About Taxus b. 'Dovastoniana'
Taxus baccata ‘Dovastoniana’ is an unusual, wide-spreading cultivar of the common yew, originally found as a spontaneous mutation in the garden of Dovaston Hall in Shropshire, England in the early 19th century. In its golden variety - also called Taxus baccata ‘Dovastoniana Aurea’ - the leaves have a golden yellow margin or all-gold colour on the young shoots, making it one of the most decorative yew cultivars.
Its growth form is broadly spreading with vigorously horizontal, drooping twig curls. That horizontal branch structure with drooping twig ends is the most characteristic feature of ‘Dovastoniana’ - unlike the upright yew or spherical form, it has a strong horizontal character.
Available from Smits as a multi-stemmed plant in sizes from 175/200 to 300/350 centimetres in height. At maturity, the plant reaches 4 to 6 metres in height at a considerable width. The trunk has the characteristic brown-red, scaly yew bark.
The leaves are needle-shaped, golden yellow on the young shoots at the top, dark green on the older needles and on the underside. Completely evergreen. That combination of golden yellow and dark green gives the plant a rich change of colour throughout the year. The red, succulent arilli (fruit capsules) are decorative and eagerly eaten by birds.
Growth is slow. All parts of the yew, except the red aril tissue, are poisonous. Wind resistance and air pollution tolerance are good.
Application and location
Taxus ‘Dovastoniana’ is an exceptional solitary structure plant for villa gardens, formal parks and terraces. Its wide-spreading-horizontal habit with drooping twigs and golden-yellow needles gives it a distinctive, architectural character all year round.
It thrives in full sun to shade. On loam, clay and sand. Wind resistant and air pollution tolerant. Please note that all parts except the red fruit tissue are poisonous.
Winter hardiness is excellent. Available from Smits as a multi-stemmed plant from 175/200 to 300/350 centimetres in height.
Do you already know exactly what you need?
Every garden and every greenery project is different. Therefore, at Smits Arboriculture we do not make standard quotations, but we like to look together at what suits your wishes, planning and the character of the project.
