Japanese Plum Yew
cephalotaxus harringtonii
Also known as: ["Plum Yew","Japanese Cephalotaxus"]
Overview
An evergreen shrub or small tree native to Japan, valued for its attractive, drooping foliage and adaptability to shade.
Benefits & Perks
["shade tolerant","drought tolerant","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Pinophyta |
| Class: | Pinopsida |
| Order: | Pinales |
| Family: | Cephalotaxaceae |
| Genus: | Cephalotaxus |
| Botanical Name: | Cephalotaxus harringtonii |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in a sheltered spot with protection from strong winds
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–15–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil; a mix of loam, sand, and organic matter works well.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full sun (4–6 hours of morning sun); tolerates dappled light; protect from harsh afternoon sun in summer.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to full sun if moving from shade; avoid direct afternoon sun in hot climates; place in a location with filtered light or morning sun exposure.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Morning sun is ideal; avoid harsh afternoon sun; dappled light works well.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry between waterings, avoid overwatering especially in winter.
Soil
well-drained, slightly acidic loamy soil
pH: 6.0–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral).
Ensure good drainage, avoid heavy clay soils, maintain slightly acidic pH.
Temperature
Hardy to USDA zones 6–9; tolerates temperatures down to -10°C (14°F); prefers mild temperatures but can withstand moderate heat.
Protect from extreme cold; provide shade in hot summers; maintain consistent temperatures for best growth.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during spring and summer with balanced slow-release fertilizer
Fertilize once in spring, avoid over-fertilizing, use a balanced formula.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seeds; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings, remove lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, keep warm and shaded.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (20–25°C), partial shade.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand; or cactus mix with added perlite.
Hormone
Recommended to use rooting hormone for better success.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; establishment can take several months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity; avoid direct sunlight during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective pruning of individual branches; avoid shearing to maintain natural form.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead or diseased branches, and encourage denser growth.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers (for larger branches), sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, prune dead/diseased wood, shape as needed, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if necessary, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil, water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for container-grown plants to refresh soil and provide space.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot, prepare fresh soil, trim roots if needed, water after repotting, place in shade for a few days.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the day to minimize evaporation; ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for organic matter; ensure soil is loose and aerated.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch (brown, crispy tips) in excessive heat; yellowing or drooping foliage in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Leaves may turn yellow or brown; growth slows or halts; potential dieback in severe cold.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base in winter; protect from cold winds; move potted plants to a sheltered location if temperatures drop below -10°C.
Hot Stress
Leaf scorch, wilting, or browning; reduced growth; potential needle drop.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; mist foliage in the morning to cool the plant.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Choose balanced fertilizer, apply in spring, avoid winter feeding, follow package instructions.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; reduce or stop fertilizing in late autumn and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are susceptible to toxicity from Cephalotaxus harringtonii due to the alkaloids present in the plant, which can cause severe gastrointestinal and systemic effects.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicIngestion of Cephalotaxus harringtonii by dogs can lead to gastrointestinal and systemic toxicity due to the presence of toxic alkaloids.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicCephalotaxus harringtonii contains alkaloids that can cause significant physiological effects when ingested. These compounds interfere with cellular processes, leading to systemic toxicity.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Cephalotaxus harringtonii suitable for shady areas?
A: Yes, it is well-adapted to partial to full shade conditions.
Q: How fast does Japanese Plum Yew grow?
A: It has a slow to moderate growth rate, making it suitable for controlled landscapes.
Q: Does this plant require frequent pruning?
A: Minimal pruning is needed; it naturally maintains a tidy form.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Cephalotaxaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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