Taxus media Densiformis - Yew

The Taxus x media 'Densiformis' is a small-sized female hybrid yew that stands out for its remarkably dense spreading habit. With its beautiful ascending and flexible branches densely covered with dark green foliage, it is a perfect conifer to create a permanent decoration in a large rockery or in the background of flowerbeds. Its relatively fast growth, its ability to be pruned and its lovely red fruiting in autumn are additional assets. Hardy, adaptable to different soils and climates, it has a place in all gardens. When shaped into topiary, it allows for the creation of pretty low hedges, as an alternative to boxwood.

Taxus x media is the result of the cross-breeding between T. baccata (common yew) and T. cuspidata, a Japanese yew that tolerates shade, moist sandy soils and drought, and has a faster growth rate. All these plants belong to the taxaceae family, just like cryptomerias and metasequoias.

With a relatively fast growth for a yew, 'Densiformis' will reach an average height of 1 metre (3 feet) with a span of 1.8 metres (6 feet). Its habit is distinctly spreading, carried by long oblique and flexible branches. Its multiple branches allow for the formation of a fairly dense network that does not become bare at the base. The evergreen foliage is composed of flat, veined spines of a beautiful shiny dark green color, tapering to a pointed end, soft to the touch. Ranging from 1.5 to 3 cm (1in) long, they slightly turn red in winter. Thus, thanks to its thick and regular coat, this bush has a beautiful presence throughout the seasons and often forms the backbone of the garden. Yew trees are dioecious: different individuals bear either male or female flowers. 'Densiformis' being a female hybrid, the ornamental red berries appear after a discreet flowering.

The possibilities offered by yews are endless. These shrubs, imbued with wisdom and nobility, enclose, shape, and sculpt spaces thanks to their always green and unblemished "fur" that is ignored by animals. The 'Densiformis' variety will find its place in all gardens, even the most modest ones, from the North to the South of our region, and will adapt to all fantasies and styles: formal, whimsical, or poetic. And this is even more so because this hybrid yew is not only very hardy but also accepts all types of soil: ordinary, slightly acidic or alkaline, moist or dry. It tolerates shade and can be used to fill in areas without light, alone or accompanied by evergreen shrubs such as Sarcococca and cherry laurels, which are equally frugal. It accompanies elaeagnus, chamaecyparis, and small junipers in sunny areas, as well as photinia and prunus lusitanica. Its pruning is limited to two interventions per year and it will manage to regenerate after a severe cut by penetrating the old wood. If you want to keep it near entrances, it can also be grown in containers. 

The needles, bark, and fruits are indeed toxic to humans and animals (except birds that consume the berries and discard the seeds).