The yew is a very adaptable and versatile tree that is often planted as a hedge in the garden because of its tolerance to pruning. But did you also know that there is a ground cover grater that stays low? We introduce you to this variety.
Which yew variety is ideal as a ground cover?
The best ground cover yew is the variety 'Repandens', also known as cushion yew or table yew. It grows up to 60 cm high and 180 cm wide, is evergreen, shade-tolerant, cut-resistant, hardy and easy to care for.
What is the best yew variety for a ground cover?
The ground cover yew, also known as cushion yew or table yew, is 'Repandens', a low-growing variety of the European yew Taxus baccata. 'Repandence' is growing
- maximum 60 centimeters high
- up to 180 centimeters wide
- spread flat
and has numerous positive properties. This is the variety
- very cut-friendly
- completely shade tolerant
- hardy
- insensitive to root pressure
- evergreen
- adaptable and easy to care for
However, 'Repandens' is quite sensitive to late frosts and therefore occasionally needs protection. The variety also grows comparatively slowly, growing at around 10 to 12 centimeters per year. You can also cultivate the variety in containers where it grows overhanging.
When is the best time to plant a ground cover yew?
It is best to plant the ground cover grater when the late frosts have passed in spring. The end of May is a good planting time for this variety, as it can still root well and establish itself in the new location until next winter. Early autumn – ideally early to mid-September – is also still suitable for planting. Choose a dry, not too hot day with the sky as overcast as possible and water the yew trees thoroughly after planting.
How and where do you plant the ground cover grater?
The cushion yew needs a sunny to shady location on well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. You can even plant the variety in full shade, even there 'Repandens' will thrive. The only important thing is that the soil is well loosened and not too sandy. If necessary, you can also improve the soil with compost, after all, the yew tree has quite a high nutrient requirement. The soil may be moist, but waterlogging should not form - this leads to root rot and the plant dying. Plan on one cushion yew 'Repandens' per square meter of area.
What is the ground cover grater particularly good for?
'Repandens' can be planted as an attractive solitaire, but achieves its optimal effect more in the area. The variety is very suitable for border plantings, but also for beds, borders and rock gardens. You can also combine the evergreen ground cover well with (flowering) perennials and other trees. Just make sure that the location and care needs of the different species harmonize with each other. For example,are very suitable
- Funkia
- Storksbill
- fairy flowers
Basically there is no plant that does not harmonize with the yew tree. By the way, you can even grow 'Repandens' in a balcony box as long as you fertilize and water regularly.
Tip
Fertilize regularly for he althy growth
So that the 'Repandens' variety grows well and he althily, you should fertilize it. When planting, prepare the young plants with the right growth conditions using compost and horn shavings. Later you also fertilize with these natural fertilizers. Alternatively, you can also use conifer fertilizer (€8.00 on Amazon) or blue grain, but the latter in particular is rather harmful to soil he alth.
