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Topiary shapes Novice topiarists are advised to start with simple, geometric shapes. Rigidly geometric shapes, such as cubes, are less forgiving of inaccurate cutting than slightly softer forms, like pyramids and spheres. More figurative shapes, such as teddy bears and peacocks, are not necessarily difficult to produce, particularly if you form them using a ready-made rigid frame as a guide. However, they can take many years to reach a size at which they can attain a recognisable shape, because the plants are generally slow growing, and are therefore not for the impatient topiarist.
Initially, young plants are snipped to shape by eye to form a loosely geometric shape. As the plant grows in subsequent years to a sufficient size, place a cutting guide over the plant and trim to shape. Canes, held together with wire at the top, make a simple and inexpensive pyramid 'template'. When the plant has reached the required shape and size, simply clip it lightly at intervals appropriate for the topiary shape and type of plant used, to maintain a crisp, outline and dense growth pattern. |
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Frequency of cutHow frequently to clip topiary depends on the speed at which the plant grows, the intricacy of the topiary shape and the degree of finish required. Simple shapes in slow-growing plants will need relatively little clipping. For examples, a yew pyramid will need only an annual trim, whereas a complex abstract geometric shape in box may need cutting at four- to six-weekly intervals during the growing season, in order to maintain its definition.
As always when pruning, check the individual needs of a particular plant before planning clipping. Clipping times will also depend on your local climate. In cooler climates, do not clip after early autumn as the young shoots produced will not be tolerant of low winter temperatures. Milder environments, in which plants grow almost continuously, may necessitate regular clipping throughout the year. Most topiary plants should be clipped as their summer growth begins, however, the exceptions to this are hornbeam and beech, which should not be clipped until the late summer.
Shaping a hedge correctlyEffective topiary needs even leaf coverage, which is hard to achieve on shapes that have a lot of leaf shade shielding the lower parts of the plant. Do not allow hedges to become top heavy, flat-topped or tapeing towards the bottom, with a twiggy base. Slope the hedge from a narrow top to a wide base for greatest ease of pruning, healthy growth and an attractive appearance.
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