Overview
Taxus cuspidata var. chinensis is a bushy conifers in the genus Taxus, part of the Taxaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Taxus cuspidata var. chinensis grows best in full shade, full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include hedging and screens, topiary and ground cover.
About
Taxus cuspidata var. chinensis is an evergreen coniferous shrub or small tree in the Taxus genus, with a well-branched habit suited to shaping. It retains foliage through the year and is adaptable to full sun, partial shade or deep shade. It grows in a wide range of soils — chalk, clay, loam or sand — provided drainage is adequate. Fully hardy in UK conditions (H7), it is commonly used for hedging, topiary and ground cover.
About the genus
Taxus is a genus of coniferous trees or shrubs known as yews in the family Taxaceae. Yews occur around the globe in temperate zones of the northern hemisphere, northernmost in Norway and southernmost in the South Celebes. Some populations exist in tropical highlands.
Wikipedia contributors, "Taxus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Taxus
In the garden
Taxus cuspidata var. chinensis is an evergreen member of the yew family (Taxaceae) and presents as a well-branched coniferous shrub or small tree useful where permanent green structure is required. It tolerates a broad range of light levels from full sun to full shade, so it can be placed in exposed or sheltered sites and on any aspect — north, south, east or west. Soil requirements are flexible: it will establish in chalk, clay, loam or sand so long as the planting position is well drained. The plant is tolerant of acid, neutral and alkaline pH, which makes it suitable for many suburban and urban soils. In UK hardiness terms it is H7 (fully hardy), so it withstands winter conditions without the need for protection. Practical uses in the garden follow from its form and evergreen foliage. It is appropriate for clipped hedging and screens where density is required, for topiary and for low ground-covering forms where an evergreen layer is wanted through spring and summer. Position it where you can access the plants for regular clipping if you intend formal shapes; that retained evergreen structure is what makes this Taxus variety a long-term presence in the garden.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Taxus
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Taxus cuspidata var. chinensis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Conifers, Trees
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Hedging and screens, Topiary, Ground cover
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Taxus cuspidata var. chinensis
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to tortrix moth, vine weevil, gall mites and scale insects
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to phytophthora root diseases and honey fungus (rarely)
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Taxus cuspidata var. chinensis?
Taxus cuspidata var. chinensis prefers full shade, full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Taxus cuspidata var. chinensis need?
Taxus cuspidata var. chinensis is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Taxus cuspidata var. chinensis hardy in the UK?
Taxus cuspidata var. chinensis has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Taxus cuspidata var. chinensis?
Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings.
