The living art of plant shaping that spans a period of two thousand years. Today this form is used outdoor or indoor, coaxed into any creation you possibly dream up. Topiaries can be in the form of clipped plants or you may form them over wire frames. Some of the more popular clipped forms are geometric globes, squartes, pyramids or plants trained as standards with clipped tops. The art also extends to Hedge-craft (whimsical sculptured forms), flat topiary (patterns on the ground), Knot gardens (gardens surrounded by low hedges set out in symetry), Parterre (planting in knots and fleur-de-lis patterns), and Espalier ( the training of plants onto walls in a restricted pattern).
Potting- Select a pot 1 1/2 times the diameter of the clipped ball or shape. Repot the topiary every 3-4 years. A pot 32cm across is recommended for the first 3-4 years of growing.
Potting Mix - Plant with a soil mix which holds enough moisture to keep the topiary moist.
Feeding- use a slow relese fertiliser every six months. In the Spring and again in the Autumn.
Watering - At least twice a week if the weather is dry, and in hot weather during summer you may need to water more often.
Clipping - may be required twice or more throughout the year. Clip to shape in early spring to allow new growth to form evenly all over. When new leaves mature to the same size as the old leaves in Summer clip again to shape slightly larger than before.
Sunlight- make sure your topiary has sunlight regularly if you are growing it indoors. If it is inside three weeks then place outside for a two week rest in the daylight.
Spraying - Check branches and leaves scale insects which leave sooty deposits, every 4-6 months and spray with an all purpose garden oil as directed. If you also detect aphids or other insects then spray with pure soapy water or an insecticide following the directions on the bottle.
Plants suitable for Shaping - Buxus, Chamaecyparis, Cotoneaster, Cuppressus, Ilex crenata, Ligustrum, Santolina, Pyracantha, Lonicera nitida, Hebe, Laurus nobilis, Juniperus.
Plants for wire framed Topiary - Ficus, Helexine, Sedum, Hedera, Corsican mint, Penny royal, Thyme, Sagina.