Remarkably Deer-Resistant Evergreen

Every home needs foundation plants - usually a combination of evergreens, deciduous shrubs and small trees. Evergreens offer year-round color and a beautiful backdrop for more seasonal plantings. For some folks with shade and persistent deer problems, finding a low-growing evergreen can be very difficult. This week we are featuring one that will solve this problem - a low-growing form of the Japanese Plum Yew - Cephalotaxus harringtonia 'Prostrata'.

Award Winning Addition to Your Garden

While the regular Cephalotaxus is a tree, the prostrate form of the Plum Yew is the winner of both the Georgia and Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Gold Medals, primarily because of its neat compact habit. Because demand always exceeds supply and because prostrate Cephalotaxus is difficult to propagate and slow growing, it is always scarce and hard to find. We are thrilled to be able to offer it to our customers this coming spring.

Native to Japan, Korea and eastern China, Prostrate Plum Yew is a low-growing evergreen that prefers light to moderate shade and is extremely deer-resistant. (Do not confuse with regular yews which deer love and which cannot be grown south of Zone 7). It will mature at about three feet tall and about four to five feet wide. Prostrate Plum Yew is a slow grower (about four inches per year) and should require little pruning - although it can be easily pruned in early spring before the new growth begins. Year-round, cephalotaxus has glossy, deep green needles borne on slightly arching branches, which give it a graceful appearance.

Cephalotaxus will grow in full sun, although the needle color will be lighter green. As with many evergreens, cold winter wind and strong winter sun will cause temporary bronzing of the foliage. Its texture and neat habit will make a grouping the focal point in your garden, especially at the edge of a woodland, surrounding a patio, along a walkway or as part of a foundation planting.

Planting and Care

• Plant in compost-enriched, moisture-retentive, well-drained soil. Good drainage is important.
• Once established, Cephalotaxus is quite drought tolerant.
• Space five feet apart
• Fertilize with Cottonseed Meal and Kelp Meal in early spring and late fall
• Hardy in Zones 6-9

Click here to view
Cephalotaxus harringtonia 'Prostrata' on the Carroll Gardens website.