Hicks Yew Growth - Behind Hydrangea Shrubs For Structure - November 2024

In the Fall of 2021, I made a big decision (or...what seemed like a BIG decision at the time) in our garden.  I opted to dig up some of our Oakleaf Hydrangeas and move them *out* from the fence.  They were planted to allow for their mature size, but tucked in closer to the fence.  After reading and observing our garden - and others online - I decided to invest in putting evergreen shrubs *behind* deciduous, flowering shrubs.  Here's the post from October 2021 where I talk about 'layering' and how most designs call for evergreens *in front of* shrubs like hydrangeas.  That's how it looks in our front yard.  But....this idea turns that concept on its ear - by putting the evergreens BEHIND the shrubs that lose their leaves in Winter. 

To do that, I needed to move out the Oakleaf Hydrangeas.  And plant some evergreens.  I opted for Hicks Yews - since this is a pretty much full-shade area.  I planted a five-dollar, one-gallon Hicks Yew in October 2021.  

Today, after three full growing seasons, that small Hicks Yew is standing much taller and thicker.  See below for a look at the current growth of this upright, evergreen shrub:

Looks and feels like A LOT of growth.  The tip of the top of the Hicks Hew is ALMOST to the top of the fence.  And...habit-wise, this Hicks Yew is sticking true to its description:  tall, narrow and columnar.  

Here, below, is an animated before-and-after showing the growth since October 2021:

I'll go back and document the Hicks Yew Hedge in the far back to see if the growth over the years is similar.