How Fast Does Stonehenge Yew Grow? A Slow and Steady Evergreen

The Stonehenge yew (Taxus x media ‘Stonehenge’) is an attractive evergreen shrub valued for its narrow, columnar form and rich green foliage. But a common question about this popular landscape plant is – how fast does Stonehenge yew grow?

The short answer is that Stonehenge yew is a relatively slow-growing yew variety. While it grows faster than traditional English yews, which only reach about 6 inches per year, Stonehenge yew is no speed demon. Patience and proper care is required to allow these yews to reach their full size potential over time.

A Gradual Growth Rate

Compared to other common landscaping plants Stonehenge yew is considered a slow-moderate grower. Here’s a look at its growth rate

• On average Stonehenge yew grows about 12 inches per year once established. This is roughly double the growth rate of traditional English yews.

• When planted in ideal conditions, Stonehenge yew may reach up to 16 inches of new growth per year

• Young, juvenile Stonehenge yews tend to grow faster than mature, older plants. A 5 year old plant could grow 16 inches yearly, while a 50 year old may only grow 8 inches.

• It takes approximately 5-10 years for Stonehenge yew to reach its average mature size of 8-10 feet tall and 2-4 feet wide.

While not the fastest grower, Stonehenge yew’s growth rate is an improvement over traditional yew varieties. The tradeoff is its excellent ornamental attributes and versatility in the landscape.

Factors Influencing Growth Rate

Several key factors impact how fast Stonehenge yew will grow:

• Genetics – Stonehenge is a faster growing yew cultivar specifically bred for improved growth rate and aesthetics versus English yews.

• Age – Younger plants grow more vigorously, while growth slows as plants mature. Pruning can help maintain faster growth.

• Growing Conditions – Ideal conditions of full sun, well-drained soil, proper water and nutrients accelerate growth.

• Pruning – Strategic pruning encourages new growth, while over-pruning suppresses growth.

• Environmental Stresses – Extreme heat, drought, poor drainage, disease or pest damage can restrict growth.

By optimizing these key factors, you can maximize the growth rate of Stonehenge yew in your landscape.

Growth Habit and Mature Size

In addition to growth rate, the mature size and habit of Stonehenge yew are important landscape considerations:

• At maturity, Stonehenge yew reaches 8-10 feet tall, with a narrow spread of just 2-4 feet.

• The plant has a tight, columnar form and requires little shearing or pruning to maintain its shape.

• The small footprint of Stonehenge yew makes it ideal for foundation plantings, property borders and formal hedges.

• Plant spacing of 2-4 feet is recommended when using Stonehenge yew for hedging and screens.

• Allow adequate room for mature spread when planting Stonehenge yew individually.

The upright growth habit and refined dimensions of Stonehenge yew lend versatility in garden design, from elegant accent plant to pruned formal hedge.

Caring for Stonehenge Yew

To encourage healthy growth, Stonehenge yew requires proper care and maintenance:

• Watering – Water regularly to maintain moist (but not soggy) soil. Reduce watering once established.

• Soil – Grow in nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. Prefers loamy soils.

• Sun – Thrives in full sun to partial shade. Needs 4-6 hours of sun daily.

• Fertilizer – Apply slow-release granular fertilizer in spring to boost growth.

• Pruning – Prune only for shaping or to remove dead branches. Avoid over-pruning.

• Pests/Diseases – Monitor for common yew pests like mites, scale, mealybugs and root rot disease.

Providing ideal growing conditions and attentive care keeps Stonehenge yew healthy and encourages it to grow at its natural, steady pace.

Tips for Maximizing Growth

Follow these tips to help your Stonehenge yews reach their growth potential:

• Select a site with full sun to partial shade and fertile, well-draining soil.

• Water deeply and regularly during the first 2 years to establish an extensive root system.

• Apply a balanced, extended-release fertilizer in early spring to fuel seasonal growth.

• Mulch around the base to conserve soil moisture and reduce weed competition.

• Prune lightly in spring to shape and stimulate new growth. Don’t over-prune.

• Monitor for pests like mites or diseases and treat any issues promptly.

• Avoid excess heat or drought stress by watering during dry periods.

• Be patient – remember that Stonehenge yew is a slow grower, not a fast grower.

The Rewards of Patience

For gardeners seeking an attractive, narrow evergreen for hedges or foundation plantings, Stonehenge yew is a perfect choice. Although relatively slow growing, Stonehenge yew provides year-round curb appeal and versatility in the landscape. Caring properly for your Stonehenge yews and allowing time for them to mature will bring enjoyable results.

The steady, gradual growth habit of Stonehenge yew echoes the slow but purposeful way the prehistoric Stonehenge monument itself was erected – stone by stone, season by season. With patience and planning, you can watch your Stonehenge yews develop their beautiful form over time, bringing enduring evergreen structure to your garden.