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Yews are versatile evergreen shrubs that add texture and interest to shaded areas. There are many types of yews, ranging from tree forms to low-growing spreaders that work well as shrubs. They thrive in shady spots with very well-drained soil and are heat tolerant once established. Plus, they are deer-resistant. Unlike other conifers, yews don’t produce cones but instead bear scarlet, berry-like fruit on female plants. Their dark green needles have a lighter green underside, and they look great combined with lighter shades of green or colors like gold and burgundy.

Try Combining Yews With:

• Japanese Red Maples
• Hostas
• Gold Dust Aucuba
• Loropetalum
• Ferns
• Nandinas
• Gold Mound Spirea

Different Types of Yews:

• Azalea Pringles Yew: This dwarf evergreen shrub features small, dark green, needle-like foliage and a dense growth habit. It makes an excellent specimen plant, low hedge, or bonsai. It grows 3-5 feet tall and 6 feet wide but responds well to pruning for size control. It is deer-resistant and not bothered by many insects.

• Plum Yew: Growing 5 feet tall and 6 feet wide, this upright yew has slightly longer needles compared to Densiformus yews. It is versatile and great for foundation plantings, mixed-bed accents, containers, woodland areas, or shade hedges. Its deep, dark green needles blend well with hydrangeas, dwarf nandinas, and gold dust aucubas. It is heat tolerant, shade-loving, slow-growing, and requires minimal pruning.

• Densiformus Yew: This evergreen shrub reaches 3-5 feet tall and 5 feet wide. It has a dense, wide-spreading habit with bright green foliage in spring, which contrasts nicely with the dark evergreen needles. It is an extremely versatile shrub, ideal for formal hedges, rounded forms, or a more natural look. Yews are easy to care for and provide a sense of balance in shaded areas.

• Hicksii Yew: This yew grows 10 feet tall and about 3 feet wide, with a slow growth rate. It can be kept shorter with trimming and makes a great anchor for home corners or a striking vertical accent in shade gardens.

• Shrubby Yew / Japanese Podocarpus 'Maki': Growing 8-10 feet tall and 3-5 feet wide, this evergreen shrub has a dense, pyramidal habit with long, narrow, dark green leaves. It works well as a hedge, screen, or container plant. It tolerates more sun and pairs nicely with low-maintenance plants like crape myrtles, pittosporum, and abelia. Prune it into topiary shapes or use it as a border or screening plant.