Description
If you’re looking for a dependable evergreen that brings year-round structure and sophistication to your Connecticut garden, Hick’s Yew is your answer. This columnar beauty has been a trusted choice for New England gardeners for generations, and once you plant one, you’ll understand why. With its elegant, narrow form and rich green foliage, it’s the kind of plant that makes a quiet but powerful statement in any landscape—and honestly, it’s one of those plants that just keeps getting better as the years go by.
What it looks like
Hick’s Yew (TAXUS x MEDIA ‘HICKSII’) is a real stunner with its distinctly columnar, almost pencil-like silhouette. It grows upright and narrow—typically reaching about 15 to 20 feet tall but staying just 3 to 4 feet wide—making it absolutely perfect when you need vertical interest without eating up too much garden real estate. The foliage is a gorgeous dark green year-round, with the soft, feathery needles arranged in that classic yew formation. The overall effect is wonderfully architectural and formal, yet somehow still feels right at home in a natural New England landscape. In late summer and fall, female plants produce those charming little red berry-like arils (the fleshy covering around the seed), which add a subtle pop of color and attract birds. Just a heads up: all parts of the yew plant are toxic, so it’s best to plant it where children and pets won’t be tempted to nibble.
Growing it in your garden
Here’s the beautiful thing about Hick’s Yew—it’s remarkably adaptable and forgiving, which is exactly what we need here in Connecticut. It thrives in full sun to partial shade, though it does appreciate afternoon shade during our hot New England summers. This yew is wonderfully tolerant of various soil types, including clay (which many of us have plenty of up here), as long as the soil drains reasonably well. Unlike some evergreens that get fussy about moisture, yews actually handle dry conditions once established, which makes them great for those tricky spots where other plants struggle. That said, when you first plant it, give it regular water for the first season to help it settle in. I’ve found that yews really appreciate good air circulation, so avoid planting them in low-lying frost pockets where cold, damp air gets trapped—our Connecticut winters can be challenging enough without creating extra stress on the plant.
Through the seasons
One of the loveliest things about Hick’s Yew is its steadfast presence throughout the entire year. In spring, you’ll notice new growth emerging with a slightly lighter green tone that gradually deepens. Summer finds the plant at its full, lush glory—that deep green column looking particularly striking against flowering shrubs and perennials. As we move into fall, the foliage maintains its rich color while those pretty red arils become more visible, providing quiet interest before winter arrives. Winter is where this evergreen really shines for us in Connecticut. While deciduous plants around it look bare and tired, your Hick’s Yew stands tall and proud, snow clinging to its branches and its strong vertical form becoming a real focal point in the landscape. It’s not a flashy plant, but it’s absolutely dependable and beautiful through every season we experience here in New England.
Where it shines
Hick’s Yew absolutely loves serving as a screen or hedge, especially when you need a narrow line of structure—think of using it along a property line, bordering a patio, or framing an entryway. I love it as a formal accent in foundation plantings, where it adds vertical interest without overwhelming the space. It’s also fantastic as a specimen plant where you want a strong architectural element. Because of its upright form, it works beautifully in contemporary gardens and traditional landscapes alike. It’s particularly valuable in Connecticut gardens because it provides that evergreen backbone through winter that helps define your landscape even when everything else has gone dormant. Try planting a pair of them flanking a gate or doorway for a decidedly elegant touch.
Perfect companions
Hick’s Yew is a wonderful mixer and plays well with just about everything. I love pairing it with flowering shrubs like Oakleaf Hydrangea or Viburnum, where the yew’s solid green provides a perfect foil for flowers and seasonal interest. Understory plants like Heuchera, Hellebores, and shade-tolerant groundcovers are happy growing at its base. For a more formal look, combine it with other structured evergreens like Emerald Green Arborvitae or dwarf conifers. It also looks stunning surrounded by perennials that bloom at different times—the yew’s steady presence anchors the garden while the flowers dance around it. In Connecticut gardens, pairing it with native shrubs creates a lovely balanced landscape.
Care tips
Yews are genuinely low-maintenance once established, which is wonderful news. Pruning is optional—they naturally grow in a tight columnar form without much fussing required—but if you do want to prune, do it in early summer after growth has flushed out. Avoid cutting into old brown wood; yews are not as forgiving as some evergreens about drastic renovation. Fertilizing is rarely necessary if you’ve amended your soil at planting time. Watch for any signs of root rot during our wet Connecticut springs (make sure that drainage is indeed adequate), and keep an eye out for scale or spider mites, though problems are uncommon with healthy, well-sited plants. Once established, water only during extended dry spells. That’s really it—this plant rewards you with minimal fuss.
Quick facts
- Hardiness Zone: 4-7
- Mature Height & Spread: 15-20 feet tall, 3-4 feet wide
- Bloom Season: Spring (inconspicuous flowers), red arils in fall
- Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
- Water Needs: Moderate; tolerates dry conditions once established
- Available at: Both our retail and wholesale locations
