Taxus baccata 'David' – A Hardy and Elegant Yew with Dense Green Foliage
Taxus baccata 'David' is a striking evergreen shrub that stands out for its dense, dark green foliage and compact growth habit. This variety of English Yew is perfect for those looking for a versatile and low-maintenance addition to their landscape. Known for its neat, pyramidal form, 'David' adds structure and elegance to garden beds, borders, or even as a focal point in containers. Whether used for hedging, topiary, or as a specimen plant, this hardy yew offers year-round beauty with its rich, deep green needles and versatile design potential.
Why Grow Taxus baccata 'David'?
Dense, Dark Green Foliage – 'David' is prized for its thick, dark green needles, which provide a lush backdrop to any garden. The dense foliage creates an attractive screen or hedge while adding an evergreen element to the landscape.
Compact, Pyramidal Growth – With its naturally pyramidal shape, 'David' grows to a height of around 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 meters) tall and maintains a similar width. Its compact growth habit makes it ideal for smaller gardens, borders, or creating formal hedges and topiary. It can also be kept pruned for a more compact appearance if desired.
Hardy & Low-Maintenance – This yew is known for its resilience and can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including alkaline or clay-based soils. It is highly drought-tolerant once established and requires minimal maintenance, making it perfect for gardeners looking for a hardy, easy-care evergreen.
Versatile in the Landscape – 'David' can be used in a variety of garden designs, from formal hedging and topiary to more informal, naturalistic settings. It also works well as a backdrop plant, providing structure and contrast to other shrubs and perennials.
Tolerates Shade – Unlike many other evergreen plants, Taxus baccata 'David' thrives in both full sun and partial shade, making it a great choice for areas of the garden that are shaded for part of the day. It’s a perfect plant for adding evergreen interest to woodland gardens or shaded borders.
Planting & Care Guide
Position: 'David' prefers full sun to partial shade. While it can tolerate full sun, it will do best in areas with some afternoon shade, especially in warmer climates. It is also an excellent choice for shaded areas where other plants may struggle.
Soil: This yew prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to alkaline soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including clay and chalk, making it a versatile choice for various garden conditions. Avoid waterlogged soil to prevent root rot.
Watering: Water regularly after planting to help establish a strong root system. Once established, 'David' is fairly drought-tolerant but benefits from regular watering during dry spells, especially in the first couple of years.
Maintenance:
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Pruning is optional, but light trimming can help maintain a tidy, compact shape. For formal hedges or topiary, regular pruning will keep it in shape and encourage dense foliage.
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Mulch around the base to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the roots in colder months.
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Fertilize annually with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to encourage healthy growth.
Perfect Plant Combinations
Taxus baccata 'David' pairs beautifully with a variety of shrubs and perennials, thanks to its versatility and timeless appearance. It works well in formal gardens alongside boxwoods or lavender, where its dense foliage contrasts with the softer textures of flowering plants. For a naturalistic effect, combine 'David' with ferns, hostas, and heucheras, creating a textured woodland garden. It also pairs beautifully with spring-blooming bulbs like daffodils or tulips, whose colourful flowers pop against the backdrop o
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.
