Anglo-Japanese yew and Japanese spindle are often considered for the same spot in the garden (hedge, screening). 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…
Euonymus japonicus 2 m × 1.5 m after 10 years
An evergreen shrub with glossy, leathery leaves that takes clipping well, so it works as a low to medium hedge, a screen or a container plant, and…
Anglo-Japanese yew grows larger: 2.5 m × 1.5 m after ten years, against 2 m × 1.5 m for Japanese spindle.
Japanese spindle grows faster than Anglo-Japanese yew.
Anglo-Japanese yew is hardier: down to -34 °C, against -18 °C for Japanese spindle.
Anglo-Japanese yew needs less care than Japanese spindle.
Japanese spindle is cheaper: about €12 at the size usually planted, against about €18 for Anglo-Japanese yew.
|
Feature
|
Anglo-Japanese yew
|
Japanese spindle
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Hedge | Hedge |
| Size after 10 years | 2.5 m × 1.5 m | 2 m × 1.5 m |
| Ultimate size | 3–6 m × 2–4 m | 2.5–4.5 m × 1.5–2.5 m |
| Growth rate | Slow | Medium |
| Light | Full sun, Part shade, Shade | Full sun, Part shade, Shade |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic |
| Hardiness | down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) | down to -18 °C (USDA 6, RHS H6) |
| Foliage | Evergreen | Evergreen |
| Flowering | no data | May–July, green |
| Water need | Medium | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | Medium | Medium |
| Maintenance | Low | Medium |
| Planting distance | 40 cm | 50 cm |
| For dogs | Toxic | Toxic (uncertain) |
| For cats | Toxic | Toxic (uncertain) |
| For children | Toxic | Mildly toxic |
| Typical price | approx. €18 | approx. €12 |
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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