Cephalotaxus harringtonia
Japanese plum yew
A bushy, spreading, large shrub or small tree typically growing up to 5m tall. Needle-like, glossy, flattened dark green leaves are spirally-arranged around erect shoots. Ovoid, fleshy green fruits that ripen to brown and up to 2.5cm long are borne in autumn on female plants
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | Green Brown | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Taxaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Cephalotaxus are evergreen shrubs or small trees, with 2-ranked, linear leaves resembling yew foliage, and somewhat plum-like, fleshy green fruits; male and female flowers are usually on separate plants
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- China & Japan
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows best in a moist, well drained soil in part shade but will tolerate a wide range of soils and full sun in cool, moist climates. Shelter from cold, dry winds
Propagation
Propagate by seed or softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings of terminal shoots
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Low Maintenance
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.