Overwintering guide
How to overwinter upright plum yew
Winter watering
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
The mistake that kills upright plum yew in winter
Cutting upright plum yew hard back in autumn "to tidy up". That removes the growth that shelters the crown, and on some plants removes next season's flower buds entirely.
More upright plum yew care
Overwintering upright plum yew — FAQ
Does upright plum yew need to come indoors for winter?
Upright Plum Yew is hardy to roughly USDA zone 5 — winter lows around -29°C. That means it can stay outside all winter in most temperate gardens. Upright Plum Yew is properly hardy and overwinters outside without fuss. Tidy away anything dead or diseased, apply a mulch over the crown to steady soil temperatures, and otherwise leave it alone — many hardy plants actually need a cold period to flower and grow well the following year. Save hard pruning for the right season rather than doing it in autumn.
When should I move upright plum yew for winter?
Tidy and mulch in late autumn; leave the plant undisturbed until spring.
How often should I water upright plum yew in winter?
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
What kills upright plum yew over winter?
Cutting upright plum yew hard back in autumn "to tidy up". That removes the growth that shelters the crown, and on some plants removes next season's flower buds entirely.