Scarification: soak in warm water, let stand in water for 24 hours
Stratification: cold stratify for 90 days
Germination: sow seed 1/2" deep, tamp the soil, mulch the seed bed
Other: may also require warm stratification, so germination may be delayed by 1 year.
Cephalotaxus sinensis, also known as Chinese Plum Yew, is a versatile evergreen shrub that can grow up to 5m at a slow rate. Native to central and southern China, this plant is a coniferous shrub or small tree in the plum yew family. It is very tolerant of pruning, making it an excellent choice for hedges in shady positions. Extracts from the plant have shown anticancer activity and the branches, roots, leaves, and seeds are a source of many alkaloids used to treat leukaemia and lymphosarcoma. The wood is also used to make furniture, farm implements, crafts, and utensils. This plant is hardy to zone 7 and prefers moist soil, making it suitable for woodland gardens, dappled shade, and hedge planting. It is easy to cultivate, prefers a semi-shaded position and although it is frost-tolerant, young growth in spring is frost-tender.
