Plum Yew In Hot And Humid Climates

[amh]

Does anyone have experience growing Cephalotaxus harringtonii in the gulf states?

From what I have read, this species is more tolerant of hot and humid conditions than other yews.

[Swolte]

I have seen large specimens where I live (not as humid as Houston but still pretty humid). I have some varieties (e.g., prostrata and fastigiata) that do OK. I guess I could give them more attention during the establishment phase.  
 

[amh]

4 minutes ago, Swolte said:

I have seen large specimens where I live (not as humid as Houston but still pretty humid). I have some varieties (e.g., prostrata and fastigiata) that do OK. I guess I could give them more attention during the establishment phase.  
 

How do they handle mid July through September? Any problems above 100F?

[Swolte]

10 hours ago, amh said:

How do they handle mid July through September? Any problems above 100F?

Mine are all in shady and relatively dry spots (only some hand watering first year) and I also don't really fertilize (other than a small mulch layer each year). Last summer, I did not water them at all and we had a month of no rain with temps close to 100F on a daily basis. Do they always look vibrant, lush, and full? No. Do they grow fast under my regime? No. Do they stay greenish, survive and show some (albeit slow) growth? Yes! 

I just saw I did take some notes on the upright yew. I have two and they grow about 2-3 inches a year for me. For my lazy gardener philosophy, that's a win!

Last summer wasn't brutal in terms of heat but the one before that did see 100+. I can't recall how they did but I don't recall being concerned. I get the sense most damage occurs from cold dry winds during winter.  I'll pay some more attention as they haven't been on my radar as much. Would like to see more folks chipping in! 

[Collectorpalms]

17 hours ago, amh said:

Does anyone have experience growing Cephalotaxus harringtonii in the gulf states?

From what I have read, this species is more tolerant of hot and humid conditions than other yews.

I am fairly certain there are plum Yews, I am not sure exactly what type growing at Zilker gardens in Austin that do just fine. They really stood out to me when I went there last year after the freeze and they looked perfect. Whereas the Podocarpus which looks similar to me was killed elsewhere. I am new to these, but I really want to add them to my collection. IF they do well for me for a year, I'll add more.

[amh]

4 hours ago, Swolte said:

Mine are all in shady and relatively dry spots (only some hand watering first year) and I also don't really fertilize (other than a small mulch layer each year). Last summer, I did not water them at all and we had a month of no rain with temps close to 100F on a daily basis. Do they always look vibrant, lush, and full? No. Do they grow fast under my regime? No. Do they stay greenish, survive and show some (albeit slow) growth? Yes! 

I just saw I did take some notes on the upright yew. I have two and they grow about 2-3 inches a year for me. For my lazy gardener philosophy, that's a win!

Last summer wasn't brutal in terms of heat but the one before that did see 100+. I can't recall how they did but I don't recall being concerned. I get the sense most damage occurs from cold dry winds during winter.  I'll pay some more attention as they haven't been on my radar as much. Would like to see more folks chipping in! 

This is good news, I would be planting in a shaded area of deep compost and mulch.

3 hours ago, Collectorpalms said:

I am fairly certain there are plum Yews, I am not sure exactly what type growing at Zilker gardens in Austin that do just fine. They really stood out to me when I went there last year after the freeze and they looked perfect. Whereas the Podocarpus which looks similar to me was killed elsewhere. I am new to these, but I really want to add them to my collection. IF they do well for me for a year, I'll add more.

I'm planning on a mini Hartman type botanical garden, so if they can survive both Austin and College Station, they should be able to survive at my house.

[Collectorpalms]

On 2/27/2022 at 2:51 PM, amh said:

This is good news, I would be planting in a shaded area of deep compost and mulch.

I'm planning on a mini Hartman type botanical garden, so if they can survive both Austin and College Station, they should be able to survive at my house.

Are you referring to the Hartman Prehistoric Garden at Zilker? If so, I know what you mean.

[amh]

1 hour ago, Collectorpalms said:

Are you referring to the Hartman Prehistoric Garden at Zilker? If so, I know what you mean.

Yes, the cycads and other gymnosperms are some of the few plants the deer wont eat. I have also always loved the more primitive plants, so my yard will gradually turn into a mini botanical garden.