Taxus media – The yew, the millennia-old conifer with a majestic form
A 9-year-old outdoor bonsai with legendary longevity and an ancient character. Taxus media, a cross between the European and Japanese yew, is one of the longest-living conifers in the world: in nature, specimens over 1,000 years old can be found. With its slow growth and dark, compact evergreen foliage, it brings a quiet, dignified presence to any outdoor space.
Included in the kit: Taxus media bonsai + drip tray.
Important notes: The bonsai’s shape and dimensions are approximate (including the pot). The pot’s color and shape may differ from the photographs. As living plants, their appearance changes with the seasons; the images are therefore for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute a contractual commitment.
Main features
- Habitat: Outdoors – full sunlight, all year round
- Leaf type: Evergreen
- Family: Taxaceae
- Growth: Slow, with great longevity
- Approximate dimensions (width × depth × height): 31 × 27 × 35 cm
- Pot size: Under 16 cm
Interesting facts
Taxus is one of the longest-living trees on the planet: in nature, specimens several centuries old can be found, some more than 1,000 years old. Its wood is extremely hard and dense, yet remarkably elastic and flexible – qualities that made it the preferred material in ancient times for building war and hunting bows.
Position
Place it outdoors in full sunlight all year round. Taxus needs both sunlight and winter cold to produce its characteristic red fruits. Not suitable for growing indoors.
Watering
Abundant in summer, moderate in winter. Avoid waterlogging, always ensuring that the substrate has good drainage.
Fertilization
In spring and autumn, use the organo-mineral fertilizer Hiryo Gold or the fast-acting fertilizer Nutribonsai.
Repotting
Every 3–5 years, at the beginning of spring. After repotting, watering with Mistral Bonsai’s Vitabonsai revitalizer is recommended to speed up the plant’s recovery.
Substrate
Terrabonsai – a special bonsai substrate that meets water and nutritional needs, promoting root development and overall vigor.
Pruning
During winter. When pruning, always leave leaves and buds on the branch: a completely bare branch tends to dry out.
Pinching
In spring: pinch the new shoots with your fingers during the growing season to encourage branching. If you want the plant to produce fruit, wait until flowering has ended before intervening.
Wiring
From September to March, during the dormant period.
