Cephalotaxus fortunei Prostrata

Resembling a sprawling fern, Cephalotaxus fortunei 'Prostrata' or 'Protrate Spreader' is an evergreen conifer with a unique horizontal and prostrate habit. It produces flat branches with feathery dark green needles that gracefully spread and closely follow the contours of the ground. It is relatively hardy but prefers sheltered locations. Its growth is slow and thrives best in moist soil. This highly ornamental shrub, with its exotic fern-like appearance, is well-suited for shaded areas of the garden, in a large rockery or a cool understory.

Cephalotaxus fortunei, sometimes called Chinese Plum Yew or Prune Yew, is a conifer from the Cephalotaxaceae family native to central China and Japan. In its natural habitat, this species reaches a height of only 6 metres (20 feet) and a spread of 2 metres (7 feet), forming a spherical bush with pendulous and spreading branches.

The cultivar 'Prostrate Spreader', also known as 'Prostrata', is a dwarf form. It has a low and prostrate habit, forming a bush barely 90cm (35in) tall, but can eventually reach a spread of 4 to 4.50 metres (13 to 15 feet). It produces numerous basal branches covered with stiff, dark green, leathery needles that closely resemble those of yews (Taxus), but much longer; they measure about 10cm (4in). They are arranged spirally in two horizontal rows on either side of the branches, resembling large, slightly rigid feathers. Attractive fleshy fruits clustered in rounded bunches appear on the female plants in May-June. They resemble olives or small ovoid plums, and turn reddish-brown as they ripen in November. Caution: this fruiting is toxic. The male plants, on the other hand, produce small sacs filled with pollen in spring, also grouped in clusters. Over time, its bark becomes dark reddish-brown and peels off in scales.

The dwarf Fortune's plum yew is ideal for filling the ground in a large rockery, a slope, an understory or even a very shady and cool area. With its arborescent fern-like silhouette, it will add a touch of exoticism to the back of perennial borders, especially when planted in groups of 3. The graphic qualities of dwarf conifers naturally stand out in the design of a contemporary garden, which favours the aesthetics of shapes, silhouettes, and textures over that of flowering. These plants with strong personalities structurally enhance a border, mark pathways, border terraces, easily replacing the strong presence of trimmed boxwood. They provide a backdrop for small roses, peonies, or tousled grasses with complementary temperaments. They can also be combined with ground cover plants such as aubrietas, Cerastiums, and flowering shrubs. The key is to play with volumes and colours.