Spreading Japanese Plum Yew
A Problem Solver for Shade
This low-maintenance evergreen shrub stands up to heat, humidity, deer, and drought.
Spreading Japanese plum yew (Cephalotaxus harringtonia ‘Prostrata’) is a low-growing, needled evergreen shrub with a creeping habit. A great problem-solver for gardens in zones 6 - 9, this shrub is underused and often overlooked by home gardeners and landscapers.
Spreading Japanese plum yew grows well in partial to full shade, as well as the dappled sunlight underneath the canopy of tall trees. It prefers moist, well-drained soil, yet will tolerate clay and sandy soil as well. This plant has amazing heat tolerance for a needled evergreen and can handle the heat and humidity of the mid-Atlantic and southern states, as well as periods of drought (are you in a drought? Check the U.S. Drought Monitor).
Make sure spreading Japanese plum yew is well-watered during the first two years after planting, especially in dry, sandy soils and when planted underneath trees. Unlike the deer-magnet common yew (Taxus species), deer do not like the taste of Cephalotaxus and will generally leave them alone. Rutgers University classifies Japanese plum yew as “rarely damaged”, the highest level of deer-resistance, on their list of Landscape Plants Rated by Deer Resistance.
The ‘Prostrata’ cultivar will grow slowly, reaching 2-3 feet high and wide, and can be planted in mass to form a carpet (space at 18”). Plant these yews underneath a tree canopy or plant in mass to stabilize a shady hillside. They will cascade over stone walls and soften hard masonry edges. It can also be used as a foundation planting, or planted to form a low hedge. Japanese plum yews have no significant diseases or pest problems and require little, if any, pruning.
Spreading Japanese plum yew has glossy green needles and a low, horizontal, creeping habit.
How to Plant and Grow Spreading Japanese Plum Yew
Location: Choose a well-drained location with partial to full shade. While plum yew can tolerate a range of soil conditions, it prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil. Amending the soil with organic matter (like compost or Leafgro®) will greatly improve drainage and fertility.
Planting: Plant Japanese spreading plum yew in the early spring or fall. Planting in these seasons provides time for establishment and root development before harsher weather sets in. To form a ground cover, space plants 18 inches apart on center (18 inches from the center of one plant to the center of the next plant). Try this handy plant calculator to determine the number of plants required for your garden.
Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plants to help conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the first two growing seasons. Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry spells. For watering guidance, see “How to Water your Plants”.
Fertilizing: Fertilize sparingly in early spring with an all-purpose, slow-release fertilizer like Epsoma Plant-tone or Evergreen-tone. Avoid excessive fertilization, as plum yews are not heavy feeders.
Pruning: Minimal pruning is typically required. Shape lightly and prune out dead branches in late winter, before new growth emerges.
Are Yews Deer Resistant?
It’s important to note that two different plant species go by the common name “yew” - Cephalotaxus (plum yew) and Taxus (common yew, English yew, or Japanese yew). While both species are evergreen and share some visual similarities, Cephalotaxus (plum yew) exhibits distinctive botanical characteristics that set it apart from its Taxus cousins.
Members of the Cephalotaxus species, including the Japanese plum yew, are considered to be highly deer-resistant. Hungry deer will only browse Japanese plum yew as a plant of last resort, when nothing else is available to eat.
Conversely, members of the Taxus species are deer magnets, and are classified by Rutgers University as “frequently severely damaged” on their list of Landscape Plants Rated by Deer Resistance. If deer frequent your garden, opt for a plant belonging to the Cephalotaxus species and avoid Taxus yews. When visiting the nursery, carefully inspect plant labels and seek assistance from staff to ensure you are choosing a plum yew.
Japanese plum yews (Cephalotaxus species) are a deer-resistant alternative to English and Japanese Yews (Taxus species).
The new spring growth on a spreading Japanese plum yew is a fresh lime green color.
Is Spreading Japanese Plum Yew Poisonous?
The bark, leaves and seeds of Japanese spreading plum yew, like other members of the Cephalotaxus group, are considered toxic and poisonous to humans and animals when ingested. These plants are not dangerous to handle.
It's essential to exercise caution when planting Japanese spreading plum yew in areas frequented by children, dogs or other pets, and to be aware of its toxicity if you have horses or livestock. If there is any risk of ingestion, it's recommended to choose alternative plants that are non-toxic, such as the Maryland dwarf spreading holly (Ilex opaca ‘Maryland Dwarf’). For more information about dogs and plants, read “Which Plants are Toxic to Dogs?”.
If you suspect that someone has ingested any part of the plant or if you notice symptoms of poisoning, seek medical attention immediately. If you suspect an animal has ingested part of the plant, seek veterinary care immediately or contact the Pet Poison Hotline.
Is Spreading Japanese Plum Yew Invasive?
The Japanese spreading plum yew is a cultivated plant that originates from Asia. In the United States, it is a non-native shrub but is not considered invasive by the U.S. Department of Agriculture; it does not cause harm to the environment, humans, animals, nor the economy.
While Japanese spreading yew is not invasive in the ecological sense, it's always essential to consider the plant's growth characteristics and potential size relative to the intended planting site. It will grow slowly to a mature size of 2-3 feet tall and wide, sometimes even larger.