About

Cephalotaxus harringtonia 'Fastigiata' is a columnar evergreen shrub or small tree that typically reaches a height of about 4 meters. Its leaves are narrow, pointed, and deep green, measuring up to 5 cm in length, and are arranged radially along the upright stems. In the autumn, female specimens produce oval, olive-green fruits that can grow to 2.5 cm long.

About the genus

Cephalotaxus consists of evergreen shrubs or small trees characterized by their linear leaves, which are arranged in two ranks and bear a resemblance to yew. The plants produce fleshy green fruits that are somewhat similar to plums. Typically, male and female flowers grow on different individual plants.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full shade, Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

Plant type
Conifers
Habit
Columnar upright
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
2.5-4 metres
Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height
20-50 years

Care notes

Cultivation
Grows best in a moist, well drained soil in part shade but will tolerate a wide range of soils. Shelter from cold, dry winds
Pruning
No pruning required but will tolerate hard restorative pruning if needed
Propagation
Propagate by seed or softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings of terminal shoots
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free