Pruning guide
How to prune japanese plum yew
More japanese plum yew care
Pruning japanese plum yew — FAQ
When should I prune japanese plum yew?
Late winter to early spring, before new growth begins. For shaping, trim new growth tips with shears or hand pruners. For rejuvenation, cut one-third of the oldest stems back hard each year over three seasons rather than all at once. The plant will re-shoot from old bare wood, which is unusual among conifers.
How often does japanese plum yew need pruning?
Annually for a shaped/hedged form; every few years for naturalistic specimens. Japanese Plum Yew (Cephalotaxus harringtonia) tolerates pruning well and can be shaped or hedged more readily than most conifers. It regenerates reliably from old wood, making it suitable for renovation. Prune lightly to shape in late winter or early spring. Hard rejuvenation cuts are possible but should be spread over two to three seasons.
How do you prune japanese plum yew?
For shaping, trim new growth tips with shears or hand pruners. For rejuvenation, cut one-third of the oldest stems back hard each year over three seasons rather than all at once. The plant will re-shoot from old bare wood, which is unusual among conifers.