topiary trees

1. What trees are used for topiary?
2. How do you care for a topiary tree?
3. Do topiary trees need sunlight?
4. Why is topiary so expensive?

What trees are used for topiary?

Common species chosen for topiary include cultivars of European box (Buxus sempervirens), arborvitae (Thuja species), bay laurel (Laurus nobilis), holly (Ilex species), myrtle (Eugenia or Myrtus species), yew (Taxus species), and privet (Ligustrum species).

How do you care for a topiary tree?

The key to keeping a topiary happy is to closely manage the water it gets: don't let it dry out and don't overwater it. The topiary is already at least five years old so it will have lots of roots to help feed the plant and maintain the moisture, but it also needs good drainage so those roots don't rot.

Do topiary trees need sunlight?

Topiaries are for outdoor use only, preferring full to partial sun, and requiring a minimum of 4-5 hours of direct sunlight each day. Plants will defoliate if brought inside or planted in the shade.

Why is topiary so expensive?

Topiaries are expensive to purchase because of the labor and time to develop one. On top of the expense to purchase comes the annual (or more) maintenance that must be performed to keep the topiary looking as good as it did when it came from the nursery.