Yewtopia® Plum Yew

Yewtopia Plum Yew (Cephalotaxus harringtonia ‘Plania’) is a foliage texture champion from the Southern Living Plant Collection! It features dark green to true green needled foliage that is naturally very compact. The branches grow gently upwards and outwards from the center of the plant, sort of with a wide vase shape. This selection is evergreen, so it keeps your landscape looking sharp throughout the year.

Plum Yews are often planted because of their shade-tolerant nature and the Yewtopia is no different. It’s a great choice for adding a little structure and texture in shady locations.

Use it as a low-maintenance hedge, eye-catching accent, in a shady mass planting, or around your home as a foundation planting.

At maturity, it reaches a very manageable 3-4′ H x 3-4′ W. No pruning is required to keep this reliable selection looking good.

Yewtopia Plum Yew Care

Hardy from USDA Zones 6-10, down to -10°F once fully established.

Grows well in Partial Sun to Part Shade.

Water 2-3 times per week for the first growing season. During the second growing season, water 1-2 times per week. Once established, provide supplementary water only during times of extreme heat and drought.

Plant in average quality, slightly acidic soil with good drainage for best results.

Fertilize with a high nitrogen fertilizer in spring to promote faster growth and the overall health of your plant.

How To Plant the Yewtopia Plum Yew

1. First, find a suitable location for your plant based on the care requirements listed above.
2. Then, dig a hole three times the width of your plant’s root ball (the root ball is the clump of roots and dirt at the base of your plant).
   • This allows the roots to spread out more easily.
   • We also recommend mixing your native soil with rich gardening soil or composted manure to provide extra nutrients.
3. Next, backfill the hole with the soil mixture and lay 3-4 inches of mulch around the base of your plant to help retain moisture.
4. Lastly, soak the plant with the hose afterward to hydrate the plant and help the soil and mulch get situated.

Spacing Your Plants 

For a seamless planting, plant your Yewtopia Plum Yew 2.5-3 feet apart. For space between plantings, plant them 4+ feet apart.

Popular Companion Plants

• Putting together a shade-garden? Try it with other shade-tolerant selections like the Soft Caress Mahonia, Florida Sunshine Anise, or the Mountain Snow Pieris.
• For partial-sun mixed garden beds, plant it alongside plants with contrasting colors and textures. Macrophylla Hydrangeas such as the Bloomstruck Hydrangea and Summer Crush Hydrangea are ideal choices.
• They also look great with pyramidal evergreens, such as the Oakland Holly.