Japanese Plum Yew Care
Cephalotaxus harringtonia
A slow-growing, evergreen shrub that is ideal for shaded areas. In hot climates it must be protected from full sun; once established it is surprisingly tolerant of drought in shade.
Monthly care calendar
Timings are for a temperate Northern Hemisphere climate. In warmer areas tasks start earlier, in colder areas later; in the Southern Hemisphere shift them by six months.
- Watering: Winter precipitation is sufficient. If it is in a pot or a very sheltered spot, water once a month during dry periods.
- Pruning: Not needed. The end of the month is the best time for the main pruning.
- Plant protection: Check the trunk and branches for scale insects and apply dormant oil if necessary.
- General care: Remove fallen leaves and debris from within the plant.
- Pests & diseases: Check for scale insects.
- Watering: If there is no rainfall, water once a month.
- Pruning: It does not need formative pruning and its top should not be cut. Only remove dry, broken, and diseased branches.
- General care: Propagation by root division can be tried.
- Pests & diseases: Carry out a general condition check.
- Watering: Keep the soil moist; if there is no rain, water every 15 days (20-30 L/m²).
- Fertilizing: At the start of the month, apply a slow-release balanced NPK (e.g., 10-10-10) fertilizer or compost (do not overapply).
- Pruning: Pruning should be finished by the beginning of this month.
- General care: Before the summer heat, spread mulch (bark, etc.) around the tree to retain moisture.
- Watering: If there is no rainfall, water every 15 days.
- General care: New, bright green shoots lengthen and become distinct.
- Watering: If there is no rainfall, water once a week.
- General care: Spread a 5-7 cm layer of mulch over the root zone; it retains soil moisture and suppresses weeds. Do not pile mulch against the trunk.
- Watering: Water deeply twice a week; prefer infrequent and generous watering over small and frequent. The root zone should be wetted to a depth of 30-40 cm.
- Pruning: If grown as a hedge, a light shearing can be done this month to maintain the shape.
- General care: Regular watering keeps the plant healthy and green through the summer.
- Pests & diseases: Leaves scorch (turn brown) if exposed to direct sun.
- Watering: Water deeply twice a week; prefer infrequent and generous watering over small and frequent. The root zone should be wetted to a depth of 30-40 cm.
- General care: Keep it in a position sheltered from midday sun; scorching at the leaf edges is a sign of burn.
- Pests & diseases: Make sure drainage is good against the risk of root rot.
- Watering: Water deeply twice a week; prefer infrequent and generous watering over small and frequent. The root zone should be wetted to a depth of 30-40 cm.
- General care: The plant is still healthy and green.
- Watering: If there is no rainfall, water once a week.
- General care: A perfect time to plant new seedlings. It is especially ideal for shaded areas such as the north side of buildings.
- Pests & diseases: Check the general health condition.
- Watering: If there is no rainfall, water every 15 days.
- General care: Make sure newly planted seedlings are well watered before winter.
- Watering: Not required; autumn precipitation is sufficient.
- General care: Clear fallen leaves from other surrounding trees to ensure air circulation.
- Watering: Not needed. If potted, check once a month.
- General care: Evergreen leaves continue to lose water in winter. Water thoroughly once before the soil freezes.
The care advice on this page is general and for information only; it is not professional advice. Plant age, soil and your garden’s microclimate can change the outcome. Plant protection products are mentioned only as general information; they are regulated, and the choice, dose and timing must be decided by a qualified professional under local rules. Consult a landscape architect or agronomist before applying.
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