What is a topiary plant?
Topiary is the clipping of woody plants (trees and shrubs) into shapes. These shapes can be simple or complex, geometric or organic. The goal is to create clearly defined shapes and forms that would not occur naturally in living plant material. Starting your own topiary: Decide upon the shape you wish to create. Balls, pyramids and cubes are a few of the easiest shapes to start with. Large or horizontal shapes may need more than one stem. Choose which plant you would like, and whether it is to be grown in the ground or in a pot, and then plant it.Try geometric shapes first, such as balls, cubes and pyramids. As the plant grows, you can start clipping it into shape, either by hand or using a frame. Below are a few quick guides for easy topiary shapes designs: balls, spirals and animals.Creating topiary does require patience, as it can take several years for your plant to grow into the shape you’re after. If you want quick results, the simplest solution is to visit your garden centre and buy a plant that has already been shaped. You can then keep it to shape with regular pruning.Disadvantages of Real Topiary: High Maintenance: Real topiaries need regular pruning to maintain their shape. And consistent watering and fertilizing is required. Without proper care, they may die back. Susceptibility to Pests and Diseases: Pests and diseases can damage or even kill the topiary if not properly managed.
What is meant by topiary?
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. Topiary artists use shapes like spheres, pyramids, domes, cylinders, and cubes. They can use these forms on their own or combine multiple forms to create interesting and fantastical plant sculptures.Traditional topiary forms use foliage pruned or trained into geometric shapes such as balls or cubes, obelisks, pyramids, cones, or tiered plates and tapering spirals. Representational forms depicting people, animals, and man-made objects have also been popular.
What are the best topiary plants for indoors?
Good choices include topiary moss and English ivy (Hedera helix). Look for plants with small to medium leaves. Other suitable topiary plants include creeping fig (Ficus pumila), hoya, rosemary, creeping thyme, grape ivy (Cissus rhombifolia), pothos, and wandering Jew (Tradescantia species). Aside from its unique shapes, Topiary is an evergreen shrub with a long-term lifespan – another excellent feature. For more information on how to effectively incorporate Topiary plants into your garden, read our ‘Top 5 Ways to Use Topiary’.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.Topiary ‘is back in fashion’ There are many different things that contribute to the overall look and feel of a garden, none of which are to be underestimated. Indeed, while certain styles may come and go, it is important not to forget the practical applications of certain considerations.
What trees are best for topiary?
So what trees and shrubs are best for topiary? The best trees are yew, holm oaks, holly, beech and hornbeam. Good evergreen shrubs include photinia, euonymus and pittosporum. Yew, holly, beech and hornbeam also make good smaller topiary. Traditionally, the answer to this question is yes: the vast majority of outdoor topiary trees are evergreen, allowing the desired shape to be maintained throughout the year. It’d be a shame for all that hard work to be in vain once winter rolls around, after all – keeping topiary trees in shape can be a labour of love.Do topiary trees grow in shade? Outdoor topiary trees generally require around 4–6 hours of full or partial sunlight and are not shade-loving plants.Topiary is one of the most impressive forms of gardening there is. The art form of crafting trees and shrubs into a particular silhouette, with such attention to detail, is stunning to say the least.Conclusion. In summary, topiary trees can indeed last through winter with the right care! By understanding their needs and preparing them for the colder months, you can enjoy the unique charm they bring to your garden, even when temperatures drop.
Can you grow topiary indoors?
It will thrive in a sunny kitchen, bathroom or sunroom. If you want to keep this topiary happy in winter, provide it with extra humidity. The profusion of small green leaves can be sculpted into one topiary with one, two or three globes of leaves supported on a single trunk. Outdoor topiary trees generally require around 4–6 hours of full or partial sunlight and are not shade-loving plants. They prefer full to partial sun, and will defoliate if brought inside or planted in the shade.Full sun – Plants need at least 6 hours of direct sun daily. Part sun – Plants thrive with between 3 and 6 hours of direct sun per day. Part shade – Plants require between 3 and 6 hours of sun per day, but need protection from intense mid-day sun. Full shade – Plants require less than 3 hours of direct sun per day.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 to keep a topiary alive?
Most topiaries thrive in warmth, humidity and sunlight—not unlike us! Humidity keeps topiaries healthy and happy. In the winter especially, when a lot of outdoor plants are brought inside to get out of the cold, you can mist the plant—even if it’s just once a week—to add moisture to the exterior of the leaves. Topiaries require daily watering in Spring, Summer and Fall months in Florida, and a minimum of 3-4 times per week in the Winter months. Improper watering will result in browning of leaves and die-back of branches.Most topiaries thrive in warmth, humidity and sunlight—not unlike us! Humidity keeps topiaries healthy and happy. In the winter especially, when a lot of outdoor plants are brought inside to get out of the cold, you can mist the plant—even if it’s just once a week—to add moisture to the exterior of the leaves.