Dwarf Japanese Plum Yew
Cephalotaxus harringtonia 'Nana'
Height: 5 feet
Spread: 5 feet
Sunlight:
Hardiness Zone: 6a
Other Names: Cow's Tail Pine
Description:
This dwarf selection is more shrubby with needles shorter and finer in texture than the species; shows heat tolerance, a good substitute for yews in the southern heat; has some drought tolerance once established
Ornamental Features
Dwarf Japanese Plum Yew is primarily valued in the landscape or garden for its ornamental upright and spreading habit of growth. It has attractive dark green foliage with silver undersides. The needles are highly ornamental and remain dark green throughout the winter.
Landscape Attributes
Dwarf Japanese Plum Yew is a multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with an upright spreading habit of growth. It lends an extremely fine and delicate texture to the landscape composition which can make it a great accent feature on this basis alone.
This is a relatively low maintenance shrub, and should not require much pruning, except when necessary, such as to remove dieback. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.
Dwarf Japanese Plum Yew is recommended for the following landscape applications;
- Accent
- Mass Planting
- Hedges/Screening
- General Garden Use
Planting & Growing
Dwarf Japanese Plum Yew will grow to be about 5 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 5 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more.
This shrub performs well in both full sun and full shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist growing conditions, but will not tolerate any standing water. It may require supplemental watering during periods of drought or extended heat. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone over the growing season to conserve soil moisture. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America.
