Topiary Shrubs

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Display of various topiary shrubs Topiary is the art or practice of trimming and shaping plants into ornamental shapes. The shapes can be any object or geometric shape one can think of. You can purchase a shrub or tree and shape it yourself, or purchase one from a local nursery that has already been formed.

The most popular forms of topiary are "spirals", "ponpom", "poodle tier" and "standards".

Spirals - These are trimmed into a spiral or corkscrew shape. Upright, columnar form shrubs such as Hetzi Column Juniper and Dwarf Alberta Spruce are great candidates for spiral topiary

Ponpom - These are multi-branched shrubs where all but three to five or so branches have been pruned away; leaving the remaining branches with a ponpom shape of foliage at the ends of the branches. Mid-size, arching-branched shrubs such as Grey Owl Juniper are good for ponpom. Taller growing evergreens such as Hollywood juniper are also good for forming into upright ponpom specimens.

Poodle Tier - These have one straight trunk with two or more separated balls of foliage. Tall-growing, shrubs such as Hetzi Column juniper, Carolina Sapphire cypress and many hollies are good for poodle tier topiary.

Standard (Single ball) - These have one straight trunk with a single ball, globe or umbrella shape of foliage at the top. Many hollies, such as the Weeping Yaupon and Dwarf Burfordi are good for standard topiary.

Below is a listing of shrubs that are suitable for topiary. Click on any thumbnail image or link to see detailed description, usage tips and instructions for care.
Arp Rosemary
Arp Rosemary

Rosemary Arp is an evergreen flowering shrub with intensely fragrant foliage, an...
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Athen's Blue Spires Rosemary
Athen's Blue Spires Rosemary

Rosemary Arp is an evergreen flowering shrub with inten...
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Cleyera Japonica  (Japanese Cleyera)
Cleyera Japonica (Japanese Cleyera)

Cleyera Japonica is a large shrub or small tree that fe...
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Compacta Holly (Japanese Holly)
Compacta Holly (Japanese Holly)

Compacta Holly is most often used as an evergreen found...
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Dwarf Burford Holly
Dwarf Burford Holly

Dwarf Burfordi Holly is perhaps one of the most popular ornamental berry produci...
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Dwarf Yaupon Holly 'Bordeaux'
Dwarf Yaupon Holly 'Bordeaux'

Dwarf Yaupon 'Bordeaux' is one of the best evergreen fo...
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