The Huge Privacy Shrub You Can Completely Neglect

If you're looking for a hedge that practically takes care of itself, yew (Taxus baccata) should be at the top of your list. This evergreen shrub, native to Europe, western Asia, and North Africa, gives you year-round greenery with hardly any effort. Its dense, conical form makes it ideal for screens, privacy barriers, or formal hedges. And while all parts of the plant are toxic, it remains one of those poisonous plants that look beautiful in gardens. Still, gloves are a must, and it's wise to keep children and pets at a safe distance.

Yew's needle-like, glossy green foliage is accented by lighter new growth that brings a fresh, seasonal contrast. Female plants produce bright red, berry-like arils around the seeds, which attract birds and add autumn interest. You can shape it into a crisp, straight hedge, train it into flowing wave-like patterns, or simply let it grow loose for a softer, natural look.

With a wide range of cultivars available, yew can adapt to nearly any landscape style. 'Repandens' spreads low and wide for ground-hugging coverage, while 'Fastigiata' grows tall and narrow for slim vertical accents. 'Standishii' stands out with golden-yellow new growth that brightens shady corners. Whether used as a foundation, in groupings, or given space to grow, this shrub is perfect for full sun areas in your yard. At the same time, it tolerates partial shade, giving you flexibility in those tricky planting spots.

Yew is at home in well-drained loam and tolerates slightly acidic to neutral soils (pH 6 to 8). Space them 6 to 20 feet apart depending on the effect you're after. Tighter spacing forms a solid privacy wall, while wider gaps allow each shrub to spread gracefully without crowding. Its moderate growth, about 10 inches per year, keeps maintenance simple. Yew also adapts well to containers, making it a solid choice for patios, entryways, or small urban gardens where space is limited. Wind and pollution doesn't faze it, which only adds to its usefulness in tougher environments.

Pruning keeps yew at its best. A trim in early spring encourages fullness and shape, allowing tender new growth to harden before the first frost (pruning after mid-summer is not recommended). Once well-rooted, yew shrugs off dry spells with surprising ease, though soggy soil can quickly cause problems. Hardy in USDA Zones 4 to 8, it handles cold winters while staying green year-round. On top of that, yew is easy to propagate from cuttings, so expanding a hedge or sharing with neighbors is easily doable. Resilient, versatile, and able to tolerate some neglect, this is an evergreen shrub that can make your landscaping look great all year, blending beauty, function, and almost zero upkeep.