Whether your topiary tree is in a pot or a focal point in your garden, you want to keep it looking green and healthy. You’ve got trimming down. After all, it’s just clipping off long growth but there’s more to caring for a topiary. If you have a topiary or are thinking about getting one, here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about these decorative trees.
Some questions you’ll want to ask your local arborist, like which specimens are right for your growing zone. Some trees do best in colder climates, while others love heat and plenty of sunlight.
Most topiary trees are dormant in the winter but check to make sure it applies to your plant. You can forgo fertilizing and pruning, but you may need to water occasionally. It depends on the climate and type of tree. You may have to cover your topiary in freezing temperatures. Avoid using plastic, it can freeze to the plant causing damage. You can find inexpensive clothes designed to protect plants from freezing. Old bed sheets also work, just be sure the plant is completely covered. Another tip is to pile mulch around the root base and lower trunk. You may lose some of the foliage to cold temperatures, but the plant will stay alive. In a few seasons, it will be back to its former appearance.
It’s easy to over or underwater a topiary tree. It doesn’t matter if it is in a pot or planted in the ground. Potted plants will dry out faster, so be prepared for almost daily watering. If you see the soil starting to pull away from the pot, it’s time to water. You can also do a finger test. Insert a finger a few inches into the soil for planted topiaries. If the soil is dry, go ahead and water. Topiaries in the ground generally need water two to three times a week, depending on average rainfall. Consider a preserved Topiary Tree.
Shaping a topiary tree is easier than you may imagine, especially if you keep up with the new growth. You already have the form to follow, you just have to keep the shape. You will need a pair of sharp pruners and a little patience. You want to trim slowly and only clip the new growth. Cutting too deep can ruin the topiary’s shape. It’s also best to trim in the morning. You have plenty of light without the afternoon heat.
Most topiary trees do not die in the winter if they’re evergreen. Deciduous trees, ones that lose their leaves in the fall, are also often cold-weather hardy. You will find exceptions, some plants cannot survive in extended cold temperatures. These plants should stay in pots so you can move them inside during freezing weather. Your topiary should come with care instructions, if not ask your arborist if your topiary is winter-hardy.
Topiaries in general require around 6 hours of full or partial sunlight. These are not shade-loving plants. If you notice yellowing leaves, and it’s not due to improper watering, it can be a sign your topiary needs more sun.
You aren’t limited on options when it comes to the types of topiaries, several species are ideal. Some are evergreens and others produce flowers or winter berries. Here are a few plants that are the best choice for a topiary tree.
The best time to trim a topiary is in the early to late summer. It is when the plant needs to expel the least amount of energy to heal the cut. Throughout the year, you can make small cuts to the new growth, but refrain from performing any extensive trimming.
Topiaries turn brown for a few reasons. It may be caused by too little water. A lack of sunlight can also cause leaves to turn brown, even on evergreen trees. If your topiary is potted, it may be root-bound. It means the tree has outgrown the pot. The disease is another option, and you can find fungicides on the market. Before you apply chemicals, check with a local expert. Plant diseases differ according to the growing region.
Planting a topiary in a pot only requires a few steps and a couple of essential items. Along with the plant, you need a pot and some garden soil. The pot should be larger than the tree’s root base and deep enough to hold the plant. Look for garden soil designed for trees, it usually comes with essential nutrients.
Topiary balls are fun shapes that draw attention but it’s not always easy keeping the form. Even with heavy pruning in the summer, your topiary ball can look lopsided. Throughout the year, (check your local nursery for seasonality when to prune), prune any excess growth before it gets out of control. It also makes it easier for you to follow the original shape. Remember to always use sharp clippers and prune flat against the leaves. You’ll get all of the overgrowths without cutting too deep.
As a general rule, topiaries need full or partial sun, but you can find a few that can live in shady areas. Yews and boxwoods are two examples, but they still need a couple of hours of sunlight. Another option is the Hemlock bush, but it is not recommended. All parts of the plant are highly toxic. It is also illegal to grow in some communities.
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. The best advice is to choose a topiary that thrives in your region.
Decorating with topiary balls opens up lots of possibilities. The balls can be grown in staggering hanging baskets. Decorative pots also work great. You can even hang small ornaments from the branches. Make sure the decorations are lightweight, so you don’t have to worry about broken tree limbs. Lights are another option, but not recommended. It looks pretty but the heat from the lights can burn the leaves. Ribbons and fake snow are great around Christmas time, and you may not even notice the lack of twinkling lights.
If left alone, a Eugenia topiary can quickly grow up to 20 feet in height. It’s a fast grower, and something to consider if you plant one as a topiary. With regular trimming, the topiaries stay around 5-10 feet. It’s still a tall topiary, but it will be a focal point in your yard or garden.
Topiaries make a unique statement indoors and outside. The sculptured plants are also surprisingly easy to care for. Remember to water and fertilize throughout the growing season and keep pruning to a minimum except in the summer. If you are having problems with your topiary, your local arborist is here to help. Scroll To Top
As the cold weather approaches, gardeners start prepping their yards and begin winterizing their plants. If you have topiaries in your garden, you may be wondering – do topiary trees last in winter?
The good news is, with proper care most topiary trees can survive the winter months. However certain steps need to be taken to protect them from harsh conditions. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know to help your topiary trees thrive this winter.
Topiaries are shrubs or trees that are clipped and trained into ornamental shapes like spirals, cubes pyramids and more. The most popular plants used for topiary are boxwood, yew, privet, and holly.
Since topiaries require frequent clipping to maintain their shape, there is some maintenance required in winter as well. However, the efforts are well worth it when you can enjoy the unique beauty these living sculptures bring to your winter garden.
When cared for properly, most topiaries can survive freezing temperatures and come back healthy in spring But before winter arrives, some preparation is needed.
Evaluating the Winter Hardiness of Your Topiaries
The first step is checking the hardiness zone of your topiaries. This determines which plants can survive winter in your area.
Here’s a quick overview of the winter hardiness of some popular topiary plants:
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Boxwood – Extremely hardy, can survive even in freezing zones of -15°F (-26°C).
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Yew – Very hardy, survives down to -10°F (-23°C).
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Holly – Hardy to about 0°F (-18°C).
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Privet – Tolerates cold to -5°F (-15°C).
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Lavender – Not hardy, requires winter protection.
If you live in an area with very cold winters, boxwood and yew are the best choices. Hollies and privets will need some protection. Tender varieties like lemon verbena and lavender should be overwintered indoors.
Preparing Your Topiaries for Winter
Once you know your topiaries can survive the winter ahead, follow these tips to prep them:
Provide Winter Protection
For marginally hardy plants, provide protection like burlap wrappings or a temporary greenhouse-like structure. This shields them from harsh winds and frost.
Water Well Before Ground Freezes
Give your topiaries a thorough, deep watering in late fall. This hydration will help sustain them once the ground is frozen.
Apply a Protective Mulch Layer
Mulching with 2-4 inches of bark, leaves, straw or pine needles insulates the soil and roots from freezing.
Prune Away Dead Branches
In fall, do light pruning to remove any dead or damaged branches. This prevents disease and improves air circulation.
Avoid Late Season Fertilizing
Fertilizing late encourages new growth that is vulnerable to cold damage. Resume feeding in spring.
Check Soil Drainage
Improve drainage if your soil stays wet for too long. Excess moisture can damage roots in winter.
Ongoing Winter Topiary Care
Even when topiary trees go dormant in winter, some basic care is required:
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Water during warm spells – Occasionally water when temperatures are above 40°F (4°C) and ground isn’t frozen.
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Watch for rabbit or deer damage – Apply repellents; install fencing if needed.
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Do occasional light pruning – Trim back damaged branches; refine shape.
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Check for signs of disease or pest issues – Take preventive action early before problems spread.
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Remove heavy snow loads – Use a broom to gently sweep off excess piled up snow.
Stay alert and attend to your topiaries as needed even during the colder months. This vigilance will keep them healthy through winter.
Common Winter Problems and Solutions
Despite your best efforts, issues can sometimes pop up when caring for topiaries in winter:
Wilting or drooping – This is usually caused by desiccation from dry winds or winter sun. Increase watering frequency.
Browning of foliage – Protect topiaries from harsh sunlight and wind exposure. Mulch for added insulation.
Pest damage – Check regularly for signs of chewing or webbing from rabbits, deer or caterpillars. Apply repellents.
Disease infection – Improve air circulation and quickly remove infected parts. Disinfect tools after pruning diseased branches.
Sunscald injury – Sudden daytime warming followed by freezing nights can damage bark. Paint trunks with white latex paint to reflect heat.
Stay vigilant for any issues and take prompt corrective action before they worsen or spread.
Preparing Topiaries for Spring
As spring approaches, here are some tips for transitioning your topiaries from winter back to growth mode:
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Gradually remove winter protections as weather warms.
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Rake back mulch to allow soil to warm up faster.
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Resume regular watering when ground thaws.
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Apply fresh layer of compost or slow-release fertilizer to feed emerging growth.
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Do major corrective pruning to restore desired shape before new growth obscures branches.
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Watch for early signs of new leaf buds or stem swelling, indicating plants are breaking dormancy.
With this renewal care, your topiaries will revive and regain their vigour, ready to showcase their beautiful sculped forms.
Caring for topiaries through a long winter is very doable with proper planning and protection. Evaluate the hardiness of your plants, provide winter shelter as needed, maintain occasional care, and stay alert for any issues. With diligence and proactive precautions, you can ensure your topiary trees survive and thrive season after season.
Though dormant in winter, topiaries remain resilient living art that withstands the chill and bounce back beautifully when spring arrives. The efforts to sustain them even in cold months is rewarded by their unique, sculptural presence gracing your garden all year round.
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The Hardiness of Topiary Trees
When I first delved into the world of topiary, I was captivated by the artistry involved in shaping these plants. But with that fascination came a steep learning curve, especially regarding their hardiness in winter. I recall losing my first topiary—a delicate lemon verbena—during its inaugural winter because I didn’t realize how sensitive it was to frost. Now, I stick to hardy species like boxwood and yew, which have become my winter warriors.
Here’s a handy table to compare popular topiary species and their winter hardiness:
| Type of Topiary | Winter Hardiness | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boxwood | Very Hardy | Retains shape and color; my winter favorite! |
| Yew | Very Hardy | Thrives in cold; easy to care for. |
| Holly | Hardy | Offers festive berries; a winter delight. |
| Lemon Verbena | Not Hardy | Best kept indoors; learned that the hard way! |
TOPIARY AND STATUARY WINTER PREP!
FAQ
How long do topiary trees last in winter?
Most topiary trees do not die in the winter if they’re evergreen. Deciduous trees, ones that lose their leaves in the fall, are also often cold-weather hardy. You will find exceptions, some plants cannot survive in extended cold temperatures.
What do you do with a topiary in the winter?
Light Exposure
In winter, I keep our topiary inside near a sunny window or in a location that receives bright light. Once spring arrives and there is no longer a chance of frost, I move them outdoors to the patio where they receive approximately 4 hours of direct sunlight.
How do you keep an outdoor 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.
What are the disadvantages of topiary?
It Requires Tree Upkeep & Maintenance
While it shouldn’t come as a surprise, topiary can be expensive, and upkeep needs to be regular. Dissimilar to your usual tree and shrub trimming and pruning, the designs and shapes tend to grow out.