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Plant Finder Tool

shrub

Low Boy Japanese Yew

Taxus cuspidata 'Low Boy'

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Low Boy Japanese Yew (Taxus cuspidata 'Low Boy') at Rainbow Gardens

Low Boy Japanese Yew

Low Boy Japanese Yew

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Height:  24 inches

Spread:  4 feet

Sunlight:  partial shade  full shade 

Hardiness Zone:  4b

Description:

An extremely versatile miniature groundcover variety; deep green needles and characteristic red berries on female plants, takes pruning well; perfect for shaded area groundcover

Ornamental Features

Low Boy Japanese Yew is a dwarf conifer which is primarily valued in the garden for its broadly spreading habit of growth. It has dark green evergreen foliage which emerges light green in spring. The ferny sprays of foliage remain dark green throughout the winter. The fruits are showy red drupes displayed from early to late fall.

Landscape Attributes

Low Boy Japanese Yew is a dense multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with a ground-hugging habit of growth. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance shrub, and can be pruned at anytime. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Low Boy Japanese Yew is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Accent
  • Mass Planting
  • General Garden Use
  • Groundcover

Planting & Growing

Low Boy Japanese Yew will grow to be about 24 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 4 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 80 years or more.

This shrub does best in a location that gets morning sunlight but is shaded from the hot afternoon sun, although it will also grow in full shade. Keep it away from hot, dry locations that receive direct afternoon sun or which get reflected sunlight, such as against the south side of a white wall. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It may require supplemental watering during periods of drought or extended heat. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America, and parts of it are known to be toxic to humans and animals, so care should be exercised in planting it around children and pets.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Accent  Massing  Garden  Groundcover 
Applications
Fruit  Plant Form 
Ornamental Features

Disclaimer - This Plant Finder tool is an online resource representing many of the varieties that we carry over the course of the season, and is intended for informational purposes only. Inventory varies seasonally, so we cannot guarantee that every plant will be in stock at all times - please contact the store directly for current availability. It does not include our entire selection of plants, so be sure to visit our store to see varieties that may not be represented on this list.