Plant pick: Plum yew
Published 7:01 pm Wednesday, November 3, 2010
WHAT: Plum yew, also known as cowtail pine or cephalotaxus harringtonia, is an unusual conifer that is rarely encountered in the landscape. Its flat, deep, dark green needles are 1½ to 2 inches long and are held in a V-shaped pattern on their stems.
WHY PLANT IT? As this shrub matures, it forms a layered branching habit that adds an aristocratic feel to the garden. Since the plant has a naturally graceful form, minimal pruning is required. It is fairly drought tolerant in a variety of soil types and has no serious pests. Old plants can obtain the stature of a small tree. It serves as an excellent backdrop to flowering and variegated shrubs.
WHERE: It grows in full sun or shade.
HOW TO USE IT: It combines well with shrubs such as Snow Queen oakleaf hydrangea or Goshiki variegated false holly. Consider letting a clematis, such as Madame Julia Correvon or Duchess of Albany, wind through its substantial branches.
ACTUAL SIZE: Its 10-year size should be 4- to 6-feet high and wide. It can reach 12- to 15-feet high and wide.
LEARN MORE: See www. greatplantpicks.org.
Source: Great Plant Picks
