Hicks Yew
Taxus x media 'Hicksii'
In stock & ready to ship today
FREE shipping on orders of $49 or more!
Will thrive in
Not suited for outdoor growing in
Taxus x media 'Hicksii'
In stock & ready to ship today
FREE shipping on orders of $49 or more!
Will thrive in
Not suited for outdoor growing in
This easy-to-care-for evergreen transforms your yard into a private oasis, reaching a mature height of 10-12 feet and flourishing in zones 4-8. Unlike fickle flowers, its vibrant green needles stay strong year-round, creating a natural privacy wall that keeps your quiet space yours.
Hicks Yew’s enduring beauty lies in its captivating evergreen foliage. Unlike flat, broad leaves, these needles are soft and surprisingly pliable to the touch. As sunlight hits the the dense canopy, the sheen of these needles ignites with a subtle luster, adding a touch of dynamism to your garden.
Throughout the seasons, the color remains consistent. They maintain their verdant intensity, offering a reliable pop of color even in the heart of winter when most other plants have surrendered to dormancy.
While Hicks Yew offers stunning evergreen foliage, it also produces a fascinating, albeit discreet, berries in the fall. These berries, typically no larger than a pea, start out a delicate shade of light green, clinging tightly to the branches. As the season progresses, they slowly transform, their color deepening into a blushed rose or a rich, jewel-toned crimson.
It’s important to remember that these berries, despite their tempting appearance, are toxic to humans and pets. However, for birds, they provide a welcome source of winter sustenance, adding a touch of life and movement to the otherwise evergreen landscape.
Select a location with full sun to part shade. Hicks Yews tolerate some shade, but full sun encourages denser growth. Ensure the planting area has well-drained soil, as they don’t tolerate soggy conditions.
At maturity, a Hicks Yew reaches 10-12 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide. When planting multiple Hicks Yews for a hedge, space them 6 feet apart to allow for proper air circulation and a full, dense privacy screen.
For container-grown Hicks Yews, dig a hole 2-3 times wider than the root ball and slightly deeper. Loosen the soil around the edges to encourage root expansion.
Carefully remove your Hicks Yew from its container and gently loosen any circling roots. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the root crown sits level with the surrounding soil. Backfill the hole with soil, tamping gently to eliminate air pockets and secure the plant.
Water your newly planted Hicks Yew deeply, soaking the soil around the base until water runs freely from the drainage holes. This ensures the root ball is thoroughly saturated and encourages healthy root development.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant, keeping it a few inches away from the stem to prevent rot. Replenish the mulch layer as needed. Established Hicks Yews are drought tolerant but benefit from deep watering during extended dry periods. Water when the top few inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
Hicks Yew is easy to care for and thrives with minimal attention, so you can spend less time on yard work and more time enjoying your own personal retreat. Plus, its timeless beauty adds value to your property, making it a smart choice for the discerning homeowner. Don’t wait any longer to create your own private oasis. Add one to your cart today, your Hicks Yew – tranquility awaits.
Once established, Hicks Yew is drought tolerant. However, water deeply during hot, dry periods, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Apply a fresh layer of mulch (2-3 inches) around the base of the plant each spring. This helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Prune your Hicks Yew annually in early spring or late fall to maintain its desired shape and size. You can also use pruning to encourage bushier growth.
While not strictly necessary, a balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring can promote healthy growth, especially for younger plants.
Hicks Yew is generally resistant to pests. However, keep an eye out for common garden insects like aphids or scales. Treat any infestations with organic methods whenever possible.
Proper watering and good air circulation can help prevent fungal diseases. Remove any diseased branches promptly to prevent further spread.
Every 3-4 years, consider a simple soil test to check the pH level. If the soil becomes too alkaline, add amendments like peat moss or compost to maintain the slight acidity Hicks Yew prefers.
Water your Hicks Yew thoroughly as soon as it arrives, even before planting. Soak the root ball until water runs freely from the drainage holes.
Water your Hicks Yew deeply 1-2 times per week, especially during hot weather or periods of no rain. Aim to soak the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches, allowing the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Established Hicks Yew are drought tolerant. However, during extended dry periods, water deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings. Monitor your plant and adjust watering frequency based on weather conditions.
There’s no need to fertilize your Hicks Yew when it first arrives. Focus on proper watering to establish a healthy root system.
You can lightly fertilize your Hicks Yew once during the spring of its first year. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for evergreens, following the application instructions on the product label.
Mature Hicks Yew typically don’t require regular fertilization. However, if you notice signs of slow growth, consider applying a light dose of slow-release fertilizer every other spring. Opt for a formula with a balanced NPK ratio or one specifically designed for evergreens. Remember, less is more – over-fertilizing can harm your plant.
Prune your Hicks Yew in late winter (just before new growth appears) or early spring. Avoid pruning in fall or winter when the plant is dormant, as this can make it susceptible to disease.
Use sharp bypass pruners or loppers for clean cuts. Disinfect your tools with rubbing alcohol before and after pruning to prevent the spread of disease.
For a dense hedge, simply shear the sides and top of the plant to maintain its desired shape. Aim for a slightly sloped form, with the base wider than the top, to allow sunlight to reach lower branches. For bushier growth, you can also selectively prune individual branches by cutting just above a bud facing outwards.
After pruning, water your Hicks Yew deeply to encourage healthy new growth. Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and promote root health.
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