Taxus baccata ‘Fastigiata Robusta’ – A Tall, Elegant Evergreen with Upright Growth
Taxus baccata ‘Fastigiata Robusta’, commonly known as the Upright Yew, is a striking evergreen shrub that adds vertical interest and structure to any landscape. This variety features a dense, columnar shape, with dark green, needle-like foliage that provides year-round appeal. Growing to a height of 200–300 cm, this Yew is ideal for creating formal hedges, privacy screens, or as a statement plant in both contemporary and traditional gardens. Its slow-growing nature and compact size make it suitable for smaller spaces while still offering a bold, architectural presence.
Why Grow Taxus baccata ‘Fastigiata Robusta’?
Columnar Growth Habit – The ‘Fastigiata Robusta’ Yew grows in a compact, upright column, reaching heights of 200–300 cm, making it perfect for creating vertical interest in tight spaces or for use as a privacy hedge. Its columnar form provides an elegant silhouette that can be used in formal gardens, borders, or as an architectural feature.
Evergreen Foliage – The rich, dark green needles provide year-round interest and contrast beautifully with other plants in the landscape. The evergreen foliage remains vibrant and lush throughout the seasons, offering structure and texture even in winter.
Hardy & Low Maintenance – This variety of Yew is both hardy and resilient, able to tolerate a wide range of soil types and growing conditions. It is also relatively low maintenance, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
Pollinator-Friendly – While Yews are primarily grown for their form and foliage, their inconspicuous flowers can attract certain pollinators. Additionally, the dense foliage offers shelter for birds and other wildlife.
Planting & Care Guide
Position: Prefers full sun to partial shade. While it can tolerate some shade, it thrives in areas with good light exposure, where its upright form can fully develop. Ensure the plant is sheltered from strong winds that may damage the foliage.
Soil: Best suited to well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. ‘Fastigiata Robusta’ is adaptable to various soil types, but it prefers rich, moist soils that allow for good root growth and drainage.
Watering: Water regularly when newly planted, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Once established, this Yew is drought-tolerant but will thrive with consistent moisture, particularly during dry periods.
Maintenance:
- Prune lightly to maintain shape and remove any dead or damaged growth. The Yew can be shaped with regular trimming to maintain its columnar form.
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the roots cool in warmer weather.
- It is generally low-maintenance, requiring minimal care once established.
Perfect Plant Combinations
Taxus baccata ‘Fastigiata Robusta’ pairs beautifully with other architectural plants, such as Boxwood (Buxus), Hollies (Ilex), or ornamental grasses, to create a structured and formal look. It also complements perennial borders or mixed shrub beds, where its vertical shape contrasts with lower-growing plants and provides a backdrop for colourful blooms. For a more naturalistic look, combine it with ferns or evergreen groundcovers, which will highlight the Yew’s upright, dense form. It also makes a great companion for low-maintenance gardens, as it thrives with minimal attention.
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.
