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 crisp air and falling leaves signal winter’s arrival, a question lingers in my mind – do my beloved topiary trees stand a chance against the impending frost?
As a gardener who pours creativity and care into shaping lush shrubs into living art, I’ve learned firsthand how to help these showstoppers survive and thrive through the colder months Join me as I share my winter care tips to keep your topiary trees happy even when temperatures plummet
Evaluating Topiary Tree Species for Winter Hardiness
Not all topiary trees were created equal when it comes to braving the elements. Over years of trial and error, I’ve found which varieties withstand winter’s wrath.
The hardiest topiary trees include:
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Boxwood – Stalwart and stoic, boxwood retains its rich color and sculpted shape. It’s my number one winter warrior.
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Yew – Unfazed by the cold, yew survives winter with ease and requires minimal maintenance.
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Holly – Hardy and festive, holly glimmers with red berries, perfect for holiday decor.
Less hardy options that need winter protection include:
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Lemon verbena – Tender and delicate, lemon verbena withers fast with the first frost. I bring mine indoors.
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Rosemary – Fragrant rosemary loses its leaves and requires a sheltered spot, like an unheated garage.
Talk to your local nursery to pick the perfect winter-hardy topiary species for your climate. Getting the right plant for your environment is key.
5 Essential Winter Care Tips for Topiary Trees
Over the years, I’ve dialed in a winter care routine to help my topiary trees survive and stay vibrant through the cold months:
1. Mulch for Insulation
A nice, thick layer of mulch around the base insulates roots and prevents soil from freezing. It’s like tucking your topiary in for a long winter’s nap.
2. Water Before a Hard Freeze
It’s crucial to deeply water topiary trees before the ground freezes solid. This gives them the hydration they need to withstand winter’s wrath.
3. Block Wind Exposure
Biting winter winds can damage topiary trees. Shield smaller plants with burlap wraps and reposition pots out of high-wind areas for added protection.
4. Prune in Late Fall
Before winter, I prune away dead branches and shape plants for optimal spring growth. It’s like getting a fresh haircut before a big event!
5. Avoid Winter Fertilizing
Fertilizing during cold months encourages tender new growth that suffers frost damage. Save the feeding for spring.
Follow these tips religiously, and you’ll give your topiary trees the best chance to survive until spring.
Appreciating Winter’s Quiet Charm
While winter brings challenges for topiary care, it also imparts a magical charm. Snow softly blankets each unique shape, and bare silhouettes contrast elegantly against icy windows.
The stillness invites reflection on cycles of dormancy and renewal. Caring for my topiary trees through winter months has taught me patience and reverence for the beauty of each passing season.
The Verdict: Yes, Topiary Trees Can Endure Winter!
So, do topiary trees last through winter’s freezing temperatures and bitter winds? The answer is a resounding yes!
By selecting hardy varieties, positioning them thoughtfully, and providing attentive care as outlined above, you can help your topiary trees survive and even thrive through the cold months. Their stalwart presence will bring life to your garden even during winter’s dormant days.
When spring finally arrives, you’ll be rewarded with the flush of new growth and vibrancy these living sculptures bring year after year. The effort to overwinter is well worth it.
So take heart, fellow gardeners. With a little TLC, your beloved leafy art will withstand winter’s chill and be ready to dazzle again when warmer days return. The magic of topiary persists, regardless of the season.
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Boxwoods with Winter Damage
FAQ
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.
Do topiaries 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.
What are the disadvantages of topiary?
Topiaries are forced to grow in a way that is completely unnatural, pruned at less-than-ideal times, and planted in very exposed sites — all practices that …Mar 23, 2013
Can boxwood topiaries survive winter?
Even the most cold-hardy boxwood plants can be damaged by extreme weather. Bark splitting is the most severe type of cold damage and is caused by water freezing inside plant tissues. This typically occurs during extreme cold events or when freezing temperatures follow warm weather.