formal shapes.
Typically reaching a height of 10-12 feet and a width of 3-4 feet, Hicks Yew maintains a narrow, columnar form, making it ideal for tight spaces or as an accent plant in larger garden areas. Its slow growth rate and ease of maintenance make it a preferred choice for both residential and commercial landscapes. The plant is also known for its tolerance of heavy pruning, allowing it to be shaped according to garden needs.
Hicks Yew thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. It is hardy and can adapt to a range of soil types, making it suitable for various climates. This yew is resistant to most pests and diseases, contributing to its popularity as a reliable and attractive evergreen choice.
Hardiness Zone: 4a-4a
Moisture Preference: Average to moist
Sun Needs: Full sun to shade
Growth Rate: Slow
Average Height (feet): 18
Average Spread (feet): 10
Average Life Span (years): 50
Form: Columnar
Foliage Color: Green
Foliage Shape: Ferny
Bark Color: Brown
Bark Texture: Smooth
Hicks Yew is perfect for creating structured, evergreen backdrops in garden settings. Its columnar growth makes it suitable for narrow spaces, and it can be used effectively to frame entryways or pathways. Plant it in rows to form a lush, green hedge or privacy screen.
Incorporate Hicks Yew into formal gardens, where it can be shaped into topiary forms or used as a foundation plant. Its dense foliage and classic look complement the structured style of formal landscaping. Hicks Yew is also a great choice for adding winter interest to the garden, as its evergreen leaves provide color throughout the year.
Due to its adaptability, Hicks Yew can be used in a variety of landscaping projects. It works well as a standalone specimen or in a mixed border, providing contrast with flowering plants and other shrubs.
In formal gardens, Hicks Yew's ability to be pruned into precise shapes makes it an ideal choice for hedges, borders, and topiaries.
For urban gardens, Hicks Yew is a practical choice due to its tolerance of pollution and its ability to thrive in confined spaces.
In cottage gardens, Hicks Yew can be used as a structured backdrop to softer, flowering plants, adding depth and year-round interest.
Use Hicks Yew to create a natural privacy screen around patios or along property lines. Its dense growth habit provides an excellent barrier and sound insulation.
In spring, Hicks Yew maintains its rich green appearance, serving as a steady backdrop for spring-blooming flowers.
During summer, the plant continues to display its lush, evergreen foliage, providing a constant and cooling presence in the garden.
In the fall, Hicks Yew holds onto its needles, contrasting beautifully with the changing colors of deciduous plants.
In winter, the yew's evergreen foliage stands out in the barren landscape, offering a hint of color and life during the colder months.
Hicks Yew should be planted in an area with full sun to partial shade. It’s perfect for use as a hedge, in formal garden settings, or as a specimen plant in mixed borders.
This shrub thrives in both full sun and partial shade. Full sun encourages denser foliage growth, while partial shade is tolerated in hotter climates.
Hicks Yew prefers well-drained soil but is adaptable to various soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. It tolerates a range of soil pH from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline.
Space plants about 2-3 feet apart for hedges to ensure adequate room for growth and air circulation, which is vital for plant health.
The ideal time to plant Hicks Yew is in the early spring or fall, which allows the plant to establish its root system in moderate temperatures.
Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball. Place the shrub in the hole, backfill with soil, water thoroughly, and apply a layer of mulch to conserve moisture.
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Once established, Hicks Yew is relatively drought-tolerant.
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to weak growth.
Prune in late winter or early spring to shape the plant and remove any dead or damaged branches. Hicks Yew tolerates heavy pruning well.
Check for winter damage and prune as needed. Apply fertilizer and start regular watering as the growing season begins.
Maintain consistent watering during dry periods. Monitor for pests or diseases and treat as necessary.
Prepare the plant for winter by reducing watering. No fertilization is needed during this period.
Hicks Yew is hardy and does not require special winter care. However, a layer of mulch can provide extra insulation for the roots in colder climates.
Yes, Hicks Yew is considered deer resistant, making it a good choice for areas with high deer populations.
While typically planted in the ground, Hicks Yew can also be grown in large containers, provided they have adequate drainage.
Hicks Yew has a slow to moderate growth rate, typically growing 6-12 inches per year.
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