Plant Profile: Cephalotaxus harringtonia 'Prostrata'

For years, gardeners in the South have aspired to incorporate the common yew into their landscapes. However, the hot and humid summer conditions are not favorable for yews. Fortunately, there is an excellent alternative available. If you seek an evergreen shrub that features conifer-like foliage, the Japanese plum yew is an ideal choice.

Japanese plum yews serve as impressive specimen plants and can also be effectively utilized in groupings, mass plantings, or as ground cover. They are adaptable to a variety of soil types and require minimal upkeep. While they thrive in shade or partial shade, well-established specimens can also flourish in full sunlight. The primary drawback noted by gardeners is their relatively slow growth rate.

The ‘Prostrata’ variety is a compact plum yew that typically grows to a height of 2 to 3 feet and spreads about 3 feet wide. Many horticulturalists believe that the landscape potential of plum yews in the Southeast remains largely untapped. Additionally, one of the best features of Japanese plum yews is their resistance to deer.

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