Harrington's Plum Yew Plant Care

Harrington's Plum Yew (Cephalotaxus harringtonii) belongs to the Taxaceae family within the Cephalotaxus genus. Harrington's Plum Yew is native to East Asia. Harrington's Plum Yew is also known as Cowtail Pine, Japanese Plum Yew.

Harrington's Plum Yew displays a slow-growing, upright evergreen tree growth habit, reaching up to 20 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Harrington's Plum Yew produces inconspicuous, small, solitary male and female cones.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Harrington's Plum Yew every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Harrington's Plum Yew thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 50–200 lux. Avoid placing Harrington's Plum Yew in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Cephalotaxus harringtonii tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Harrington's Plum Yew prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining, acidic soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Harrington's Plum Yew to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Harrington's Plum Yew every 8 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial to full shade and well-draining, acidic soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Harrington's Plum Yew is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Harrington's Plum Yew can spread to about 10 ft (3 m) and reach about 20 ft (6 m) tall. Space plants about 10 ft (3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Harrington's Plum Yew while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Harrington's Plum Yew is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Harrington's Plum Yew can be propagated through seeds, semi-hardwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to fortune's plum yew plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Harrington's Plum Yew is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Harrington's Plum Yew grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Harrington's Plum Yew is native to East Asia. In cooler regions, grow Harrington's Plum Yew as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.