How to prune fortune's plum yew

Late winter or early spring before new growth; light tidying anytime. For hedging or formal shapes, cut back to the desired outline using shears or secateurs in late winter. Hard renovation pruning is tolerated — cut into old wood and new growth will emerge. Stop pruning at least two months before the first expected frost to let new shoots harden off.

Annually for hedges; as needed for specimens. Fortune's Plum Yew is exceptionally tolerant of pruning and can even be hard-pruned or shaped into a hedge. It is particularly valuable in shaded positions where few other conifers can be clipped. For sizing or formal shaping, prune in late winter or early spring; light tidying can be done through the growing season.

For hedging or formal shapes, cut back to the desired outline using shears or secateurs in late winter. Hard renovation pruning is tolerated — cut into old wood and new growth will emerge. Stop pruning at least two months before the first expected frost to let new shoots harden off.