Taxus Cuspidata Nana Japanese Yew Topiary

Taxus Cuspidata Nana, commonly known as Japanese Yew Nana, is a compact dwarf conifer with a spreading form and resilient nature. A male selection of the Japanese Yew species, this variety will not produce berries. It has rich matt-green needles and a dense, irregular structure making it a dependable choice for landscape borders. These particular specimens have been pruned into a ‘Bonsai Pompom-style’ shape and are a perfect addition to a formal style or contemporary garden or terrace. 

Left to its own devices, Japanese Yew Nana forms a low-growing, broad mound with short, rigid shoots that carry tightly packed, radially arranged needles. The foliage is deep green with a soft, matte finish. Over time, its habit becomes attractively irregular, creating natural character and visual movement even in clipped or structured settings.

These topiary-styled Bonsai Pompom specimens of Taxus Cuspidata Nana are living works of art that highlight the plant’s naturally dense growth habit. These topiary plants are carefully trained to develop a multi-tiered structure, with each level of foliage clipped into rounded pompom-like clouds that appear to float along the short, woody stems. The contrast between the deep matt-green foliage and the sculptural, gnarled branches beneath gives the plant a sense of maturity and balance reminiscent of traditional Japanese garden design.

Each pompom is distinct yet harmonious, arranged with slight asymmetry for a natural and fluid look. The fine, stiff needles hold their colour throughout the year, and the close pruning enhances their radial arrangement, resulting in a clean, architectural finish. These bonsai-style pompoms make exceptional focal points for courtyards, terraces, or Japanese-themed gardens, and their compact nature allows for easy placement in plant containers. Over time, they develop even greater character as the woody framework thickens and the foliage mounds become more refined.

This variety has historical significance, having been first sent from Japan to the Netherlands in 1861 by the German botanist Philipp Franz von Siebold, where it became established as a reliable and enduring garden conifer.

How Hardy is Taxus Cuspidata Nana?

This is a fully hardy shrub, capable of withstanding cold winters typical of the UK climate. It thrives in both sun and partial shade and tolerates most well-drained soils. Once established, it is notably wind- and pollution-tolerant, performing equally well in rural and urban settings.

Uses in Garden and Landscape

Taxus Cuspidata Nana is ideal for use in formal designs. It can also be incorporated into Japanese-style landscapes, where its natural irregularity complements stone, gravel, and moss plantings. Pair it with other topiary forms such as Yew Topiary Domes, Yew Topiary Spirals and / or Japanese Holly Globes. For a special effect, pair these Japanese Yew Pompoms with our striking Japanese Cloud Trees. 

Care Tips

Plant in fertile, free-draining soil in a sunny or partially shaded position. Although Taxus Cuspidata Nana is tolerant of shade, brighter conditions encourage denser growth. Water regularly after planting until established, then only during prolonged dry periods. Light pruning can be carried out in late spring or midsummer to maintain shape, but heavy cutting is rarely needed. Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser in spring to support steady growth and retain the foliage’s deep green colour. 
Because Taxus Cuspidata Nana is slow-growing and long-lived, the pompom form is relatively low maintenance. An annual light trim is sufficient to keep the rounded shapes well defined, ensuring that each plant retains its elegant, sculptural appearance for many years.