Cephalotaxus harringtonia var. nana Plum Yew, Southern yew Type Shrub, woody plant
Hardy range 6B to 9A
Height 12" to 6' / 30cm to 1.80m
Spread 4' to 8' / 1.20m to 2.40m
Growth rate Slow
Form Rounded and spreading or horizontal
Exposure Full shade to full sun
Persistence Evergreen

Environment This plant tolerates drought. This plant will grow in very dry soil. Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy, sandy or clay. The pH preference is an acidic to slightly alkaline (less than 6.8 to 7.7) soil.

Culture Notes  Looking like a dwarf form of the Common Podocarpus, the Japanese Plum Yew is a useful shrub for the same purpose as boxwood or Japanese Yew - a slow-growing, low, formal, evergreen clipped hedge or border. This variety stays fairly low to the ground and is more suited for residential landscapes. It can be kept at a height as low as 12 inches. The dark green foliage contrasts well with many other landscape plants. For best appearance, Japanese Plum Yew requires fertile soil with good moisture-holding capacity although plants tolerate drought once established. It thrives in sun or shade and is very versatile but will die in wet soil. It can grow in wetter soil than Taxus. Pollen from male plants causes serious allergies; females do not produce pollen.