How to Grow and Care for Hicks Yews

Taxusxmedia‘Hicksii’

have me introduce you to the ‘ Hicksii ’ yew , an evergreen shrub that ’s become a good friend of mine .

When I first met ‘ Hicksii , ’ I ’ll admit I was n’t in particular impressed , but over the last X we ’ve become quite close .

With the purchase of my holding , a slew planting of these bush came with the hatful . They sat , 10 in a row , perched on the side of the hill , couch a scraggly , broken garden and looking – frankly – forlorn .

Photo by Tabitha Caswell.

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At that prison term , my master gardening finish was to prepare a food forest , with the obvious spirit to feast humans .

‘ Hicksii ’ is toxic to human being , as are all yew , so I was n’t sold on the estimate of using valuable blank space to keep them around .

Photo by Tabitha Caswell.

But as my overall program has develop , I ’ve grown to love these garden buddy so much that I ’ve even bestow a few more to my landscape over the last decennary .

The Hicks yew is my low - criminal maintenance , heavily - put to work hero . With a turgid property , I do n’t have the time and imagination to devote to every nook and cranny of my landscape , and this shrub has been a plot - record changer . It ’s my ornamental BFF .

If you have n’t consider it yet , or if you ’re here to learn more about ‘ Hicksii , ’ you ’re in the correct station .

In this clause , I ’ll cover all the thing I love about my buddy , and I ’ll secern you how to grow , give care for , and discover these shrubs for your own garden . Here ’s a straightaway trailer :

What You’ll Learn

quick to get word more about this dependable evergreen bush ? allow ’s do it , phratry !

What Is Hicks Yew?

Commonly known as Hicks yew , Hicks intercrossed yew , or Hicks intermediate yew , this evergreen conifer shrub is a pop standout in theTaxusgenus .

‘ Hicksii ’ is a hybrid cultivar , expect from the union of the English yew ( T. baccata ) and theJapanese yew ( T. cuspidata ) .

So , it ’s get genes from the dear of both worlds : the cosmetic value of its English parent paired with the wintertime hardiness gained from its Nipponese ancestry . You could call this plant a globose citizen !

The designationTaxusxmediais feed to a magnanimous grouping of hybrid cultivars that can vary substantially in sizing and fictitious character .

The ‘ Hicksii ’ yew has a impenetrable and narrow columnlike growth use , hit an average size of it of nine to 12 foot marvellous with a spread that spans about one - half to one - third of its tiptop .

Over clock time , when allowed to grow to its natural shape , the top of the industrial plant becomes wider than the foundation .

The needles are glossy dreary green on top and light green underneath , and stay on the industrial plant year - round , making it an all - season eye - catcher .

You might be inquire , “ Where can I uprise this knockout ? ” Well , it thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 7 . It ’s not too picky but does the good in well - drained , fertile , and moist territory conditions .

If you ’re looking for a plant that ’s various , hardy , and downright well - looking , ‘ Hicksii ’ might just be your new garden BFF too .

Since this plant life is a work loanblend , it ’s got some story ! rum to bang the whole history ? allow ’s dive into a full lesson , shall we ?

Cultivation and History

The ‘ Hicksii ’ yew is a bit of a hybrid world traveler in the botanical domain , with English and Nipponese lineage . The hybridization of these two yews , however , take stead right here in North America .

In 1904 , a plantsman from Massachusetts named T. D. Hatfield began try out with raise new hybrids from seed . His work is documented in a paper he publish in 1929 .

Around the same time , a nurseryman named Henry Hicks was try out with growing seedlings at his baby’s room , Hicks Nurseries , Inc. , in Long Island , New York .

In a 1924 Hicks Nursery catalog , he introduce his new excerption , ‘ Hicksii , ’ to the world , and it ’s been a popular choice ever since .

This works ’s beauty , combined with its functional versatility , caught the center of gardeners and horticulturists . It expand in well - debilitate soils , tolerates drought , and can even withstand less than ideal urban conditions like pollution .

This popular works has sincerely stood the test of time . So , whether you ’re a veteran nurseryman or a newbie with a jigaboo , the ‘ Hicksii ’ yew offer a portmanteau word of beauty , versatility , and history that ’s punishing to resist .

If you ’re wondering how to get your custody on this gorgeous , green shrub , let ’s investigate extension methods .

Hicks Yew Propagation

So , you ’re thinking of propagating your own ‘ Hicksii ’ yew , huh ? Well , rent ’s plunge into the nitty - gritty of how to make that bump .

Let ’s first deal the selection of mature this works from seed .

While it ’s true that yews do acquire seeds incase in a fleshy aril , it ’s crucial to notice that ‘ Hicksii ’ is a train hybrid plant . This means that a propagated seedling will not produce truthful to the parent plant .

As for division , that ’s in general not recommended for yew . They have a complex root organization that does n’t take kindly to being dissever , and with this type of handling you may execute the danger of lose your plant .

Hicks yews are by and large propagated from cuttings which are usually taken from semi - hardwood stems and treat with rootle hormone to encourage root evolution .

It ’s a fleck of a waiting secret plan , but if you ’re patient and have a unripened quarter round , you will end up with a new plant life that ’s a spue range of a function of its parent .

If you ’re patient and into the joy of look on something develop from kale and have the time to spare , go for it !

But if you ’re looking for a faster , less labor - intensive , and more reliable road , snagging a potted ‘ Hicksii ’ from a reputable baby’s room is perish to be your best wager . It ’s promiscuous and give an immediate payoff .

Transplanting

I ’ll fast - forward through your shopping trip where you pick up your babe yew – for more tips to develop a nursery plant , see the Where to bribe section of this guide below .

Assuming you have your potted plant in your self-possession , permit ’s walk through the stairs of transplanting . Roll up your sleeves . allow ’s go !

First things first , peck a spot that gets a good intermixture of sun and shade . ‘ Hicksii ’ is n’t too fussy but does appreciate well - drain , fertile soil . So , if your garden is muddy , you might want to reconsider your chosen location .

Once you ’ve got the perfect smirch , dig a hole that ’s about twice the width of the slew and just as deep . This yield the roots some elbow room to stretch out and get comfy .

Before you plunk the plant life in , mix some organic issue into the soil at the bottom of the hole . swear me , your yew will thank you for it afterwards .

Now , gently remove the yew from its pot . If it ’s cling on for high-priced life , give the side of the pot a good dab . Be sure to tease out pot trammel roots and dress any that look insalubrious .

While it ’s never a honorable idea to lend plant food during planting , I am a rooter of merchandise that promote the growth of beneficial fungus . Consider inoculating your soil with mycorrhizal fungi at this percentage point .

Root Build 240

I recommend Root Build 240 , soldby Arbico Organics .

Now , place the works in the hole , making sure it ’s at the same deepness it was in the pot . Fill the hole back in with soil , tamping it down as you go to remove any breeze pockets .

H2O generously justly after constitute . This helps settle the soil and gives the roots a unspoiled drink .

For the first few weeks , keep an centre on the moisture floor and water as needed . These yews are pretty drouth broad once establish , but they do like a good drink now and then .

And voila ! You ’ve successfully transfer your ‘ Hicksii ’ yew . Give yourself a pat on the back and integrate a celebratory cocktail or fancy mocktail ; you ’ve earned it !

In sum-up , while the art of propagation is fascinating , it ’s not for the faint of heart — or the impatient . But hey , horticulture is all about the journey , right ?

So , whether you choose to propagate or to purchase , you ’re in for a rewarding experience growing your new bush .

Speaking of spring up , let ’s investigate the needs of Hicks yew a short further . As I always say , every bit of noesis helps , right ? Let ’s grow .

How to Grow Hicks Yew

Alright , folks . Let ’s discuss the best develop weather condition and how to care for your ‘ Hicksii ’ yew in more contingent .

First off , the idealistic locating is flexible . Suited to USDA Zones 4 to 7 , take a crap it quite a live choice for various climates , this industrial plant is moderately darn versatile , thriving in both full sun and part shade .

So , whether you ’ve got a gay stain or a partially shaded corner , as long as it has sufficient room to spring up , your shrub will be happy .

What about spacing?As I mentioned , the average height of this bush is nine to 12 feet . The key watchword here is “ intermediate . ” A quick online search will give away a puzzling range of six to 20 feet .

And since the matured spread is about one - half to one - third of the stature , this means your bush could be anywhere between two and ten feet wide . So , what gives ?

Environmental divisor can play a role . Soil tone , water availableness , and even the amount of sun or shadow the works receives can work its emergence .

It ’s like how you might boom in a bustling city while your Gemini prefers the muted countryside .

Also , care and maintenance ca n’t be overlooked . Pruning , fertilizing , and oecumenical TLC can all impact how plants develop . It ’s the plant tantamount of going to the gym ; you get out what you put in .

Because the stature and width of these shrubs can diverge wide , it ’s not entirely a coil of the die . you may still plan ahead . take the nursery tag and ask a pro in the baby’s room or greenhouse for help to ascertain the right spatial arrangement .

Now , let ’s talk about grease . As I ’ve mentioned , this plant is not too fussy but prefers well - drain , fertile territory . arenaceous or loamy soils are best .

And gauge what ? It ’s drought patient of too ! But do n’t lease it swim ; it does n’t wish wet feet . ‘ Hicksii ’ also prefer dirt with a pH level of 6.0 to 7.0 .

What are the lachrymation penury of this shrub ? Well , it ’s a bit of a Goldilocks situation – not too much , not too little .

Make certain the soil is moist but well - debilitate . Overwatering can lead to root bunk , and nobody want that .

Here ’s a bonus : this flora is a bit of a societal butterfly . It gets along well with most garden plants .

But mind this admonition : eating the seeds inside the berries of yew poses the high danger of toxicity , but all parts of the plant , aboveground and below , are toxicant to humans and pets if take in . So do n’t have Fido savvy to hide his osseous tissue near your ‘ Hicksii ’ yew .

To total it up , pick a cheery or partially shaded situation , give it well - debilitate grime , piddle it just right , and give it room to grow . Like I pronounce : easy peasy , right-hand ?

If you need to learn more , study our comprehensive yew growing templet .

Growing Tips

Pruning and Maintenance

‘ Hicksii ’ yew is as versatile as it is live . But even the stalwart flora could practice a little TLC , right-hand ? So , I ’ll cover a few point to serve you keep this evergreen beauty in tip - top shape .

First thing first , countenance ’s talk about pruning . This shrub is forgiving when it comes to snip and shaping . you’re able to manage its height and control its form through pruning , and it tolerates even the most severe cuts .

The serious time for pruning is in late winter to early spring , before Modern growth start .

Whether you ’re going for a topiary masterpiece or just a bang-up hedge , this yew ’s stupefy you covered .

As for fertilizing , this plant is n’t too fussy . It grows best in fertile , moist soil , so a balanced fertilizer should do the john . Skip the first twelvemonth of planting , and apply annually every spring .

Just do n’t go overboard ; too much of a honorable thing can go to issues and a piddling go a long manner !

If you ’re hunting for a good all - determination , balanced Cartesian product , I wish Gardener ’s Best All - Purpose Organic Fertilizer .

Gardener ’s Best All - Purpose Organic Fertilizer

It ’s a mealy , dull - release , 5 - 5 - 5 ( NPK ) fertilizer that’savailable from Gardener ’s Supply Company .

Mulching is your friend , especially if you ’re look to preserve moisture and keep those weeds at bay .

A two- to three - inch layer of organic mulch around the base should suffice . Just make certain you do n’t pile it up against the automobile trunk ; we do n’t want to boost rot and disease .

Speaking ofweeds , let ’s talk about the garden chore we all get laid to detest . celebrate the sphere around your shrub green goddess - spare is more than just an aesthetic pick ; it ’s about throw your industrial plant the distance to thrive .

Weeds can compete with your yew for nutrients , water , and sunlight , so it ’s best to keep them at embayment . A mere hand - pulling academic session every now and then should do the trick .

If you ’ve mulched decently , this task becomes even easier , as mulch helps to suppress weed ontogenesis .

So , put onyour favored horticulture glovesand hold a weekend weeding party . Your yew will thank you for it !

And there you have it – with pruning , fertilizing , mulching , and now weed under your whang , you ’re well on your way of life to becoming a ‘ Hicksii ’ yew whisperer .

If this carefree shrub has capture your attention , keep read to memorise where to find one ( or many ) to add to your own garden .

Where to Buy

So , you ’ve decided that ‘ Hicksii ’ yew is the drop opus in your garden puzzle . Fantastic ! Now , where to find this evergreen gem ?

Well , you ’re in lot . If you reside in USDA Zones 4 to 7 , chances are well that you wo n’t need to go on a wild fathead Salmon Portland Chase .

These plants are quite pop and are ordinarily stock up in local nursery and glasshouse . Just protrude in , and you ’ll likely spot them hanging out , waiting for a forever dwelling house like yours .

But what if you ’re more of an on-line shopper , or perhaps local options are svelte ? No worries , the internet ’s get your back . There are reputable on-line sellers that can fork up right to your threshold .

‘ Hicksii ’

you may find this plant atNature Hills Nursery .

They trade container - raise ‘ Hicksii ’ yew plants in # 5 containers that are already three to five years old .

Managing Pests and Disease

It ’s time to tackle the eternal battle between gardeners and nature . While ‘ Hicksii ’ yews are mostly brave flora , they ’re not entirely resistant to the suffering of the garden .

As with all pests and disease , observance and right plant life management is fundamental .

Watch for signs of distraint , inspect plants regularly , commit healthful garden methods , and react in a well timed manner if you spot an emergence .

This bush may be susceptible to a few herbivores and a couple of worm critters , as well as a few undesirable diseases .

Herbivores

As I mentioned originally , ‘ Hicksii ’ yew plants are toxic to human being and pets .

The needle , seeded player , and even the wood and roots are venomous . All domesticated creature , including stock , should steer clear .

gratefully , lapin seem to know better , so they should n’t nark your yews .

But a few animals seem to escape these toxic effects . Wild cervid , elk , and elk can champ these plants and take the air aside whole .

This means that if you survive in a rural circumstance where these specific creatures frequent your gardens , be on the lookout for damage , especially in the winter when nutrient source are scarce .

If it becomes an number you may require to considerinstalling deer fencingto deter undesirable visitors to the garden snack counter .

Insects

I ’m sorry if bugs make you squeamish , but we ask to utter about them . Not only can they directly damage your plants , but they can also indirectly inclose pathogens .

While these bugs might give you a bit of a vexation , they ’re not unbeatable . A little vigilance and the right treatment can go a long manner . allow ’s take a closer tone .

These tiny critter , Cecidophyopsis psilaspis , can cause terms and even expiry to bud . They tend to winter between bud scales , and peak in late summer and early decline .

If you notice ill-shapen needles and shoot , it ’s time to act . Treatment with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil can help keep in line these mites .

Adult female mealy bug are lowly , brownish colored , oval - form , and appear waxy and covered in ashen “ bagatelle . ” They can be intemperate to spot as they like to shroud in the interior of the plant .

Symptoms of infestation include leafage loss and concurrent contagion with black sooty mold . If population grow out of command , apply insecticides like neem oil can be effective .

Learn more about how to deal mealybugs in our guide .

Adult fletcher scale females are globular soft scale insects that come along yellow to brown in color .

They can do general plant wellness decline and produce sticky honeydew melon , attract other pests and mold .

Horticultural oil or insecticidal soap can be effective for combat an plague .

mark out our guidebook to surmount louse to study more .

Otiorhynchus sulcatus , also know as Taxus weevils , are the most devastating of the base weevils .

The larvae , or grubs , feed on the roots of plants while the adult weevil , or beetles , are about half an in long and may jaw crescent - shaped mess in leaves .

good nematodescan be applied as a soil drench to control these pests in the larval stages . Steinernema carpocapsaeandSteinernema glaseriare two kinds of nematodes that are effective against this insect .

NemAttack Beneficial Nematodes

If you ’re looking for these “ good bozo , ” head overto Arbico Organicsto pick up NemAttack ™ – Sc Beneficial Nematodes .

This little guy is also know as the privet tortrix , orClepsis consimilana . With a wingspread of 13 to 19 millimeters , it ’s not the largest moth you ’ll encounter , but it can be a pain .

The larvae are known to fertilise on privet , lilac , and – here ’s the kicker – English yew .

So , if you ’re noticing some leaf damage , you might want to keep an eye out for these critter . An infestation serious enough to require intervention is unusual , but , if necessary , abiopesticide likeBacillus thuringiensiscan help contain the larvae .

Bonide Thuricide

Bonide ® Thuricidefrom Arbico Organicscontains this non - toxic bacteria ( Btk ) and is extremely effective in check moth while in the caterpillar stage .

I ’ve used it during plague of gypsy moths here in Ontario .

Disease

Here ’s a look at a few common diseases known to pestilence yews , including ‘ Hicksii . ’

The honey fungus , also do it asArmillaria mellea , affects many metal money of cosmetic trees and shrubs , including yews .

symptom include stunted vertical growth , sparse foliage , and stunt , yellow leafage .

The most distinctive house of infection is the output of clump of honey - tinge mushroom cloud at the base of the shrub .

No efficient chemical controls are eff , but maintain tidy flora vigor can help your yews to refuse infection .

This disease is cause byPestalotiopsisspecies of fungi . characterise by phonograph needle discolouration , it can direct to defoliation .

This disease is more vulgar in stressed plants , so maintain good ethnic pattern is key . antifungal can also be used as a preventative measure .

Species ofPhytophthora , soilborne oomycetes , can stimulate radical rot , leading to wilting and dying of the plant .

Good drainage and avoiding waterlogged stipulation can help prevent this disease . Chemical control options are limited . Affected plants should be removed and destroyed .

Best Uses of Hicks Yew

What are the honorable ways to incorporate this hardworking yew into your garden ? I wish to think of this plant as a grounding force for the home landscape – unchanging , reliable , and supportive , like a best friend .

‘ Hicksii ’ is a material showstopper when it comes to hedging and cover . Its columnar , upright substance abuse makes it an ideal choice for creating natural barriers or seclusion screens .

Whether you ’re look to limn your property , add a touch modality of green to an urban mount , or just make a cozy , secret nook in your garden , it ’s up to the chore .

Plus , its tolerance for various light conditions means you’re able to plant it in full sun , partial shade , or even full shade , give you plenty of selection for positioning .

But do n’t just terminate at hedge – this various plant has more to extend .

Its evergreen foliage provides year - round pastime , making it a great increase to miscellaneous borders or as a standalone specimen .

Imagine a ‘ Hicksii ’ yew as the centrepiece of a wintertime garden , its dark dark-green needle contrast beautifully with a blanket of snow . And go ahead , adorn it with twinkle light !

Or visualise it in a formal garden setting , trim to your best-loved shape and adding a touch of elegance .

The possibilities are endless , really . So , go ahead and let your gardening imagination run wild !

Quick Reference Growing Guide

An Ornamental Hero for Life

My once - dismissed ‘ Hicksii ’ yews have become the unknown heroes of my garden .

From their low - maintenance nature to their versatility in diverse landscape design , these evergreen shrubs have realise their keep .

We ’ve covered everything from their entrancing history and idealistic grow conditions to how to fend off pests and disease .

For me , ‘ Hicksii ’ has proven to be not just a subsister , but an invaluable plus in my evolving landscape painting . I ’m confident you ’ll feel the same direction .

Whether you ’re a veteran nurseryman or just beginning to get your hand dirty , I ’d love to take heed your idea .

Have you develop ‘ Hicksii ’ yews in your garden ? What are your experiences with them ? Have another favored yew cultivar to tell me about ? Drop a remark below and let ’s keep this fleeceable conversation going !

If you’relooking for more ornamental shrubsto add to your garden , check out these articles next :

Photos by Tabitha Caswell © inquire the Experts , LLC . ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.See our TOSfor more details . production photos via Arbico Organics , Gardner ’s Supply Company , and Nature Hills Nursery . Uncredited exposure : Shutterstock .

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Tabitha Caswell