The ‘Brownii Yew’ (Taxus x media ‘Brownii’) is a popular evergreen shrub, prized for its dense, dark green foliage and adaptable nature. It offers year-round visual interest in various landscape settings.
Understanding Brownii Yew
The ‘Brownii Yew’ is a cultivar of Taxus x media, a hybrid of English yew (Taxus baccata) and Japanese yew (Taxus cuspidata). This combination provides the ornamental qualities of English yew with enhanced winter hardiness. It forms a dense, globe-shaped shrub, growing 8 to 10 feet tall and 6 to 12 feet wide. Its growth rate is slow, typically adding 2 to 4 inches per year, but it can live for 50 years or more.
The foliage consists of narrow, short-stalked needles that are glossy dark green year-round. ‘Brownii’ is a male clone, so it does not produce the fleshy red arils (berries) characteristic of female yew plants. This absence of fruit contributes to its dense form and makes it a good choice for berry-free landscapes.
Planting and Care Guidelines
Site Selection
When choosing a location for ‘Brownii Yew’, consider areas with full sun to partial shade. It can adapt to full shade, though more shade may require frequent pruning to maintain shape. Protection from harsh winter winds is beneficial, especially in colder climates, to prevent winter burn. The ‘Brownii Yew’ also tolerates urban conditions, including pollution.
Soil Requirements
This yew thrives in average, well-drained soils with medium moisture. While it prefers moist, sandy loams, it tolerates a range of soil types, including clay, provided drainage is adequate. Proper drainage is crucial, as ‘Brownii Yew’ has no tolerance for standing water or consistently wet conditions, which can lead to root rot. A soil pH from slightly acidic to neutral (4.5 to 7.5) is generally suitable.
Planting Instructions
Planting ‘Brownii Yew’ is best done in spring after the last frost or in early fall. Dig a hole at least 6 inches deeper than the root ball and twice as wide. If soil drains poorly, amend it with organic matter like compost or coarse sand to improve structure. Place the shrub in the hole at the same depth it was in its container, then backfill with amended soil. After planting, create a water ring to direct water to the root zone and water thoroughly.
Watering
Newly planted ‘Brownii Yews’ require consistent moisture during their first year to establish a robust root system. Water them weekly, ensuring the soil remains evenly moist but not waterlogged. For established plants, water deeply during dry spells. Always check soil moisture a few inches below the surface; water only when the soil feels dry to the touch to prevent overwatering.
Fertilization
Established ‘Brownii Yews’ benefit from annual fertilization in spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. For young plants, a fertilizer with higher phosphorus can encourage root development. Avoid fertilizing late in the growing season, as this can stimulate new growth that may not harden off before cold weather. A soil test can help determine specific nutrient deficiencies.
Pruning
‘Brownii Yew’ tolerates pruning and shearing exceptionally well, making it suitable for formal hedges or topiaries. Pruning is best performed in early spring before new growth emerges, or in early summer to shape the plant. Up to two-thirds of new growth can be removed during summer pruning to maintain shape and density. Overgrown shrubs can be rejuvenated with a heavier cut, as yews regrow from old wood.
Winter Care
In most climates, ‘Brownii Yew’ planted in the ground tolerates cold winter temperatures without special protection. In exposed sites or colder microclimates (USDA Zones 4-7), apply a thick layer of mulch around the root zone in late fall for insulation. Ensure the plant is well-watered in the fall, up until the ground freezes, for winter hydration.
Common Challenges and Solutions
While ‘Brownii Yew’ can encounter issues, many are preventable with proper care. Pests like mealybugs and scale insects may infest the plant, appearing as small, cottony masses or bumps on stems and foliage. These sap-feeding insects can cause yellowing and stunted growth. Inspect plants regularly and address infestations early with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Black vine weevils are another potential pest; larvae feed on roots and adults chew on needles. Handpicking adult weevils at night or applying parasitic nematodes can reduce populations.
Diseases such as root rot are primarily a concern in poorly drained soils. Symptoms include wilting, discolored foliage, and overall plant decline. Ensuring excellent soil drainage and avoiding overwatering are the most effective preventive measures. Needle blight or twig blight can also occur; removing affected branches and improving air circulation can help mitigate these fungal issues.
Environmental stresses can also impact ‘Brownii Yew’. Browning needles can result from drought, especially in newly planted specimens or during prolonged dry periods. Winter burn, characterized by browning or discoloration of foliage, occurs in exposed sites due to cold winds and sun exposure. Protecting plants from harsh winds and ensuring adequate fall watering helps prevent this. Salt damage from de-icing salts or coastal spray can also cause needle browning; planting away from salted areas or using protective barriers reduces this risk.