Deer-Resistant

Spreading Japanese Plum Yew

Cephalotaxus harringtonia 'Prostrata'

$27.00 Sold out
1 Gallon USDA Zones 6–9 Part Shade, Full Shade, and Full Sun Matures 3–4 Feet

The spreading plum yew, Cephalotaxus harringtonia 'Prostrata' layers low, lush, dark green needles into a deer-proof evergreen groundcover for shade.

Pickup currently unavailable at Aiken Nursery

Healthy-arrival guarantee Free shipping over $150
Roots wrapped in moist soil and padded for safe transit
Grown and shipped from our nursery in Aiken, SC
Shipping later in the season? Schedule your delivery date in your cart.

Cephalotaxus harringtonia 'Prostrata' is the spreading Japanese plum yew, a low, wide-growing evergreen prized for lush, dark green, needle-like foliage and an easy way with shade. Where the species and its columnar forms stand upright, 'Prostrata' lays out horizontally, three or four feet high and twice as wide, layering into a handsome evergreen groundcover or low border.

Native to the forests of Japan and Korea and grown in Western gardens since the mid-nineteenth century, the plum yew is one of the most shade-tolerant and deer-resistant of evergreens, thriving where junipers and true yews struggle. In Japan the plant carries associations of longevity and resilience, and it earns them: slow, durable, and untroubled by heat, dry shade, or browsing deer. A superb evergreen for the difficult ground beneath trees, along a shaded path, or sprawling over a low wall.

Will this plant thrive in your zone?

Plant Profile
At a glance
Hardiness
USDA Zones 6–9
Sun
Part Shade, Full Shade, Full Sun
Soil
Well-drained, Moist, Dry
Mature size
Height 3–4 Feet · Spread 8–10 Feet
Growth rate
Slow
Seasonality
Evergreen
Design Notes

Use 'Prostrata' as an evergreen groundcover or low, layered border in the hard places: dry shade beneath trees, a shaded slope or path, the foot of a north wall, or sprawling over a low retaining wall. One of the best shade-and-deer-proof evergreens, the plum yew fills ground where junipers scorch and hostas get browsed, and pairs handsomely with ferns, hellebores, and broadleaf evergreens. Slow but durable; give moist, well-drained soil to establish, then leave the plant to spread.

Flower, Fruit & Foliage

Inconspicuous (dioecious conifer)

Foliage. Lush, dark green, glossy, needle-like leaves arranged along low, spreading, layered branches, soft to the touch and evergreen the year round.

Cones. Dioecious; female plants set fleshy, olive-like, plum-shaped seeds where a male grows nearby, the flowers themselves small and easily overlooked.

Habit. Low and wide, three to four feet tall and eight to ten across, slow-growing and durable, a natural evergreen groundcover.

Care

Read our full care guide

Light. Part to full shade, and tolerant of full sun; one of the few conifers genuinely at home in dry shade.

Soil. Well-drained, humus-rich soil; adaptable to sand, loam, or clay and tolerant of dry ground once settled.

Water. Keep moist through the first season, then moderately drought-tolerant.

Pruning. Little needed; trim in late winter to shape or to keep the spread in bounds.

Hardiness. Reliable through USDA Zones 6 to 9; heat-tolerant and deer-resistant, shelter from harsh winter wind at the cold edge.

Here’s a closer look at how we produce our plants

From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.

Woodlanders Growing Process

Because most of our plants are grown from rooted cuttings — alongside seed, air layering, and grafting chosen for each variety — you receive a stronger, true-to-type plant that establishes quickly in your garden.

Sustainable Growing Practices

Raised on organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management — never harsh chemicals — your plant arrives healthy for your garden, your family, and the pollinators they feed.

Supporting Local Biodiversity

Every purchase gives back. We donate to the Aiken Arboretum and support local wildlife conservation, so growing your garden helps protect the wider ecosystem too.

At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.
Grown in Aiken, South Carolina
At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.

All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.

Learn more about Woodlanders
Healthy plants, ready to thrive
Success, made simple
Healthy plants, ready to thrive

Your plant arrives carefully packed and ready to settle in. Unpack them promptly, give them a day or two to acclimate, then plant following the notes we include — that’s all it takes. Clear care guidance comes with every order, so success is the easy part.

Read the care guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What to expect upon delivery

All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.

Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.

What is your return policy?

Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.

What payment methods can I use?

We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.

Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?

At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.

Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.