How to Trim a Eugenia Topiary Spiral
Eugenia myrtifolia is a medium-sized subtropical evergreen that has the dense foliage needed for topiary spirals. Pruning this evergreen into a spiral begins with careful consideration and study of its shape before pruning and shearing. In his book "Topiary for Everyone," author Bobby Meyer recommends starting with a shrub no more than 4 feet tall, with a straight stem and dense, healthy foliage. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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1
Look at your Eugenia evergreen and picture the spiral from the ground up, beginning 6 inches above the lowest branches. Count how many complete circuits you want the spiral to have, making it a tight spiral or a loose one. A loose spiral will require fewer circuits and less cutting.
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2
Place your feet on either side of the Eugenia and lean over it. Begin cutting 6 inches above the lowest branch, taking entire branches at the trunk with pruning shears. Leave a few inches of bare trunk, angling up at a curve to make the spiral.
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3
Stop and move up the trunk another 6 inches. Repeat the curve of negative space, clipping branches in identical proportions. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until you get to the top of the Eugenia.
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4
Shear the remaining foliage to round it. The finished spiral may seem a little sparse for the first year, but will fill in rapidly as the Eugenia grows.
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5
Trim your Eugenia spiral topiary minimally, and do so late in the season when the plant is not actively growing. Shear new growth once in midseason, cutting shoots and suckers to control the rounded spirals and keep the negative space clear of sprouts.
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Tips & Warnings
Wash pruning equipment after use and wipe it dry before storing it. This helps prevent bacteria, fungus and insects from being introduced into pruning wounds.
If you've never done topiary before, take your time and study before you cut. You can't put back what you take away.
References
Resources
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