Southern Living Plant Collection
Yewtopia Plum Yew
Best low maintenance evergreen for year round landscape appeal.
The Yewtopia Plum Yew is a moderate-growing shrub that thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 6A through 9B. It reaches an average height and width of 3 to 4 feet, making it a versatile choice for various landscape applications. This plant prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate sand, loam, clay, or silt. Its dark green foliage provides year-round visual interest. The Yewtopia Plum Yew is an excellent option for woodland borders, foundation plantings, containers, shrub borders, and as a hedge. It is resistant to deer, drought, and heat, making it a low-maintenance addition to your garden.
$36.48
More Japanese Plum Yew Options
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
925
/ 3331
#925 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
-7%
Below average
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking resilient evergreen solutions for low-light landscapes.
- Homeowners in deer-prone regions desiring low-maintenance, intact plantings.
- Busy individuals or new gardeners wanting a beautiful, self-sufficient landscape plant.
Who should skip it
- Gardeners desiring rapid landscape impact or quick area coverage.
- Individuals with heavy clay soils or consistently moist garden beds.
- Enthusiasts prioritizing vibrant floral displays or seasonal fruit interest.
Performance breakdown
Drought tolerance
Establishes deep roots quickly to survive dry spells with minimal intervention.
Growth habit
Maintains a tidy, upright architectural form without constant heavy pruning.
Deer resistance
Unpalatable foliage keeps hungry wildlife from snacking on your landscape investment.
Shade adaptability
Thrives in dappled light where many other evergreen shrubs struggle.
Texture quality
Soft, needle-like foliage adds a sophisticated, feathery aesthetic to garden beds.
Maintenance ease
A low-fuss evergreen that stays vibrant throughout the entire calendar year.
What customers say
Customers consistently praise this plant for its remarkable ease of care and robust reliability. Gardeners appreciate its low maintenance requirements, making it an excellent choice for those seeking beautiful evergreen foliage without extensive effort. Its ability to thrive in various conditions and resist common plant issues contributes significantly to its high satisfaction. Many highlight its attractive, dense growth habit, which provides year round visual appeal and structure to landscapes. This plant offers a dependable and aesthetically pleasing solution for diverse garden designs.
Know before you buy
The Yewtopia Plum Yew typically reaches a mature height of 6 to 8 feet with a spread of 3 to 4 feet. Its upright, columnar habit makes it an excellent choice for tight spaces or formal hedges.
Yes, this variety is highly deer resistant. Its needle-like foliage is generally unappealing to deer, making it a reliable option for landscapes where browsing animals are a concern.
It is quite versatile and performs well in conditions ranging from full sun to partial shade. In extremely hot climates, some afternoon shade will help the foliage maintain its deep green color.
This shrub has a naturally tidy, upright shape that requires very little maintenance. If you prefer a more formal look or want to control its height, a light pruning in late winter or early spring is sufficient.
Yes, its narrow, vertical growth habit makes it well-suited for large containers. Ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes and use a high-quality potting mix to prevent root rot.
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