Spiral Topiary

Spiral Topiary

Selecting spiral topiary

You can get both left and right hand turning spirals, one of each is excellent for each side of a driveway or entrance.

Look for a good upright plant is needed that has been grown with a central leader. You also need a plant that have good dense growth and the ability to respond to pruning. The 'Spartan Conifer' is often used because it has these desirable catechistic.

A good spiral specimen will 2.5 - 3m tall and around 50cm in diameter, you can get taller plants however you may need to have them grown for you.

You can buy these spirals ready for planting, either in the ground or in containers. You pay a little more for good specimens, however they will be easier to maintain if trained properly from the beginning and will look great from the start.

Prices will vary a little with the final size and the number of spirals, look for 5 - 7 in a 3m spire.

Spiral Topiary Care

One of the main maintenance tricks is to prune regularly, every month in growing season from spring though summer. Only a light trim each time, and will not take long.

If growing in containers make sure you use a good quality potting mix and that you water regularly. Also ensure that drainage is excellent as topiary spires do not like water logged soils.

Fertilize with a general purpose slow release fertilizer in spring and again in early summer, water well before applying fertilizer.

A light mulch around plants will help retain moisture and help suppress weeds.

Landscaping uses

• Excellent when used as a pair either side of an entrance or pathway.
• Try a spiral topiary as a features plant in the border.
• Or for those looking for a strong architectural statement or with with a sense of theatre plant in a row as a screening plant with a difference.