Yew Pine Guide: How to Grow and Care for Yew Pines

Yew pine is one of several common names for Podocarpus macrophyllus, a coniferous evergreen tree and shrub. Yew pine is also known as yew plum pine, Buddhist pine, Chinese yew, Japanese yew, fern pine, and southern yew. Yew pine is native to China and Japan where it grows in forests. Its dark green foliage grows on thin brown branches. As a conifer, yew pine trees do not produce flowers, but they do produce a berry-like fruit called arils in the summer and fall. Yew pine arils can be red, blue, or purple and are accompanied by a small green seed.

Yew pines have several horticultural uses. Depending on the plant type, yew pine can be grown as a small tree or large shrub. ‘Maki,’ a popular yew pine cultivar, is a small, slow-growing shrub. Yew pine can be planted in shady gardens in USDA hardiness zones eight to ten. In colder climates, yew pines can be planted as container plants and brought indoors during winter. In fact, their tolerance for low light makes them an excellent houseplant and their compact growth habit makes them an ideal specimen for bonsai and topiary.

Follow these plant care tips for keeping your yew pine alive and healthy.

1. 1. Light: Plant yew pines in areas with partial shade to full sun. If kept as a houseplant, place your yew pine in bright, indirect sunlight.
2. 2. Soil: Yew pines thrive when planted in well-draining, fertile soils. Aim to maintain a slightly acidic soil pH, as alkaline soils may cause the plant to develop yellow leaves.
3. 3. Climate: For the best results, only plant yew pine outdoors in USDA zones eight to ten. Otherwise, plant your tree in a container to overwinter indoors.
4. 4. Water: Mature yew pine plants are drought-tolerant; however, young plants should be regularly watered until their roots are sufficiently established. Water your tree often enough to keep the soil moist, but avoid overwatering. Yew pines will not tolerate saturated soils.
5. 5. Pruning: Yew pines have a fairly slow growth rate, but pruning during the growing season can help promote new growth.
6. 6. Fertilizing: Fertilizing is not necessary, but you can apply a diluted liquid fertilizer during the growing season to help encourage new growth if needed.
7. 7. Pests: Yew pine is deer-resistant, pest-resistant, and disease-resistant. However, scale insects and mites can occur in rare cases. Remove mites using a strong spray from your hose and apply neem oil to deter the pests.
8. 8. Repotting: If planting indoors, repot your yew pine as frequently as every year to accommodate new growth.

The green seed that accompanies yew pine's fruit is toxic to humans and animals. Avoid planting yew pine trees in areas that are accessible to pets and small children.

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