Taxus × media 'Everlow'
Overview
Uses: Foundation plantings beneath low windows, rock gardens, perennial borders, groundcover-scale hedging, mixed evergreen beds.
Benefits: A genuinely low-growing yew that stays under three feet without shearing, with dark green evergreen foliage, exceptional shade tolerance, and strong resistance to winter burn.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4–7
Sun: Full Sun to Heavy Shade
Life Cycle: Coniferous Shrub
Growth Habit: Spreading — low, dense mound that widens gradually.
Foliage Color: Dark Green
Mature Height: 2–3 ft.
Mature Width: 4–6 ft.
Growth Rate: Slow
Summary
Most yew cultivars eventually outgrow their position and demand regular shearing to stay in bounds. 'Everlow' is the exception — a genuinely compact, spreading yew that tops out at two to three feet tall and four to six feet wide without any pruning intervention. For foundation plantings beneath low windows, it solves the chronic yew problem of height control.
The foliage is dark green, needle-like, and dense enough to hide the interior branching completely. It holds its rich color year-round and shows exceptional resistance to winter burn — a significant advantage in exposed or wind-prone sites where other broadleaf evergreens struggle.
Where 'Everlow' really sets itself apart is shade tolerance. It performs equally well in full sun, partial shade, and deep shade, making it one of the most versatile foundation plants available for north-facing walls and understory positions. Soil adaptability is similarly broad — any well-drained ground from sand to clay suits it fine. The only conditions it will not tolerate are standing water and chronically wet soils.
A note on safety: all parts of yew are toxic if ingested, with the exception of the fleshy red aril surrounding the seed. Consider placement carefully in landscapes used by children or pets.
Care
Everlow Yew Care
Plant in full sun, partial shade, or deep shade — 'Everlow' performs well across the full light spectrum. Soil must be well-drained; this is the single most important siting requirement. Sandy, loamy, and clay soils are all acceptable as long as water does not pool around the roots.
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish. Once established, 'Everlow' handles average to moderately dry conditions and tolerates drought, though it performs best with consistent moisture. Avoid overwatering — wet soils lead to root rot.
A spring application of slow release fertilizer supports healthy foliage and steady spread. Pruning is rarely needed given the naturally compact habit. If shaping is desired, yews respond well to pruning at any time, though late winter to early spring before new growth is ideal for heavier cuts.
In exposed locations or at the cold edge of its zone range, apply a thick layer of mulch over the root zone heading into winter to buffer soil temperatures.
Size
What Size is the Everlow Yew for Sale Online?
Our Everlow Yew ships in a greenhouse-grade grow pot and is appropriately sized for its container at the time of shipment. If you have specific sizing or planting questions, please contact us.
How Large Does Everlow Yew Grow?
At maturity, 'Everlow' reaches 2 to 3 feet tall with a spread of 4 to 6 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground, creating a dense, low mound that does not require facer plants in front.
Additional Information
What are some common names for this plant?
This plant is commonly known as Everlow Yew or Everlow Spreading Yew. The species group, Taxus × media, is called Anglojap Yew — a reference to the hybrid cross between English Yew and Japanese Yew.
Is Everlow Yew deer resistant?
No. Deer find yew foliage highly palatable, and browsing damage can be significant in areas with heavy deer pressure. If deer are a concern in your landscape, consider siting 'Everlow' in a protected area or pairing it with deer deterrent measures. For deer-resistant alternatives, explore our deer-resistant shrubs and evergreens collection.
Are yews toxic?
Yes. All parts of the yew plant are toxic if ingested, including foliage, bark, and seeds. The fleshy red aril surrounding the seed is the only nontoxic portion. This is an important consideration for households with young children or pets. Rabbits have learned to avoid yews, and birds consume the arils without harm, passing the toxic seed intact.
What makes Everlow different from other spreading yews?
Most spreading yew cultivars eventually reach four to five feet tall or more and require regular shearing to maintain a low profile. 'Everlow' stays at two to three feet tall naturally, eliminating the need for ongoing height management. It also has better-than-average resistance to winter burn, which makes siting easier in exposed locations. Browse more foundation-friendly options in our shrubs and bushes collection.
