Taxus baccata
Topiary Yew
Classic English Yew with dark green needle-like foliage. Extremely long-lived and tolerant. The traditional choice for formal topiary.
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Topiary Yew (Taxus baccata) is the quintessential British topiary plant, prized for its dense, dark evergreen foliage and its exceptional response to formal shaping.
Evergreen — retains rich, dark green foliage year-round
Available in a range of topiary forms including cones, domes, spirals, and bespoke shapes
Extremely hardy and long-lived, suitable for all UK climates
Thrives in sun or shade and tolerates most soil types
Delivered as mature, ready-shaped specimens for immediate garden impact
Browse our current topiary stock, selected for structure, form, and maturity
View Stock & PricesTopiary Yew (Taxus baccata) is one of the finest evergreen species for formal topiary work. Native to the British Isles and widely found across Europe, yew has been the topiary plant of choice for centuries, gracing the gardens of stately homes and historic estates.
Yew produces dense, dark green foliage composed of small, flat needles arranged in neat rows along the stems. This tight growth habit makes it exceptionally well-suited to clipping into formal shapes — from simple cones and domes to elaborate spirals and tiered specimens. The foliage is remarkably consistent in colour throughout the year, maintaining a rich, deep green that provides an excellent backdrop to other planting.
Though often considered slow-growing, established yew topiary puts on a reliable 15-30cm of growth per year and responds excellently to regular trimming, becoming denser and more refined with each clip. Yew is extremely hardy, tolerating temperatures well below freezing, and thrives in a wide range of conditions including shade, dry soils, and exposed positions. It grows well in most soil types, including chalk and clay, provided drainage is reasonable.