If you want to shear dwarf trees, shrubs, or herbs into animal forms or into geometrical shapes in three-dimensional space (globes, cubes, etc.), then it's essential to find the best topiary plants and learn how to work with them. You'll often want to use evergreens (including the broadleaf type) for the job so that you can admire your creation year-round. But there are exceptions: Not all privet shrubs are evergreen, yet they're among the most popular bushes for topiary.
The best topiary plants among trees, shrubs, and herbs bear small leaves, like to be sheared, grow quickly, and have a dense branching pattern. But, as always with plant selection, stay realistic yet open-minded: You may decide to give up one of these features to grow a plant that has another quality you admire, such as being scented or easy to grow.
Comments