Cephalotaxus harringtonia 'Prostrata'

Southern gardeners for years have dreamed of growing the common yew in their landscapes. Unfortunately, yews don’t like our hot, humid summertime weather. Here is a great alternative. If you are looking for an evergreen shrub with conifer-like foliage then look no further. The Japanese plum yew is the plant for you.

Plum yews make fine specimen plants and can also be used in groupings or in a mass planting or as a ground cover. They tolerate a wide range of soils and need very little maintenance. Locate in shade or partial shade, although well-established plants will grow successfully in full sun. The only complaint that one will hear about Japanese Plum Yews is their slow growth rate.

‘Prostrata’ is a low-growing plum yew that reaches 2 to 3 feet tall and 3 feet in width. Many plant experts agree that the landscape potential for plum yews in the Southeast has not been tapped. Best of all, Japanese plum yews are deer resistant.