Propagating yew plants from cuttings offers a rewarding way to expand your garden or replace existing specimens. This method provides significant advantages over growing yew from seed, as it is generally more cost-effective and considerably faster. Furthermore, using cuttings ensures that the new plants will be genetically identical to the parent plant, preserving desirable characteristics such as specific foliage color or growth habit.
When to Take Yew Cuttings
Yew can be propagated from two main types of cuttings: semi-hardwood and hardwood. Each type has an optimal collection window.
Semi-hardwood cuttings are best taken from late summer through early autumn, typically from August to September. These cuttings originate from the current season’s growth, which has begun to mature and firm up but is not yet fully woody. The wood should be flexible enough to bend without snapping but firm enough to hold its shape.
Hardwood cuttings are collected later in the year, from late autumn to early winter, after the plant has entered dormancy. These cuttings are taken from fully matured, woody stems from the current season’s growth. Hardwood cuttings often require a longer period to root, but they can be a reliable option during the cooler months.
Preparing Yew Cuttings
Begin by selecting healthy, disease-free stems from the parent plant. Choose robust shoots, avoiding any that appear weak or damaged.
The ideal length for yew cuttings typically ranges from 4 to 10 inches. Using sharp, clean pruning shears or a utility knife, make a precise cut just below a leaf node. A clean cut minimizes damage to the plant and helps prevent the introduction of diseases.
Next, remove all the needles from the bottom half to two-thirds of the cutting. This step prevents the submerged foliage from rotting in the rooting medium, which can lead to fungal issues. To further encourage rooting, gently scrape a small sliver of bark from the base of the cutting, or make a shallow cut, exposing the cambium layer. This “wounding” can stimulate root formation by creating more surface area for hormone absorption and callus development.
Rooting Yew Cuttings Successfully
A well-draining yet moisture-retentive rooting medium is important; common choices include a mix of half perlite or coarse sand and half peat moss or coir. This combination provides good aeration while retaining enough moisture for developing roots.
Before planting, applying a rooting hormone can significantly enhance root initiation. Both powder and liquid formulations are available, with those containing indolebutyric acid (IBA) being effective for yew. Dip the prepared end of the cutting into the rooting hormone, tapping off any excess if using powder.
Create a planting hole in the medium with a pencil or stick to avoid scraping off the rooting hormone when inserting the cutting. Plant the cutting deep enough so that at least one node, and ideally the defoliated portion, is buried in the medium. Gently firm the medium around the base of the cutting to ensure good contact.
Yew cuttings require consistent moisture in the medium, but it should never be waterlogged. Bottom heat, maintained around 75 degrees Fahrenheit, can encourage root development. High humidity around the foliage is also beneficial to reduce water loss, achievable with a humidity dome, plastic bag, or misting system. Place cuttings in a location that receives ample indirect light, as direct sunlight can be too intense.
Caring for New Yew Plants
Signs of successful rooting typically appear within two to three months, though it can take longer. Gently tug on the cuttings; if they offer resistance, roots have begun to form. New foliage growth is another positive indicator.
After roots have developed, generally within a month of initial rooting, the cuttings can be transplanted into larger containers. A 1-gallon nursery pot filled with a well-draining potting mix is often suitable for this stage. Ensure the new pot allows for adequate drainage to prevent waterlogging, which yews dislike.
Before planting permanently outdoors, gradually acclimatize young yew plants through hardening off. This involves slowly increasing their exposure to outdoor temperatures, sunlight, and wind over several weeks. Begin with short periods outdoors in a sheltered, shady spot, progressively extending time and exposure. Once established, yew plants are relatively low-maintenance, requiring regular watering during their first year until root systems are well-developed.