Topiary: The Best Varieties
Not all evergreen shrubs are suitable for regular trimming, so here are some of the best types, to help you find just the right one and make it thrive.
Buxus: The Traditional Choice
The common box is an all-time favourite. With its dense, dark-green foliage, it is perfect in partial shade in pots as well as in the ground. It is low maintenance, since it is slow growing. It is therefore ideal where space is limited.
Photo: Buxus balls with Alliums and Silver Birches
Growing tips:
Soil: Well-drained, moist but well-drained
Aspect: Partial shade
Pruning: 2 to 3 times during the growing season (between March and September)
Feeding: For best results, use Top Buxus Health Mix as a foliar feed to prevent box blight.
Taxus: The Foolproof Native Option
If you think that you are not green-fingered then you might want to try the yew. Very easy to grow and tolerant of all aspects and urban pollution, this native, evergreen conifer is a great choice for beginners.
Photo: Taxus balls and hedge with pachysandra
Growing tips:
Soil: Well-drained, fertile
Aspect: Full sun to Shade
Pruning: 2 to 3 times during the growing season (between March and September)
Bay: The Aromatic Choice For Sunny Gardens
This native mediterranean tree has aromatic, oblong leaves widely used for tasty stews and soups. It is a better choice for sunny and coastal gardens where the foliage of the buxus could get scorched.
It will need more space, however, although it can be grown in large containers.
Growing Tips:
Soil: Well-drained
Aspect: Full sun to partial shade.
Pruning: Early Spring and Late Summer
If topiary is most often green, the Photinia (Red Robin) will add that touch of colour with its foliage emerging red before maturing to dark green. Don’t expect to have very tight animal shapes in the garden as they will benefit from a light trimming, keeping the shape slightly loose.
Larger than the other types, it is still suitable for large pots in sheltered gardens.
Growing tips:
Soil: Well-drained
Aspect: Full sun to Partial shade
Pruning: Spring and late summer
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