Taxus media 'Hicksii'

• Pollinators: Inconspicuous flowers do not attract pollinators, but the red berries are popular with birds.
• Wildlife: Birds are attracted to the bright red berries (arils) that female plants produce in late summer and fall. The foliage is also deer-resistant.

• Season: Year-round (Evergreen)
• Flowering Season: Spring (April to May)
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-7

Tall Hedges or Privacy Screens – Dense foliage and upright habit make it perfect for borders and boundary planting

Foundation Plantings – Works well beside buildings, fences, and walkways

Formal Landscapes – Excellent for topiary, sheared forms, and classical designs

Shade Gardens – Performs reliably in partial to full shade, unlike many evergreens

Container Planting – Ideal for large pots in entryways (ensure winter protection in colder zones)

• Color: Dark green, needle-like foliage that remains vibrant year-round.
• Shape: Flat, soft needles arranged in two rows along the stem.
• Size: Needles are 1/2 to 1 inch long, creating a dense and lush texture.

• Color: Inconspicuous yellow-green flowers in spring.
• Bloom Time: Flowers in early to mid-spring (April to May).
• Size of Blooms: The small flowers are not particularly showy and are generally hidden among the foliage.

• Best Time to Plant: Early spring or fall, allowing the plant to establish roots in mild weather.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0). It can tolerate a range of soil types, including loamy, sandy, or clay soils, as long as drainage is good.
• Spacing: Space plants 3-4 feet apart if planting for a hedge or privacy screen, or 5-6 feet apart for stand-alone specimens.
• Depth: Plant with the top of the root ball at soil level. Backfill with soil, pressing down gently to eliminate air pockets.

• Pruning Needs: Prune in late winter or early spring to shape the plant and remove any dead or damaged branches. Regular light pruning helps maintain its dense, upright form, especially when used as a hedge.
• Winter Care: Cold-hardy to USDA Zone 4, requiring no special winter care. Mulch around the base to protect roots in colder regions.
• Deadheading: Not necessary, as the flowers are inconspicuous and the berries (on female plants) are ornamental.

• Watering Frequency: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish deep roots. Once established, 'Hicksii' is moderately drought-tolerant but benefits from supplemental watering during prolonged dry periods.
• Drought Tolerance: Moderate drought tolerance once established, but prefers consistent moisture for optimal growth.

Full sun to partial shade. 'Hicksii' grows best in partial shade but tolerates full sun if provided with sufficient water during hot periods. It can also thrive in shaded areas, making it highly versatile.

• When to Harvest: The red berries (arils) appear in late summer to fall and can be harvested for use in decorative displays.
• How to Harvest: Carefully cut the branches with berries, using sharp pruning shears, to use in floral arrangements or holiday decorations.

• When to Fertilize: Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or organic compost to promote healthy growth and lush foliage.
• Type of Fertilizer: Use a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer or an organic option like compost or well-rotted manure.

• Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.
• Pests: Generally pest-free, though it may occasionally experience issues with scale or root rot if overwatered.
• Disease: Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot, and provide good air circulation to avoid fungal diseases like blight.

Taxus media 'Hicksii' is a dioecious plant, meaning it has separate male and female plants. Only female plants produce the ornamental red berries, but they require a nearby male plant for pollination. The flowers are wind-pollinated.

🌿 Evergreens & Structural Companions:

• Buxus (Boxwood) – Dense, rounded form contrasts with Hicksii’s columnar shape
  
• Ilex crenata (Japanese Holly) – Similar texture and growth habit
  
• Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’ – Offers height contrast and a lighter green tone
  

🌸 Perennials & Shade Plants:

• Hosta spp. – Bold foliage for shady conditions under or near Hicksii
  
• Astilbe ‘Fanal’ – Feathery red blooms pop against the green backdrop
  
• Heuchera ‘Palace Purple’ – Rich burgundy leaves add dramatic contrast
  

🌾 Groundcovers & Low Accents:

• Pachysandra terminalis – Evergreen groundcover for shaded bases
  
• Liriope muscari (Lilyturf) – Grass-like texture and summer flowers
  
• Fern varieties – Add soft, layered texture around the base in partial shade