Propagating yew by cuttings: Instructions in 3 steps

The yew tree (Taxus baccata), which has become rare in the wild, is on the red list of endangered species and should therefore be planted more in gardens - especially since it is an ideal hedge and topiary acts. Yew trees get along very well even in difficult locations, are absolutely compatible with pruning and sprout again even after radical pruning. In addition, the egg can be easily propagated by cuttings - you can find out how in the following article.

Propagate yew by cuttings

Why bother and multiply the yew tree with cuttings, if you can also simply use the underneath adult trees often dig up abundant seedlings and put them back in the desired location can plant? This form of propagation is practical, but not always useful. Because seedlings always carry the genetic makeup of both parents and are therefore not single-variety. So if you have a certain variety such as the columnar yew (Taxus baccata 'Fastigiata'), the low-lying pillow yew (Taxus baccata 'Repandens') or a variety

yellow needles (Taxus baccata, Fastigiata Aureomarginata ‘) should use vegetative propagation. The young plants obtained here have exactly the same properties as their mother plant, so that surprises are excluded and the planned hedge has a uniform appearance.

However, propagation from cuttings has one disadvantage: yew trees grow with an average of ten to 15 Centimeter growth per year is very slow, which is why the plants take a long time to root require. It takes between half a year and a year for the cuttings of the yew tree to develop their own roots and for new shoots to sprout. For you as a gardener, this means that you need a lot of patience to get the desired number of young trees.

Note: Yew varieties with green needles are generally easier to root than those with a yellow color. From the latter, you need to prune more shoots, since not all of them will develop.

Choosing the cuttings

Furthermore, you first need an adult tree to cut suitable shoots. Yew trees are rare both in nature and in the garden and are therefore not easy to find. In addition, only healthy specimens are suitable for propagation, since cuttings are propagated - which is basically a form of cloning acts - in addition to the desired properties, of course, such as transferring diseases to the offspring will. So the selected mother plant should

• make a healthy impression
• show strong, species-typical growth
• have brightly colored needles
• these must not have any stains
• or be brown / dry
• no Pests have to yourself

tip: It does not matter whether you cut the cuttings from a female or a male tree. Yew trees are usually dioecious, i. H. separated sex. The well-known red fruits only develop on female specimens.

Propagating yew with cuttings: instructions

Once you have found a suitable yew tree, it is best to cut the desired number of shoots in early summer. The right time to implement the project is between the end of May and the end of June. It is best to proceed as follows:

1. Cut and prepare shoots

• set the desired number
• If possible, choose shoots that are two to three years old
• use sharp and disinfected secateurs
• it is essential to wear gardening gloves: yew is highly poisonous
• 15 to 30 inches long
• Remove side shoots and needles in the lower area
• The planting site should be between five and seven centimeters long, depending on the length of the cutting
• shorten further side shoots by half
• likewise the tip of the shoot

2. Plant and care for cuttings

You now have several options for rooting the shoots prepared in this way.

a) Cultivation in a pot

• Clean and prepare several small growing pots
• Fill with potting soil
• Plant yew cuttings individually
• Keep the substrate evenly moist
• Avoid getting wet, do not fertilize
• Put the cut-off PET bottle over it or cover it with cling film
• put in a warm and bright place
• must not be directly sunny
• ventilate daily
• overwinter cool and bright
• Plant out next spring or repot in a suitable substrate

b) Direct planting out

However, you do not necessarily have to prefer the yew cuttings in pots, they can also be moved to the desired location Plant in the garden: Choose a place in the light shade, sheltered from the wind, with sandy, humus-rich and slightly moist soil the end. Alternatively, the small plants can also be grown in a suitable place and in the next Spring or autumn - depending on how quickly the cuttings take root - planted in the desired location will. If necessary, protect the young plants from frost, moisture or snow by covering them with brushwood in winter.

Rooting in a glass of water

Especially at Christmas time, some people like to put a bouquet of yew twigs in the vase. These too often take root, provided you change the water every day and place the container in a warm and bright location. You plant these small yew trees in spring either directly in the intended location or in a plant pot filled with nutrient-rich, humus-rich soil.

Caring for the young yew tree

While a slightly moist substrate is important for rooting, cuttings are not allowed fertilized - the yew could not get the nutrients anyway due to the lack of roots take up. Therefore, fertilization only makes sense when the young plants develop the first new shoots and thus show the successful development of strong roots. An annual addition of compost in early spring is sufficient. You should also wait about two to three years before pruning until the tree has grown vigorously. Too early a cut would weaken them and severely impair their development.