Leyland cypress and Common yew 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.
× Cuprocyparis leylandii 8 m × 2.5 m after 10 years
A very fast evergreen that gives you a tall, dense privacy hedge within a few years, but only choose it if you have the room and the time. It grows…
Taxus baccata 4 m × 2.1 m after 10 years
Its dense, dark green foliage makes a useful evergreen hedge or a clipped garden feature, even in shade. It tolerates pruning well, but eventually…
Common yew tolerates drought better than Leyland cypress.
Common yew needs less care than Leyland cypress.
Common yew also grows in shade, Leyland cypress does not.
Common yew is cheaper: about €19 at the size usually planted, against about €26 for Leyland cypress.
|
Feature
|
Leyland cypress
|
Common yew
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Hedge | Hedge |
| Size after 10 years | 8 m × 2.5 m | 4 m × 2.1 m |
| Ultimate size | 18–30 m × 3–4.5 m | 10–20 m × 8–15 m |
| Growth rate | Fast | Slow |
| Light | Full sun, Part shade | Full sun, Part shade, Shade |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic |
| Hardiness | down to -23 °C (USDA 6, RHS H7) | down to -23 °C (USDA 6, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Evergreen | Evergreen |
| Flowering | no data | March–April, yellow, green |
| Water need | Medium | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | Low | Medium |
| Maintenance | High | Medium |
| Planting distance | 80 cm | 250 cm |
| For dogs | no data | Toxic |
| For cats | no data | Toxic |
| For children | Mildly toxic (uncertain) | Toxic |
| Typical price | approx. €26 | 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 13, 2026
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