Red-tip photinia vs Common yew

Red-tip photinia and Common yew are often considered for the same spot in the garden (hedge, screening, specimen, container). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.

Key differences

• Common yew is highly toxic to children, dogs and cats: even a small amount can be life-threatening. Do not plant it where small children, dogs or cats go. Needles, shoots, bark and seeds are highly poisonous to people, dogs and cats; dried clippings remain dangerous. Only the fleshy red aril is non-toxic, while the seed inside is poisonous, so the fruit should not be treated as edible.

• Common yew grows larger: 4 m × 2.1 m after ten years, against 3 m × 2 m for Red-tip photinia (an estimate: sources differ).

• Red-tip photinia grows faster than Common yew (an estimate: sources differ).

• Common yew is hardier: down to -29 °C, against -18 °C for Red-tip photinia.

• Red-tip photinia copes better with summer heat than Common yew.

• Common yew also takes heavy clay, Red-tip photinia needs a loose, free-draining soil.

• Common yew also grows in shade, Red-tip photinia does not.

• Common yew has pollen that can cause allergies, Red-tip photinia does not (an estimate: sources differ).

Which one to choose?

Red-tip photinia is the better choice if small children, dogs or cats use the garden, space is tight, you want quick results or the spot is hot and sunny.

Common yew is the better choice if the garden is cold or a frost pocket, the soil is heavy clay or the spot is shady.