Anyone have Ideas for yew companions?

15 years ago

Just wondering if anyone may have any suggestions for companion plants for a yew hedge? I would like to find something for a border in front of the yew hedge, to soften the extremely rectangular and severe geometric shape of the yew.

The yew hedge is on the NORTH side of our house. There is not much sun in this area, but not a huge amount of moisture either. A minimal amount of sun falls over the yew hedge from the east, as well as from the west.

The yew hedge borders our front porch, and grows in a fairly narrow strip of earth that then slopes abruptly down to the road. The yew hedge seems to love its environment, and seems quite healthy and robust. I think it must have good drainage because of the slope it's perched on.

Will anything grow near a yew hedge in these moisture and light conditions? North America, Zone 6a.

I've heard that "nothing grows beneath a yew"? Is this true?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (2)

wildflower12
15 years ago
Sounds just like my front yard. Actually you have the ideal conditions for many plants. Morning and afternoon sun are great and if you run a garden soaker hose under the mulch, you shouldn't have any worries about water.
Everything grows in my garden with similar conditions.
Astilbes make a wonderful addition and only really need to be watered diligently for the first year. Hostas will grow any where and there are a number of new ones out there now so you don't have use your Mother's (although if you are on a budget that is not a bad idea).Heuchera, you know them as coral bells, also do well but require more water if you are getting hot afternoon sun in the summer.
Stay away from ferns and other woodland plants as they like moist conditions and remember that your yews are in love with acid soil so if they are thriving you should stick with plants that agree with this.
You may also want to extend your border in front of the yews with a softer edge. Curved edges not only make your border more appealing to the eye, but are easier to mow around. With the extension of your border you can see if the sun comes closer to the outer edge and plant some other goodies here.
Just remember to plant in clumps of odd numbers, 3 is good, and not in a straight line. You are trying to correct that look.
And don't forget annuals for a colorful summer. There are so many that will grow in those conditions and you are in a great zone for many other plants that I can only dream of in New England.
Go to the websites of nurseries that sell online, but don't buy from them, just get ideas. Make lists and drawings and head to your local nursery where you can get healthier plants already established for your area and the sound advice of a reliable nursery person.
Good luck.
topie
Original Author
15 years ago
Thank you wildflower 12 for your suggestions! That's a good point about the acid soil. I love ferns but I think you're right about the moistness factor...I'll try the ferns on a different side of the house that more shaded and more moist. I like Astilbes a lot and think I'll try those along with some hosta, and some annuals for added flowering. Thanks also for the three-dimensional planning tips...I'm looking forward to making that straight line more organic-looking and curvy.

-Topie
Related Discussions
Companions for a yew hedge: Suggestions?
Q
Comments (4)
Tt's very dry and rooty near a yew hedge, and if I understand your description, we're talking about a northern exposure for the perennials. You might consider Geranium maccrorhizum (Big Root Geranium). This is a groundcover plant, about 8 inches high, with highly fragrant leaves and is semi evergreen. Most varieties bloom fuschia in late spring. I believe there is a white flowering type and perhaps a variety with variegated leaves (which might be slower to establish). It does well in very dry soil and shade, though not heavy shade. A handsome plant for difficult areas and is also highly deer resistant.
...See More
Yew: What to do?
Q
Comments (9)
Ferns, ferns, ferns!!! Sounds like a very cool hedge. I think your concerns about messing it up with dying perennials is well-founded. I wouldn't underestimate the charm of leaving things as they are, with yews and moss. True, you don't get much variety through the year... but is it variety you want, or just an additional element in there? If the latter, have you considered any hardscape? Rocks, a brick or granite edging, or even a stepping stone pathway across/down the slope? If you want plants, I'd go with a combination of rhodos and ferns. Yes, I know this is the conifers forum, and conifers can do a bit in those conditions, but not much. There are some cool dwarf hemlocks, for instance - I love my Tsuga canadensis 'Curly". But overall I'd put in a variety of ferns, maybe some hostas, a couple of hellebores, which I think would be fine in those conditions, and ferns. If you wanted to keep the look formal you could get the big ferns and give them some room - Royal fern, cinnamon fern, interrupted fern... would have to check hardiness on those... or the bigger spreading ones if you want a lower look - tassel fern, for instance. Some fern fronds are evergreen, but they get tatty and you can cut them off any time you like. Ferns and moss? Swoon! I can't stand growing heucheras for a variety of reasons - one is the ascending crown of the plant - and I don't think they'd do well there. KarinL
...See More
Planted my first Japanese Maples, Companion plants ideas?
Q
Comments (9)
With the exception of the hydrangeas, all of those are full sun plants and a bit on the droughty side as well. Once the trees grow and fill in more - and that often happens faster than you expect - they will be casting their own shade and those plants will not be very happy. And you do not want to plant something now that will have to be dug up and moved later, disturbing the maple roots when you do. And while it is a totally personal observation, those plants just don't reflect the character of the JM's very well. kaitain4's suggestions are much more in character and kind of the typical JM accompaniments. You could also add hellebores or epimediums to the mix as well.
...See More
companion plant ideas wax myrtle
Q
Comments (4)
I hope I am not mixing buckeye with buckthorn re: seeding in my head which may be the case. I've been so focused on foundation food/shelter plants and cleaning woods that more ornamental has gone on the "later" mental pile. I did bring in some other blueberries for cross pollination. It was a love at first sight with the blueberries here. Of course I met it in fall and beautiful with so many colors on a single plant. I have one sumac on my property but don't know what kind yet. It only got hacked out of the privet this fall and it really impressed me with the aaaammmmaaaazing color. No clusters, no suckers, but it's been stressed. Hopefully it's a "good" sumac as I want to keep that fall red. Love the tiger's eye sumac also, just haven't done enough research to decide if a barrier should be used. I need to try Buck Jones. I've never been, but it's in a direction I never go. Maybe I can email/fax The List to see if they have anything I am looking for and make the trip. They probably do - not all my items are uncommon. I'd love some buckeye babies by the by, even if I purchase a tree for myself. AND I should give some plants to the GNPS for their sale since some things growing here are over abundant. I should check their site to see what types of plants they would like.
...See More

Anyone have Ideas for yew companions?

Comments (2)

wildflower12

topie
Original Author

Related Discussions

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Anyone have Ideas for yew companions?

Comments (2)

wildflower12

topieOriginal Author

Related Discussions

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

topie
Original Author