The taxus group of plants is a member of the conifer family. Not widely known or grown in Australia, although some are available in the cool to cold regions of the country. Usually very slow growing, they are used for hedging or topiary. Tolerant of harsh pruning and severe frosts.


How to grow taxus in a garden

  1. Choose a position with well-drained soil. Enrich the soil with Yates Dynamic Lifter Organic Plant Food.
  2. Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. Remove the tree from the container, gently tease the roots and cut away any circled or tangled roots if required.
  3. Position in hole and backfill with soil, gently firming down. Form a raised or doughnut shaped ring of soil around the outer edge of the plant's root zone. This helps keep water where it's needed. Always water in well after planting to settle the soil around the roots and keep the soil moist for several weeks while the new plant establishes.
  4. Mulch around the base with organic mulch, like bark chips, woodchips or pea straw, keeping it away from the trunk.
  5. Water deeply, once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions.  
  6. Feed in autumn and spring with Yates Thrive All Purpose Granular Plant Food to promote strong root development, healthy foliage & flowers.

     

 

How to grow taxus in a pot

  1. Choose a pot at least 600 mm wide and deep. Position in full sun to part shade.
  2. Fill chosen pot with quality potting mix, such as Yates Premium Potting Mix. Remove the shrub from the container, gently tease the roots and cut away any circled or tangled roots.
  3. Position in hole and backfill with potting mix, gently firming down. Water in well.
  4. Water deeply, once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions.

Growing tips

  • Small to medium-sized plants that are slow growing, but make dense hedges. They take a long time to reach maturity. 

  • Tolerant of harsh pruning and severe frosts.

  • Suitable for larger pots where they can be trimmed to shape or used for topiary.


More Plants

Dwarf Pōhutukawa

Dwarf Pōhutukawa (AKA Pacific Rata or Tahitian Pohutukawa) is a fantastic flowering shrub or small tree ideal for use as a feature plant, hedge or screen.

Daphne

Daphne is an evergreen shrub with glossy green leaves and beautifully fragrant flowers in shades of white and pink. Grow in the garden or in pots.

Smoke Bush

Smoke Bush is an ideal shrub to add a splash of foliage colour to gardens. It provides year-round seasonal interest and looks fabulous in both gardens and pots.

Picea

Piceas, or Spruces, are evergreen coniferous trees from the Pinaceae family with a lovely conical shape, needle-like leaves and ornate pendulous cones.

Recommended products

Yates Premium Potting Mix

A premium potting mix, ideal for all potted plants and shrubs, including ornamentals, fruit trees, vegies and herbs.