It tolerates pruning well and makes an excellent formal hedge. It's also possible to grow evergreen shrubs in the shade. However, they do require well-drained soils. Yews often die in wet soils. They are also prone to winter injury when planted in windy, exposed sites.
Gardeners can choose from numerous varieties, which are variable in size.
Yews tolerate pruning well and are often pruned into formal hedges. While it may spread several feet, its mature height is only 12 inches. The foliage of Russian cypress is light green and resembles that of arborvitae. The planting of shade tolerant trees and shrubs, plus annuals, perennials, and groundcovers can make a shady site an attractive, cool respite in the yard. Iowa State University , Ames, Iowa.