Hicks yew vs Densiformis yew
The same hybrid yew, Taxus x media, in its two common shapes. 'Hicksii' grows narrow and upright, to about twelve feet, and is the yew for a tall hedge or a column at a gate. 'Densiformis' grows wide and low, about four feet tall and six wide, for foundations and low hedges. Both take sun or deep shade and grow again after hard pruning, and both are extremely poisonous to people, pets and livestock.
 Hicks yewTaxus x media 'Hicksii' |  Spreading yew 'Densiformis'Taxus x media 'Densiformis' | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 11½ ft tall, 5 ft wide | 4 ft tall, 6 ft wide |
| Plant | 3½ ft apart | 5 ft apart |
| Zones | 4 to 7 | 4 to 7 |
| Light | Full sun to shade | Full sun to shade |
| Soil | Well-drained, average fertility | Well-drained, average fertility |
| Flowers | None | None |
| Leaves | Fine, evergreen | Fine, evergreen |
| Job in a bed | Anchor | Anchor |
| Pets | Toxic (severe) | Toxic (severe) |
| Deer | No record | No record |
| Native | No | No |
| Spread | Low risk | Low risk |
Rows where they differ are marked. Flowering times are for zone 5.
Which to choose
- Choose Hicks yew for more height (11½ ft against 4 ft).
- Choose spreading yew 'Densiformis' for a smaller space (4 ft against 11½ ft).
Can they grow together?
Yes: they grow in the same conditions. What spreading yew 'Densiformis' brings beside Hicks yew: low enough (4 ft) to stand in front of it. They share full sun, part sun, part shade and shade and zones 4 to 7.
Read more: all about Hicks yew, and all about spreading yew 'Densiformis', each with a bed the planner designed around it.