Taxus media 'Densiformis'

• Attracts: Birds may be drawn to the fleshy red arils (berry-like fruit) produced by female plants.
• Wildlife Resistant: Deer resistant due to the toxic nature of the foliage, making it ideal for areas prone to deer browsing.

• Foliage Season: Evergreen (year-round foliage).
• Flowering Season: Spring (inconspicuous flowers).
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-7

• Foundation plantings
• Low hedges and borders
• Groundcover for shaded areas
• Woodland gardens
• Erosion control on slopes

• Color: Dark green.
• Form: Soft, needle-like leaves that are flat and arranged in a dense, layered pattern along the stems.
• Winter Interest: The evergreen foliage provides year-round greenery and remains vibrant even during the colder months.

• Color: Small, pale green, or yellowish flowers that are inconspicuous and not ornamentally significant.
• Form: Tiny, non-showy flowers appear in spring, primarily serving as a precursor to the formation of small, red fruit on female plants.
• Bloom Time: Early spring (March to April).
• Fragrance: Not fragrant.

• Planting Time: Best planted in spring or fall when temperatures are mild.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. It can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, including sandy or loamy soils, as long as there is good drainage.
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as in the nursery container, ensuring the root ball is level with the soil surface.
• Spacing: Space plants 4-6 feet apart to allow for full spread and optimal air circulation.

• Timing: Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Light pruning can be done throughout the growing season to maintain shape.
• Method: Use clean shears to remove dead, damaged, or overly long branches. This shrub responds well to pruning and can be shaped into formal hedges or maintained as a natural, informal shrub.

• Watering Frequency: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish deep roots. Once established, Taxus media 'Densiformis' is drought-tolerant and requires only occasional watering during dry periods.
• Soil Moisture: Prefers moist but well-drained soil. Avoid waterlogged conditions to prevent root rot.

Thrives in partial to full shade. It can tolerate full sun in cooler climates but benefits from some shade in warmer regions to prevent leaf scorching.

• Fertilization Time: Fertilize in early spring before new growth begins.
• Fertilizer Type: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or organic compost to encourage healthy growth and deep green foliage.

• Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Keep mulch away from the trunk to prevent rot.
• Drought Tolerance: Once established, Taxus media 'Densiformis' is highly drought-tolerant, making it a good choice for low-maintenance landscapes.
• Pests and Diseases: Generally pest-free and resistant to most common diseases. However, good air circulation and proper spacing help prevent any fungal issues.

• Pollination Type: Taxus plants are dioecious, meaning male and female flowers are on separate plants. Pollinated by wind, female plants produce small red arils if pollinated by a nearby male.
• Fruit Production: Female plants may produce small, red, berry-like arils in the fall if pollinated, though the fruit is not a major feature of the plant.

• Hosta
• Ferns
• Rhododendron
• Hydrangea