what plants are good for topiary

Plants like the holly, laurel, boxwood, and privet

possess these attributes and are excellent choices for topiary. The most popular amongst these choices is the boxwood. This is especially true for varieties such as the "Morris Dwarf" which keeps its compact shape even if it isn't trimmed.

Full Answer

Which plants make the best topiaries?

Which Plants Make the Best Topiaries?

1. Shrubs. Shrubs produce small, thick leaves and have dense foliage. ...
2. Herbs. Sometimes smaller is better for table tops. ...
3. Hedges. Hedges make excellent topiary (aka, live topiary trees). ...
4. Vines. Vines are a bit different then the other plants listed thus far. ...
5. Sphagnum Moss. ...
6. Brush Cherry. ...
7. Topiary Frame Instructions. ...

What types of evergreens are used for a topiary?

Which Plants Make the Best Topiaries?

• Boxwood. Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) is a drought tolerant shrub that gets its name from the box-shaped leaves present on the young plants.
• Yew. Yew (Taxus cuspidata) makes a good shrub for a topiary because it does not have the tendency to lose lower leaves as it matures.
• English Holly. ...

What are the best garden plants?

Vegetables

• Leafy Greens. There aren’t many vegetables that are easier to grow than leafy greens! ...
• Cabbage. Cabbage is technically a leafy green, but I mention it separately because it’s also a cruciferous vegetable.
• Radishes. ...
• Broccoli. ...
• Winter Squash. ...
• Pumpkin. ...
• Zucchini. ...
• Peas. ...
• Beets. ...
• Carrots. ...

More items...

How do you trim a topiary?

What tools do you need for topiary?

• Hedge Shears. Use hedge shears for trimming new growth from your topiary shrub. …
• Secateurs. Secateurs, also known as pruning or hand shears, also come in handy for trimming topiary shrubs. …
• Long-Handled Shears. …
• Pole Pruner.

What is the best plant for a topiary?

Plants like the holly, laurel, boxwood, and privet possess these attributes and are excellent choices for topiary. The most popular amongst these choices is the boxwood. This is especially true for varieties such as the "Morris Dwarf" which keeps its compact shape even if it isn't trimmed.

What plants can you do topiary on?

Plants suitable for topiary Typically box (Buxus sempervirens) and yew (Taxus baccata) are used, however other evergreens such as privet (Ligustrum japonicum), holly (Ilex) and Lonicera nitida can be used.

What is the best tree for shaping?

Phillyrea latifolia. Fantastic in every way, with rich foliage that looks good even on a dull winter's day. ... Laurus nobilis (Bay) Great for simple, larger-scale shapes, this is readily available and easy to grow.Quercus ilex (Holm Oak) ... Ligustrum ovalifolium (Privet) ... Elaeagnus umbellata (Oleaster)

Do topiaries come back every year?

Do Topiary Trees Come Back Every Year? Topiaries will return every year with proper care. Most are evergreens and don't lose their leaves over the winter. Some topiaries are not cold-hardy, and this can be a problem if they are planted in the ground.

How do I start a topiary?

1:416:46How to Start a Topiary w/ Linda Vater // Garden Answer - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStandard one that has a larger ball at the bottom. And a smaller ball at the top with a section ofMoreStandard one that has a larger ball at the bottom. And a smaller ball at the top with a section of stem that will show and kind of differentiate.

What bushes are good for shaping?

Shrubs and bushes that are best for shaping and topiaryDwarf Alberta spruce (picea glauca 'Conica') Ragesoss | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 3.0. ... Arborvitae (thuja) F. D. Richards | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0. ... Boxwood (buxus) cocoparisienne | Pixabay. ... 4. Japanese holly (ilex crenata) ... Yaupon holly (ilex vomitoria) ... Yew (taxus)

Does topiary need full sun?

Topiaries are for outdoor use only, preferring full to partial sun, and requiring a minimum of 4-5 hours of direct sunlight each day. Plants will defoliate if brought inside or planted in the shade.

What type of trees are topiary trees?

Common species chosen for topiary include cultivars of European box (Buxus sempervirens), arborvitae (Thuja species), bay laurel (Laurus nobilis), holly (Ilex species), myrtle (Eugenia or Myrtus species), yew (Taxus species), and privet (Ligustrum species).

How do you plant topiary trees in pots?

1:233:40Potting A Topiary Tree - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStart laying soil equally all around the newly placed plant. So that it doesn't tilt to one side.MoreStart laying soil equally all around the newly placed plant. So that it doesn't tilt to one side. And just like that you have successfully repotted your plant.

Why are my topiaries dying?

Many topiaries die of thirst When you receive your topiary, examine the first inch of soil to see if it is wet or dry. Better yet, pop the plant out of its pot and give the roots a close look. If they appear parched, water the plant thoroughly, then check daily to see if the surface of the soil is dry.

Are topiaries hard to keep alive?

Topiaries are appealing indoor plants, especially at holiday time, but they're often difficult to keep alive.

Can topiary grow in pots?

If you are intending on keeping your topiary in a pot, transfer the plant to a pot that is 1.5 to 2 times larger than its root ball and fill with good-quality, free-draining compost. Elevate pots to ensure that excess water drains away completely. Plants will probably need re-potting every 2 to 3 years.

Which of the following shrub is used for making topiary in garden?

Shrubs like Dwarf Burford Holly, Eugenia, Compacta Holly, Rosemary and other are apt for topiary forms.

What is topiary write the examples of plants that are used for topiary?

topiary, the training of living trees and shrubs into artificial, decorative shapes. Thickly leaved evergreen shrubs are used in topiary; the best subjects are box, cypress, and yew, although others—such as rosemary, holly, and box honeysuckle—are used with success.

Does topiary need full sun?

Topiaries are for outdoor use only, preferring full to partial sun, and requiring a minimum of 4-5 hours of direct sunlight each day. Plants will defoliate if brought inside or planted in the shade.

How do you topiary a bush?

2:185:17How To Create a Spiral Topiary - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can always get a smaller shrub or plant to experiment on until you're confident to move up toMoreYou can always get a smaller shrub or plant to experiment on until you're confident to move up to this larger. Size so it helps if you start from the tip to the base.

Topiary: a little history

When and how topiary was first applied is not known for sure. We do know, however, that the art of cutting plants into shape goes back a long way: as far back as ancient Egypt, trees were cut into specific shapes. The reason for this was not aesthetic: rather, they wanted to plant as many trees as possible on a plot of land.

Boxwood: king of topiary?

For a long time boxwood was considered the king of topiary. In England, true statues have long been cut from boxwood. There, topiary is called “topiary”, a term that is also sometimes used in European for topiary as topiari.

Japanese holly: an equal substitute?

As an equal substitute for the boxwood is not infrequently recommended Japanese holly. This is not surprising: after all, the Japanese holly ‘Dark Green’® looks particularly similar to the boxwood. In addition, this hedge plant is ideal for topiary.

Taxus baccata

The common yew, or Taxus baccata, is also excellent for topiary. The common yew is an exception, because other conifers do not tolerate topiary well and it is not possible to achieve such a beautiful result with them. Taxus baccata is an attractive evergreen hedge plant that also looks good as a specimen.

The different varieties of laurel

The different varieties of cherry laurel are also suitable for topiary. However, with the cherry laurel, it is rather the simple geometric shapes that come into their own. Complicated shapes, such as those possible with boxwood or Japanese holly, are much more difficult to create because of the rapid growth of the cherry laurel.

Even more suitable plants for topiary

There are other evergreen hedge plants that are suitable for topiary. How about creeping spindle or hedge myrtle, for example? Creeping spindle, like cherry laurel, cannot be used to cut complicated shapes, but a sphere or a pyramid can be achieved effortlessly.

What is the best topiary plant?

Plants like the holly, laurel, boxwood, and privet possess these attributes and are excellent choices for topiary. The most popular amongst these choices is the boxwood. This is especially true for varieties such as the "Morris Dwarf" which keeps its compact shape even if it isn't trimmed. Then there are hollies that have leaves ...

What are some good hedges for topiary?

Hedges make excellent topiary (aka, live topiary trees). The aforementioned shrubs are also good for hedge topiary (hollies, laurel, etc.). Hedges are often used to sculpt cylindrical geometric shapes such as spirals, pyramids, cones, and so on. These types of shapes are easiest if the plant has a needle structure or has dense leaves. If you have a taller formation in mind, plants such as Alberta, arborvitae, yews, and hollies should be your top choices. Hollies that have traditional holly leaves can be trimmed into any shape that you desire. If you have a cylindrical topiary in mind, the Anglo-Japanese yew and the common yew tend to grow in a cylindrical shape, making them the perfect choice for such a project. The Alberta spruce is one of the more popular choices for spirals and Arborvitaes are best for designs that are more statuesque in nature, such as cones, obelisks, or even spirals.

What is a topiary made of?

As an added bonus, topiary made from herbs have a fragrant aroma. The most desirable herbs in the topiary world are the ones with small, dense foliage such as thyme, lavender, and rosemary. Herbs can be constructed into any number of forms. Thyme is noted for its unique dark purple and white flowers and earthy scent whereas Rosemarie is known ...

What to put in topiary frames?

Such plants as Japanese holly and boxwood work very nicely to bring a topiary frame to life. And if you use rosemary, thyme, and lavender to surround your outdoor topiary frames, you’ll add not only beauty but also fragrance and tiny flowers to your surroundings.

What to use to cover a topiary?

Plants with dense foliage cover wire topiary frame completely and cover a homemade, DIY topiary very well. Such plants as Japanese holly and boxwood work very nicely to bring a topiary frame to life. And if you use rosemary, thyme, and lavender to surround your outdoor topiary frames, you’ll add not only beauty but also fragrance and tiny flowers to your surroundings. Ivy vines remain another wise choice for forming complex outdoor topiary forms, as they are easy to manipulate into place.

What is a vine topiary?

Vine topiary design includes animals, shapes, statues and any other shape that you can think of. Simply pin the ivy to the topiary form (such as a small statue or wire mesh elephant) and allow the ivy to grow until it completely covers the object.

How to shape a topiary?

One of the most popular ways of shaping topiary is by training a plant by using a frame (i.e., an elephant topiary would require a frame in the shape of an elephant). Depending on the skill of the artist, topiary can be sculpted from just the plant alone. With that being said, we've assembled a list of the plants that make the best topiary.

How much sun does a cypress need?

The cypress bush needs full sun or at least 8 hours of sun exposure to thrive. Before planting this bush, you should pick a sunny spot for your new topiary plant.

Can Ivy be planted in full sun?

Ivy does well in partial shade to full sun, meaning you can plant it just about anywhere. If you have any four-legged friends, be mindful of your planting as it is toxic to cats and dogs. This plant can be sensitive to overwatering, so let your soil dry out a little bit before giving it a drink.

Can lavender be used as a topiary?

Traditionally lavender is used aromatically or in small batches. But if you grow it larger, it works as a topiary plant.

Do hedges grow in full sun?

This hedge will grow quickly, making it perfect if you are in dire need of a hedge for your yard. Once it starts growing is when you can start shaping these hedges to your liking. These shrubs do best in full sun or part sun with lots of water.

Does a laurel plant soundproof?

A fun fact about the laurel plant is that it acts as an excellent sound barrier if you need to do some soundproofing. Place this outside a bedroom window to block out the outside world. The evergreen shrub will absorb the sound around it.

Do you want different topiary plants?

Depending on your growing skills, and greenery preference, you may want different topiary plants from other gardeners and growers.

What is a good topiary shrub?

Other shrubs you might try? The herb lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) makes a lovely, small topiary plant and has a pleasing fragrance. Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis) comes in all sizes and bears dense, flat, scaly needles. Or for a fun option, try doing topiary with germander herbs (Teucrium fruticans). It’s an evergreen, a good topiary shrub and doubles as a top edging plant.

How long has topiary been around?

Topiary has been around for a long time, and people have been shaping shrubs for hundreds of years. Over the years, a few types of shrubs have proved particularly successful for trimming and sheering into forms. These are the classic topiary varieties.

Can bushes be used as shrubs?

In theory, any bushes can be used as shrubs for topiaries since they can all be shaped to one degree or other. But given that the intention of topiary is to create a recognizable, three-dimensional form, you’ll want to pick topiary plants that have a dense branching pattern and small leaves.

Do topiary shrubs grow quickly?

The best topiary shrubs will also grow fairly quickly. This is an advantage since any little mistakes you make will quickly disappear, giving you the opportunity to try the topiary again.

Can you talk about topiary plants without talking about boxwood?

You can’t talk about topiary plants without talking about boxwood (Buxus spp.). Boxwood is ideal for shaping because of its small, glossy leaves and dense branching structure. Boxwood has no problem with sheering and can be used to create very intricate shapes in the garden. The only problem with boxwood worth mentioning is its susceptibility to box blight.

What is the best topiary plant?

Such plants as holly, laurel, boxwood, and privet are excellent choices for topiary. But boxwood, especially morris dwarf, is the best topiary plant choice because of its compact shape, even if it's trimmed.

What herbs are good for topiaries?

When it comes to small-scale topiaries, herbs like thymus spp or thyme should be your choice. Thyme isn’t only a culinary favorite, but it's also a suitable plant for topiaries because of its compact nature and tidy appearance.

What is the best hedge for topiaries?

Some hedge plants can double as excellent choices for topiaries, and Ligustrum spp is one of them. Its timeless aesthetic makes it perfect for privacy. This topiary plant grows and requires less effort to shape than other topiaries. You'll also appreciate its superior tolerance to salt and urban pollution.

What is the best buxus for topiary?

The best buxus for topiary include English box, Dutch box, and Japanese box.

Why use boxwood topiaries?

You can use boxwood topiaries to balance your entryway and other simple applications like creating a basic hedge.

Which is easier to grow, a topiary or a shrub?

Topiary plants are easier to grow than any other ornamental tree or shrub. The best topiaries among trees, herbs, and shrubs bear small leaves. They also grow quickly and have a dense branching pattern.

How big does rosemary grow?

It can grow up to 3 feet tall and 15 inches wide at full-grown, but it needs little pruning to be used for topiary projects. It’s also known for its white flowers and pleasant scent.

What herbs can be used as topiaries?

Herb and Citrus Plants. Woody herbs such as rosemary, thyme and lavender can be trimmed into geometric shapes. Typical designs for herbal topiaries include balls, cones and squares. Herbal topiaries can be grown in pots and used indoors. Meyer lemon, a small citrus tree, can be trained as a topiary standard as well.

Which topiary plant grows best in partial shade?

They grow best in areas with partial sunlight and partial shade throughout the day. Japanese holly (Ilex crenata) is a popular topiary plant. Podocarpus has the best growth when placed in an area with full sunlight.

What plants can be planted in moss?

Stars, animals and human forms are stuffed with moss and planted with hen and chicks (Sempervirum), begonias, scented geraniums and coleus. Other choices for moss-packed frames include popular houseplants such as the polka dot plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya) and wandering jew (Tradescantia), sedums, sedges, mosses and grasses.

What is a topiary plant?

The Best Plants for Topiary. Topiary is an ancient form of living sculpture. From simple geometric designs to complex animal or still-life scenes, topiaries can be used indoors or out to create formal or fanciful garden accents. Beginners may want to start by training vines around a pre-designed frame. For more advanced or adventurous gardeners and ...

Which azaleas grow best in a dome?

Podocarpus has the best growth when placed in an area with full sunlight. It can tolerate poor soils and urban environments. Azaleas (Rhododendron spp.) tolerate pruning into mounded, dome, stone or cloud-shaped topiaries. Different varieties of azaleas tolerate different zones.

Can you train a free form topiary?

For more advanced or adventurous gardeners and artists, free-form topiary shapes can be trained and trimmed from a variety of shrubs and plants. Topiary requires patience and maintenance, but the results are worth the effort.

Evergreens

Ligustrum spp. is an ideal plant for topiary. Its timeless aesthetic makes it easier to shape than other types of topiaries. In addition, its resistance to urban pollution and salt makes it an excellent choice. Not only are they hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9, but they are also adaptable and can be used for a variety of topiary purposes.

Bushy habit

Traditional topiary forms use evergreen foliage pruned into geometric shapes such as spirals and tiered plates. Representational forms have also been popular. Royal botanist John Parkinson found privet “adequate” for carving. Evergreens have typically been the first choice in Early Modern topiary. Boxwood and yew are both commonly used.

Acid-loving

There are some famous and popular acid-loving plants for topiary, including Heather, Salvia, and Hydrangea. Although they are best grown in an acidic soil, they can adapt to a neutral one. Here are some suggestions. First of all, you need to have the proper pH levels for the soil you are planting.

Podocarpus

Podocarpus is often used as a Japanese topiary. Its sparse foliage and clouds-like appearance make it a perfect choice for this type of topiary. The plant is so beautiful that it is used in Buddhist temple gardens, and Disney even uses it to create character shrubs for the parks. This plant is relatively hardy, but does require stakes.

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Here Are Some Tips For Choosing plants for topiary

Are you stressed out by finding the perfect plants for topiary? When considering the purchase of plants for topiary in general, have you ever felt uncertain about what model to select?

This Feature Includes

The only features you need are a few useful ones. When choosing the top plants for topiary, we take into consideration all the important features.

One Last Thought

These were the criteria that we used to choose our best plants for topiary. Are these the only criteria to consider? No, they are not! You can always find the latest and most relevant information on our website.