A Refined Columnar Yew for Minnesota Formal Plantings

Stonehenge Yew (Taxus × media 'Stonehenge') is a narrow columnar yew with a refined formal character — the choice when you want a tight, architectural evergreen. Whether you are framing a Wayzata entry, building a formal Minnetonka hedge, or punctuating an Edina foundation — Stonehenge gets the job done.

Stonehenge Yew Plant Details

Stonehenge Yew Uses in Minnesota Landscapes

Shade evergreen — rare in Minnesota

Most evergreens want full sun. Yews are one of the few that thrive in deep shade under mature oaks and maples — invaluable for shaded foundation beds and woodland edges in Edina, Minnetonka, and Wayzata.

Foundation plantings under roof eaves

Yews handle the dry "rain shadow" under roof eaves better than most evergreens. Deep, fibrous root systems and shade tolerance make them a reliable foundation choice.

Hedges and screens

Yews respond well to shearing and make tight, formal hedges. Use spreading types as low border hedges (2-3 ft) or upright/columnar types for taller screens.

Best Time to Plant Stonehenge Yew in Minnesota

Fall (late August–early October) is the ideal planting window. Soil is still warm for root development, cool air reduces transplant stress, and the plant gets 6–8 weeks to establish roots before ground freeze (typically mid-November in the Twin Cities).

Spring (late April–May) is the second-best window — the plant gets the full growing season to establish before its first winter.

Avoid summer planting (June–August) when possible. Never plant after mid-October or before late April — frozen ground or frost-heaving kills new roots.

How to Plant Stonehenge Yew

1. Dig wide, not deep. 2–3× the root ball width, same depth as the container. Heavy clay benefits from even wider digging.
2. Check drainage. Fill the hole with water — if it doesn't drain in 30 minutes, mound-plant or break through any clay hardpan to improve drainage.
3. Backfill with native soil + 20–30% compost. Minnesota clay-loam benefits from organic amendment but don't create a "container" of pure compost.
4. Spacing. Refer to the mature width above and space accordingly. Closer for hedging, wider for individual specimen plants.
5. Water basin. Build a 3–4 inch ring around the planting to direct water to the roots. Flatten or remove before winter to avoid ice damage.
6. Mulch. 2–3 inches of shredded bark or wood chip mulch, kept 2 inches away from the trunk. Do NOT use gravel mulch in Minnesota — it doesn't insulate.

Watering Stonehenge Yew in Minnesota

First Year Watering Schedule

• Weeks 1–2: Every 1–2 days, deep and slow (15–25 minutes per plant)
• Month 1–2: Every 3–4 days
• Month 3–6: Every 5–7 days during active growth; less if rainfall is adequate (Minnesota averages ~3 inches/month June–August)
• Stop watering 2–3 weeks before ground freeze (typically late October in the Twin Cities metro) to avoid pushing late-season growth that gets killed by winter

After Year One

Established plants only need supplemental water during droughts (2+ weeks with no rain and temps above 80°F). Water deeply and infrequently — every 7–14 days during dry spells, soaking to 6–8 inches depth. Let natural rainfall do most of the work.

Pruning Note

Prune in late spring after new growth flushes. Yews tolerate hard pruning better than most evergreens.

What is the difference between Stonehenge Yew and similar shrubs?

Narrow columnar yew with refined formal habit. This makes it a strong choice when you want columnar, narrow, evergreen in a Minnesota-tested plant.

Will Stonehenge Yew survive a Minnesota winter?

Yes — 4-7 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a). Reliable to -25°F. Stonehenge Yew is among the most reliable yews for Twin Cities zone 4b–5a yards. First-year plants benefit from a deep mulch ring and adequate fall watering before ground freeze.

Is Stonehenge Yew deer-resistant?

IMPORTANT: Yew foliage is highly toxic if browsed — but deer often eat it anyway in tough winters. Protect with deer fence in high-pressure areas. In high-pressure areas like Minnetonka, Wayzata, Eden Prairie, or Chanhassen, plan accordingly — deer fencing or repellent for the first year is a worthwhile insurance policy.

Does Stonehenge Yew tolerate Minnesota clay soil?

Tolerates Minnesota clay-loam. Best in well-drained soil — avoid sites with standing water. At planting, dig wide (2–3× the root ball width) and amend with 20–30% compost. Avoid creating a sunken "container" of pure compost in the clay — the plant should transition gradually to native soil.

When is the best time to plant Stonehenge Yew in Minnesota?

Fall (late August through early October) is the ideal planting window — soil is still warm for root development, cool air reduces transplant stress, and plants get 6–8 weeks to establish before ground freeze. Spring (late April through May) is the second-best window.

You May Also Like

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How Many Stonehenge Yew Do I Need?

Stonehenge is narrow and upright — just 1–2 feet wide at 6–10 feet tall — so it packs tightly for a formal evergreen screen. Space plants about 2 feet on center for a solid clipped hedge, or use single columns to flank an entry or punctuate a foundation. For a tidy run of vertical accents, plant in matched pairs or a rhythm of 3–5.

Stonehenge Yew Season-by-Season in Minnesota

• Spring: Soft, bright new growth flushes at the tips over the dark evergreen column.
• Summer: Dense, dark-green needled foliage forms a clean, formal vertical wall.
• Fall: Holds its rich green color while deciduous neighbors drop; red arils may appear.
• Winter: Stays evergreen and structural — one of the few upright evergreens for Minnesota shade, anchoring the bed through the long off-season.

At a Glance

✔ Evergreen   ✔ Shade-Tolerant   ✔ Four-Season Interest

Plant It With

• Nova Japanese Yew — another cold-hardy columnar yew for matched formal screening.
• Citation Columnar Yew — a dense upright yew that pairs cleanly in formal compositions.
• Dark Green Spreader Yew — a low spreading yew to ground the base of the columns.
• Taunton Spreading Yew — a heat- and cold-tolerant spreader for the front of a shaded foundation.

Is Stonehenge Yew Right for Your Yard?

Stonehenge is ideal for full sun to deep shade in well-drained soil, and its pencil-narrow form fits tight spots where most evergreens won't — between windows, along a walk, or flanking a door. Not a fit for sites with standing water (yews resent wet feet), and in high deer-pressure yards plan on fencing or repellent, since deer will browse yews despite their toxicity.