Topiary frames are a great way to add structure and visual interest to your garden. By shaping plants into geometric or animal-inspired forms, you can create living sculptures that evolve with the seasons. Choosing the right plants is key to creating frames that will hold their shape year after year. Here are the top 10 best plants for sculpting durable and decorative topiary frames:
1. Boxwood
Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) is the classic choice for topiary. Its small, dense, evergreen leaves can be clipped and shaped into clean lines and intricate patterns. Boxwood responds well to frequent pruning and shapes easily when young. Give boxwood full sun to part shade and evenly moist, well-draining soil. Protect it from harsh winter winds. There are several compact boxwood cultivars that make excellent topiary plants.
2. Yew
Yew (Taxus baccata) is another traditional topiary plant valued for its flexibility and ability to regrow after hard pruning. Its fine flat needles enable detailed clipping. Yew does best with full sun to part shade and moist, well-draining soil. Choose slow-growing cultivars like ‘Repandens’ or ‘Everlow’ for small topiary frames. Protect yew from winter dessication.
3. Privet
Privet (Ligustrum japonicum) has been used for hedges for a long time, but it is also great for topiary because it can handle being pruned. Privet grows back quickly after being cut back, and it can be shaped into many different shapes. Plant privet where it will get full sun to part shade and in moist, rich soil. Frequent pruning will keep growth compact.
4. Holly
Hollies like Ilex crenata are excellent for structural topiary designs. Hollies hold their shape well and respond to close pruning and shaping. Plant them in full sun to part shade with moist, acidic soil. Choose compact cultivars like ‘Sky Pencil’ Japanese holly or ‘Hoogendorn’ Chinese holly. Hollies may need winter protection in colder climates.
5. Arborvitae
Arborvitaes like Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’ have dense foliage perfect for sculpting into spirals, balls, and columns. Their natural pyramidal shape lends itself well to topiary forms. Give them full sun and moist, well-draining soil. Choose compact cultivars and prune frequently for the best results. Protect arborvitaes from winter burn.
6. Rosemary
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a fragrant evergreen plant that can be shaped into a flower holder. Give rosemary full sun and very well-draining soil. Trim it frequently to encourage bushy, compact growth. Small-leaved cultivars like ‘Lockwood de Forest’ are best for topiary. Bring potted rosemary plants indoors for winter in cold climates.
7. Lavender
The fine texture and compact growth of lavender (Lavandula spp.) allows it to be clipped into ornamental forms. English lavender cultivars like ‘Hidcote’ work well. Lavender thrives with full sun, good drainage, and low fertility. Trim it 1-2 times per year. Cut back lavender plants each spring to maintain desired shapes. Lavender topiary is not hardy in all winter climates.
8. Cedar
Evergreen cedars like Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Nana Lutea’ lend themselves nicely to topiary designs like spirals and columns. Give them full sun to part shade and moist, acidic, well-draining soil. Their dense branching tolerates frequent pruning and shaping. Protect cedar topiary from harsh winter winds.
9. Cypress
Italian cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) is great for making pyramids and columns because it grows tall and thin. It tolerates hard annual pruning to keep growth contained. Provide full sun, good drainage, and protection from winter dessication. Dwarf cypress cultivars can make small topiary frames.
10. Juniper
Evergreen junipers (Juniperus spp.) work well for freeform, loosely clipped topiary designs. Their scale-like foliage responds well to creative pruning. Choose compact cultivars suited to your climate. Give junipers full sun and well-draining soil. Trim back new growth 1-2 times per year to maintain shape. Protect juniper topiary from harsh winter conditions.
When choosing plants for topiary frames, choose evergreens that are compact and dense and can handle being pruned often. You can use boxwood, yew, privet, holly, arborvitae, rosemary, lavender, cedar, cypress, and juniper. Take good care of them and prune them once or twice a year to keep the shape you want. With the right tools and plants, you can make living topiary frames that will look great in your garden all year.
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