How to Make a Stem Topiary Out of a Live Ivy Ball

The art of topiary has been around for thousands of years. Kings, queens and even the occasional proletarian have trimmed and twisted plants into many desirable shapes and sizes. Topiaries can be created from nearly any plant, the most common being evergreen shrubs and trees. Using ivy for topiaries is a good way to break into the intricacies of the topiary hobby. Most ivy species grow fast and relish being trimmed so they make perfect topiary subjects.

Things You'll Need

• Ivy plant/s
• Compost
• Sand
• Vermiculite
• Mulch
• Slow-release fertilizer
• Scissors
• Decorative pot
• Decorative waterproof tray
• Pebbles
• Bread tie or garden twine

Instructions

1. Mix the compost, sand, vermiculite and the manufacturers recommended amount of slow-release fertilizer together thoroughly. The mixture should be airy yet have the ability to retain water. When a portion that has been watered is squeezed, it should feel like a damp sponge and not soaking wet.

2. Clean the flowerpot with a strong solution of warm soapy water. Rinse the pot thoroughly with clean water. If the pot is made of unglazed clay soak it for several hours in water until it is waterlogged. Dry clay pots will take water away from the plant's roots.

3. Fill the waterproof tray with pebbles (making sure they create as level a surface area as possible) and then add enough water to reach near the tops of the rocks.

4. Add enough compost mixture to the pot that when packed it remains half full. Create a small mound of lightly packed soil in the center of the pot. This will help the ivy plant to sit straight and secure.

5. Check the plant for any bugs or diseased limbs. If insects are found, either remove them by hand or apply a mixture of dish soap and water to the plant. Allow it to soak on the plant for a few minutes before washing it away with clean water. Clip off any damage or broken limbs with sharp scissors.

6. Trim away any damaged roots from the plant before potting it. Splay the roots of the plant out over the hill of soil in the decorative pot. The roots should be splayed slightly out and pointed down towards the bottom of the pot.

7. Cover the roots with the composted soil and pack in lightly. Finely shredded mulch or small pebbles can be added to top the planting off and give it a finished look. Water the topiary in well.

8. Find the three strongest ivy limbs and gently strip away the leaves from the bottom half of the branches. Carefully braid the limbs together (not too tightly). Fasten the tips of the ends of each limb together with a bread tie or garden twine.

9. Place the potted plant in an area that receives a few hours of sun a day. Pinch off any leaves that begin to form on the braided trunk. As the top of the topiary begins to send off new shoots braid them through each other until a full ball is formed. Fertilize with a quality water-soluble houseplant fertilizer every 3 weeks during the growing season.

Tips & Warnings

• This technique can be used on many plant species. Rosemary, jasmine and bittersweet vines respond well to this form of training.

• Allow the ivy topiary to dry out slightly between each watering.

• This is just one technique in creating an ivy topiary. An online or (public library) search will bring up several more options to try out.

References

• ipm.iastate.edu: Topiary Care Sheet
• rogersgardens.com: Ivy Topiary Care