Overwintering guide
How to overwinter pacific yew
Winter watering
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
The mistake that kills pacific yew in winter
Cutting pacific 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 pacific yew care
Overwintering pacific yew — FAQ
Does pacific yew need to come indoors for winter?
Pacific Yew is hardy to roughly USDA zone 4 — winter lows around -34°C. That means it can stay outside all winter in most temperate gardens. Pacific 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 pacific yew for winter?
Tidy and mulch in late autumn; leave the plant undisturbed until spring.
How often should I water pacific yew in winter?
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
What kills pacific yew over winter?
Cutting pacific 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.