The Chinese Plum Yew (Cephalotaxus fortunei) is an attractive evergreen plant known for its adaptability and low maintenance. It has been cultivated in Western gardens since 1848, introduced by Scottish botanist Robert Fortune.
Key Characteristics
The Chinese Plum Yew has distinctive evergreen foliage. Its needle-like leaves are glossy dark green on the upper surface, often displaying two broad, gray or white bands on their undersides. These linear leaves can reach lengths of up to 6 inches, arranged horizontally along the branchlets. While it can grow into a small tree, Cephalotaxus fortunei typically develops as a multi-stemmed shrub with an open, loosely rounded crown and slightly pendant branches.
Mature plants generally reach 6 to 8 feet tall, though some can grow taller. The plant exhibits a slow to moderate growth rate, often taking up to 10 years to reach 4-6 feet. Female Chinese Plum Yews produce unique plum-like fruits, known as arils, which are olive-brown and can be up to 1.25 inches long. These fruits initially emerge as bright blue, maturing through green to a deep purple-brown over approximately two years. For fruit production, both male and female plants are necessary, as the species is dioecious.
Growing and Caring for Chinese Plum Yew
Light Requirements
Chinese Plum Yew performs well in full sun to partial shade. Optimal growth often occurs in bright, dappled sunlight or partial shade, particularly in regions with hot summers. While it tolerates full shade, a few hours of direct morning sunlight can be beneficial, especially for fruit development.
Soil Preferences
This plant prefers moist, well-drained soils and adapts to various soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay. It thrives in slightly acidic to neutral conditions, with a pH range of 5.0 to 7.0. Proper drainage is important to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root issues. Amending heavy clay soils with organic matter can improve drainage.
Watering Needs
Newly planted Chinese Plum Yews require initial watering for establishment. Established plants show good drought tolerance, but consistent moisture is preferred, especially during the growing season. During warmer months, watering once or twice a week to keep the soil consistently moist is often sufficient. During fall and winter, watering frequency should decrease, only providing water when the soil begins to dry out, as overwatering can cause root rot. Deep soaking the soil beneath the plant’s canopy is more effective than overhead watering.
Climate and Temperature
The Chinese Plum Yew is moderately cold hardy, typically thriving in USDA Zones 6 through 9. It tolerates temperatures as low as -10°F (-23°C). While it handles heat well, especially in the southeastern United States, it prefers moderate temperatures between 50–68°F (10-20°C). In colder zones, planting in a protected location can help ensure winter survival.
Fertilization
Chinese Plum Yew is not a heavy feeder and generally does not require extensive fertilization. If desired, a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (such as a 10-10-10 formula) can be applied in early spring as new growth begins. An additional light application in mid-summer can support continued vigor. Follow manufacturer recommendations to prevent over-fertilization, which can harm the roots. Organic options like compost or well-rotted manure can also improve soil quality and provide nutrients.
Pruning Techniques
Chinese Plum Yews typically do not require extensive pruning due to slow growth. Pruning can be done to remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches at any time of year. For shaping or size control, the best time to prune is in late winter or early spring, before new growth emerges. Light shearing can help maintain a desired form, and thinning cuts can improve air circulation within the plant.
Common Pests and Diseases
The Chinese Plum Yew is generally resistant to most common pests and diseases. The primary concern is root rot, which can occur in waterlogged soil. Ensuring well-drained soil and avoiding overwatering are the most effective preventive measures. Occasionally, scale insects might appear, but serious infestations are uncommon.
Versatile Landscape Uses
Its adaptability, attractive evergreen foliage, and low-maintenance nature make the Chinese Plum Yew a versatile plant for various landscape designs. Its dense growth habit lends itself well to creating hedges or privacy screens, providing year-round visual interest. The plant’s ability to tolerate shade makes it an excellent choice for woodland gardens or as an understory planting beneath larger trees.
It can serve as an accent plant, in mass plantings for texture and evergreen color, or as a foundation planting. Its distinctive form also makes it suitable as a specimen plant or for bonsai.