Cephalotaxus harringtonia ‘Fastigiata’
Overview
Uses: Foundation plantings, narrow privacy screens, entry accents, containers, structured landscape designs.
Benefits: Naturally narrow, columnar form with dense vertical branching and soft, deep green evergreen foliage. Strong deer resistance and dependable year-round structure with minimal pruning required.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 6–9
Sun: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Life Cycle: Evergreen Shrub
Growth Habit: Upright, Columnar — dense vertical branching with narrow footprint.
Foliage Color: Deep Green
Mature Height: 8–10 feet
Mature Width: 3–5 feet
Bloom Season: Insignificant
Growth Rate: Moderate
Summary
A refined vertical evergreen that delivers structure without overwhelming the space.
Cephalotaxus harringtonia ‘Fastigiata’ forms a naturally narrow, upright silhouette that adds architectural presence to both formal and informal landscapes. Its dense branching and rich green foliage create strong vertical lines while maintaining a soft, refined texture.
Unlike many upright evergreens, its needle-like foliage is soft to the touch, making it well suited for entryways, patios, and foundation beds. It performs reliably in sun or partial shade and holds its color throughout winter, providing consistent structure when deciduous plants are bare.
This cultivar is especially valuable in landscapes where height is desired but width must remain controlled, making it an excellent solution for narrow planting areas and vertical screening.
Care
Japanese Plum Yew ‘Fastigiata’ Care
Plant in full sun to partial shade. In warmer regions, light afternoon shade can help reduce stress during peak summer heat.
Prefers well-drained soil and performs best in evenly moist conditions. Avoid prolonged saturation.
Water regularly during establishment. Once established, it tolerates moderate dry periods but benefits from supplemental watering during extended drought.
Apply a balanced slow release fertilizer in early spring to encourage steady growth.
Light shaping may be performed in late spring. Avoid cutting back into thick, older wood. Structural pruning, if necessary, is best completed in mid to late winter.
Container Growing: This shrub can be grown in large patio containers with proper drainage. Container-grown plants require more frequent watering than those planted in the ground. Plants hardy in the ground may require winter protection when grown in containers in colder zones.
Size
What Size is the Japanese Plum Yew ‘Fastigiata’ for Sale Online?
Plants ship in a greenhouse-grade grow pot and are actively growing at the time of shipment. Size and fullness vary by season and growth stage. If you need additional details before ordering, please contact us.
How Large Does Japanese Plum Yew ‘Fastigiata’ Grow?
At maturity, this evergreen shrub typically reaches 8–10 feet tall and 3–5 feet wide. Its narrow, columnar form makes it ideal for vertical accents and tight planting spaces.
Additional Information
What are some common names for this plant?
Commonly known as Japanese Plum Yew and Plum Yew.
Is Japanese Plum Yew ‘Fastigiata’ deer resistant?
This variety is considered highly deer resistant compared to many other evergreens. While no plant is completely deer-proof, it is significantly less likely to be browsed. Explore more options in our Deer-Resistant Shrubs and Evergreens collection.
Is it suitable for narrow spaces or screening?
Yes. Its naturally upright, columnar growth makes it ideal for narrow foundation plantings, vertical accents, and structured screening. You can browse additional structured options in our Privacy Trees & Shrubs collection.
Is this plant a true yew?
Although it resembles true yews (Taxus), Japanese Plum Yew belongs to a different genus, Cephalotaxus. It offers a similar appearance with improved tolerance of heat and humidity in many landscapes.
