How to Do a Topiary Tree From Privet

Topiary features plants clipped into shapes, including simple geometric forms.

Topiary is the art of clipping and training plants -- shrubs, small trees or perennials -- into specific shapes. Those shapes can range from simple geometric forms, like balls or cones, to complex green sculptures in the shapes of animals or abstract designs. Practiced since ancient times, topiary is most successful when done on plants with small, dense leaves. Privet, boxwood and yew are among the most frequently used genera, but other plants, including forms of ivy, lavender and even coleus can be made into topiary.

Things You'll Need

• Small, potted privet shrub
• Sharp clippers
• Small bamboo stake
• Garden twine
• Decorative pot (optional)

Instructions

Plant Selection

1. Choose a healthy, well-rooted young privet shrub with glossy green leaves. Suitable varieties include common privet (Ligustrum vulgare), the smaller Japanese privet (Ligustrum japonicum) or California privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium). The best specimens for topiary have one stem or trunk that is sturdier than the others. If the plant is young and the main stems are flexible, several stems can also be braided together.

2. Clip off all stems or trunks other than the one(s) selected to support the topiary. Remove all leaves and branches below the top third of the plant. If you are using more than one stem to support the topiary, braid or tie the stems together in several places. Use sturdy garden twine to secure, even if you are braiding the stems.

3. Insert the bamboo stake close to the stem or trunk and tie the plant to the stake, pulling the privet into a straight, upright position. Secure in two or more places, depending on the height of the plant. Trim the crown to desired shape. The round or lollipop shape is the easiest for beginners. If planting in-ground, select a sunny, protected location and install, partially filling the planting hole with water before inserting the root ball. If you are growing the privet in a container, slip the nursery pot in the decorative planter.

Tips & Warnings

• Privet grows quickly and requires trimming two or three times a year to maintain the crown shape and remove any new growth below the crown. Containerized specimens will also have to be repotted as the plant grows. To determine whether it is time to repot, remove the root ball from the container. If roots are visible on the sides of the root ball, select a new container about one third larger than the old one, and repot. Fill the spaces around the root ball with fresh potting mix.

• Privet is poisonous if ingested. The shrubs are also considered invasive in some areas, so check with your local county extension agent before planting.

References

• The Preservation Society of Newport County: Newport Mansions: Green Animals Topiary Garden
• Missouri Botanical Garden: Kemper Center for Home Gardening: Ligustrum Vulgare
• "The Oxford Companion to Gardening"; Geoffrey and Susan Jellicoe, et al.