The fascinating world of the stone yew Chocolate Box
The stone yew 'Chocolate Box' is a remarkable cultivar that has captured the hearts of gardeners and landscape designers alike. This cultivar, botanically known as Podocarpus alpinus 'Chocolate Box', is a variation of the traditional stone yew, prized for its elegant form, dark green foliage and versatility of use. In spring, its delicate new shoots contrast in a light brown colour with the dark green of the older leaves, creating a fascinating visual effect. In summer, it provides cool shade and forms an attractive backdrop for flowering perennials and summer flowers. When autumn arrives, the colour of 'Chocolate Box' deepens to a rich, chocolate-brown tone that contrasts with the bright autumn colours of other plants and infuses the garden with warmth.
From symbolism to biodiversity: the stone yew 'Chocolate Box' as the centrepiece of the garden
In addition to its aesthetic beauty, the stone yew 'Chocolate Box' also contributes to biodiversity by providing shelter for birds and attracting various insects. Its red berries, which appear in autumn, are an important food source for birds during the cold winter months and contribute to the diversity of life in the garden. In addition, the stone yew 'Chocolate Box' is not only an aesthetic asset to the garden, but also a plant with a fascinating history and cultural significance. Stone yews have been rooted in European culture for centuries and have often been associated with symbolism and rituals. Its evergreen leaves have often been interpreted as a sign of immortality and eternal life.
In today's world, where the value of nature and green spaces is increasingly recognised, the stone yew 'Chocolate Box' is more than just a plant - it is a source of inspiration, beauty and connection to nature. Whether in a formal garden, a wild woodland or an urban park, this remarkable stone yew will always play a central role, impressing people with its timeless elegance and cultural significance.
Easy to care for and elegant, the stone yew 'Chocolate Box'
With its compact habit and slow-growing nature, the stone yew 'Chocolate Box' is ideal for small gardens, container plantings or as an accent plant in mixed borders. Its dense, bushy form also makes it an excellent choice for formal hedges or structural planting. This plant is extremely low maintenance and tolerates a variety of soil conditions as long as they are well-drained. In terms of care, the stone yew 'Chocolate Box' requires minimal attention. Regular watering during dry periods and occasional fertiliser applications in spring are usually sufficient to maintain its health and beauty. Annual pruning in late winter or early spring helps to maintain shape and encourage growth.
Our plants are grown in pots and can therefore be planted all year round.
