Anglo-Japanese yew and Arborvitae are often considered for the same spot in the garden (hedge, screening, specimen). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Taxus × media 2.5 m × 1.5 m after 10 years
A dark green, dense evergreen and one of the best plants for a clipped hedge: it grows in sun and deep shade alike, copes well with city air and…
Thuja occidentalis 3.5 m × 1.2 m after 10 years
A dense evergreen with scale-like foliage, planted in its columnar and conical forms (such as fast Brabant or slim Columna) as a clipped hedge or…
Arborvitae: We do not recommend it for most Central European gardens.
Arborvitae is hardier: down to -40 °C, against -34 °C for Anglo-Japanese yew.
Anglo-Japanese yew tolerates drought better than Arborvitae.
Anglo-Japanese yew needs less water than Arborvitae.
Anglo-Japanese yew needs less care than Arborvitae.
Anglo-Japanese yew also grows in shade, Arborvitae does not.
|
Feature
|
Anglo-Japanese yew
|
Arborvitae
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Hedge | Hedge |
| Size after 10 years | 2.5 m × 1.5 m | 3.5 m × 1.2 m |
| Ultimate size | 3–6 m × 2–4 m | 0.5–20 m × 0.5–4.5 m |
| Growth rate | Slow | Medium |
| Light | Full sun, Part shade, Shade | Full sun, Part shade |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic | Average garden soil, Clay, Calcareous |
| Hardiness | down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) | down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Evergreen | Evergreen |
| Water need | Medium | High |
| Drought tolerance | Medium | Low |
| Maintenance | Low | Medium |
| Planting distance | 40 cm | 70 cm |
| For dogs | Toxic | Toxic (uncertain) |
| For cats | Toxic | Toxic (uncertain) |
| For children | Toxic | Toxic |
| Typical price | approx. €18 | approx. €19 |
Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 8, 2026
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