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Taxus baccata 'Fastigiata' (Irish Yew) (1 Gallon) is a distinctive evergreen shrub known for its narrow, columnar growth habit and rich green foliage. It's an excellent choice for formal hedges, screens, and as a vertical accent in garden designs.
Description:
- Dimensions: Grows to a height of 10-15 feet with a narrow spread of 2-4 feet. Its upright, columnar shape makes it ideal for creating vertical accents in the landscape.
- Sun Exposure: Thrives in full sun to partial shade. Prefers 4-6 hours of sunlight daily but can tolerate shadier conditions.
- Water Requirements: Prefers well-drained soil and is relatively drought-tolerant once established. Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish roots, then reduce watering as needed. Avoid waterlogging.
- Hardiness Zones: Hardy in Zones 5-8.
- Bloom Time: Not typically grown for its flowers. The primary interest is in its evergreen foliage, which provides year-round color and structure. The plant does produce small, inconspicuous flowers and red berries, but these are not the main feature.
- Pruning: Minimal pruning is needed for maintaining shape. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Light trimming can be done throughout the growing season to keep the shrub looking neat.
How to Plant:
- Location: Ideal for formal hedges, screens, and vertical accents. Suitable for garden beds, borders, and along pathways.
- Soil Preparation: Use well-draining soil. Amend with compost if necessary to improve soil fertility and drainage.
- Planting: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
- Spacing: Space plants 3-4 feet apart to create a dense hedge or closer for a more formal appearance.
- Watering: Water thoroughly after planting and maintain consistent moisture during the first growing season. Once established, water as needed, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Fun Fact: Taxus baccata 'Fastigiata' is valued for its unique, upright growth habit, which can add dramatic vertical lines to a garden. The Irish Yew is often used in formal garden designs and historic landscapes. Its dense foliage provides excellent privacy and screening, making it a popular choice for creating elegant hedges and architectural features.