About
Syringa vulgaris �Mar�chal Lannes� (d) is a vigorous, upright deciduous shrub producing heart-shaped, mid-green leaves and large, conical panicles of deeply fragrant, double, blue-violet flowers in late spring. A classic double-flowered lilac for a sunny border or specimen planting.
About the genus
Taxus are small evergreen trees or large shrubs of rounded habit, with dense, linear leaves, insignificant flowers and, on female plants, conspicuous fleshy red arils surrounding the solitary seeds
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Full sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Trees, Conifers
HabitBushy, Spreading branched
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesArchitectural
ToxicityTOXIC if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. TOXIC to pets if eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any well drained soil. Both male and female plants available - females will have red berries, males masses of pale yellow flowers making clouds of pollen. For more information of specialist uses of Yew see our advice page on hedges and topiary care.
PruningPruning group 1 if grown as a tree. As a hedge, Yew is pruned in late summer or more often for a very formal appearance. Yew is also suitable for topiary.
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings or by sowing seed as soon as it is ripe, outdoors. For more advice see our information on how to propagate from seed (tree/shrub
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to tortrix moth, vine weevil, gall mites and scale insects
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to phytophthora root diseases