Topiary is a horticultural practice that involves training and clipping perennial plants, typically evergreen shrubs and trees, into defined geometric or fanciful shapes. This ancient art form transforms ordinary greenery into living sculpture, adding structure and formality to a garden or landscape. Creating your own topiary is a rewarding, multi-season project that requires patience and regular attention. The process begins with careful selection of the plant and the intended method of training before the meticulous work of shaping can begin.
Selecting the Right Plant and Frame Type
The success of a topiary depends on selecting a plant species that responds well to frequent, close clipping and possesses dense foliage. Classic choices include Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens), known for its small, tight leaves and slow growth, and Yew (Taxus), which offers a similar dense, evergreen texture and tolerates hard pruning. Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata) is often recommended as an alternative to Boxwood due to its similar appearance but greater resistance to common blights and pests.
The two main methods for creating topiary require different plant structures. The first is the “standard” or “lollipop” form, which is a single-stemmed tree with a clear trunk and a dense, clipped sphere or cone on top. This method requires a plant with a strong, upright central leader, such as Privet (Ligustrum) or Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) for smaller kitchen topiaries.
The second method involves training flexible vines, like English Ivy (Hedera helix) or Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides), over a pre-made wire frame. When using a wire frame, it is typically filled with sphagnum moss or a potting mix, and small plants or cuttings are planted at the base. The vines are then pinned to the frame as they grow, covering the structure completely to create the desired shape. This method offers quicker results than the standard form, which can take years to develop, and encourages the interior density necessary for a crisp, defined silhouette.
Step-by-Step Guide to Training a Standard Topiary
The standard topiary, characterized by its clear stem and formal crown, begins with the careful potting and staking of a young plant. Select a healthy specimen with a single, straight main stem and plant it in a container slightly larger than its current root ball, ensuring proper drainage. Insert a sturdy, straight stake next to the main stem, pushing it securely into the soil without damaging the root system.
The first step is to encourage vertical growth by removing all lateral branches along the main stem up to the desired crown height. Use sharp, clean bypass pruners to cut these side shoots flush with the trunk, ensuring no stubs are left behind. The main stem should then be secured loosely to the central stake at several points with soft ties to keep it perfectly vertical as it thickens.
Allow the main stem to grow until it is several inches taller than the intended trunk height, providing material for the crown. Perform the “heading back” cut by snipping the main stem just above a node or a pair of healthy leaves at the final desired trunk height. This removal of the apical bud forces the plant to redirect its energy into developing lateral buds, initiating the formation of a dense, bushy crown.
As the new side branches emerge at the top, they must be consistently clipped back to promote a spherical or conical shape. Cut the new growth back by approximately one-half to two-thirds, which signals the plant to produce more branching and increases foliage density. A wire template, such as a circular frame, can be placed over the forming crown to serve as a visual guide, ensuring consistent, symmetrical shaping as the crown fills out.
Maintaining Shape and Health
Maintaining a topiary is a continuous process, requiring routine attention to both shape and plant vitality. Clipping frequency depends on the plant species and its growth rate; fast-growing varieties may need light trimming monthly during the active growing season. Slower-growing evergreens, like Boxwood, typically require shaping two to four times annually, usually from late spring through early fall.
Use sharp, specialized topiary shears or clippers for these frequent light trims, as dull blades can crush the leaves, resulting in brown, damaged edges. The technique involves shaving off only the newest growth that extends beyond the established shape, making small, incremental cuts while stepping back frequently to assess the overall form. Never cut back into old, leafless wood on most evergreen species, as they may not re-sprout, leaving a permanent gap in the foliage.
Potted topiaries require diligent watering because the confined root system and dense foliage cause them to dry out quickly. The soil should be kept consistently moist but never waterlogged, which can lead to root rot. Checking the soil moisture by inserting a finger a couple of inches deep is the most reliable method for determining when to water.
Topiaries kept in containers deplete soil nutrients rapidly and benefit from a regular fertilization schedule. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season, or use a liquid fertilizer monthly during spring and summer. Consistent feeding supports the vigorous, healthy growth needed for the plant to recover quickly from repeated trimming and maintain its dense appearance.