Wisteria and Topiaries

This year our wisteria vine is about two weeks later in blooming than normal. With the warm weather it is really coming out now. A week ago there were no flowers. I think it looks great along with the topiaries.

I love it! Thanks for sharing.

Love the topiaries! Very creative, not the usual lollipop on a stick type of thing. How much work does it take to keep them looking like that?

Not to much “work”, it’s relaxing. I had not trimmed them for about a month and yesterday evening I spent about 15 minutes with hand shears for the picture.

I made two topiaries for my daughter and I trim them every two or three months.

Are you selling them Loyd?

Those are just great!!!

I notice my wisteria buds are swelling. I just love it when it is wisteria season!

Hi Loyd,
Yesterday purchased my very first Topiary bush. I am so happy with it (it's a Dolphin, just like yours).
I haven't planted it yet. Can I plant it in full sun, with afternoon shade?
Any suggestions are welcome.
Thank you,
Patty
Lakewood, CA

Hi Patty,

Full sun or partial shade would be just perfect. Most topiaries that are made and sold have either myrtle, rosemary or brush cherry [Eugenia] plants. They all have about the same need of sun.

Louise, you asked a few days ago if I sold topiaries. No I don’t, as a hobby I make them for myself and my friends. I am now working on one of a rabbit for my nephew and niece. It will be about 5 feet tall and I’m planning to post a picture of it in the Garden Art section when it’s complete.

Loyd

Thank you Loyd. I haven't planted it yet. I'm still looking for the perfect spot.
Patty

My rabbit topiary is complete. I have posted pictures and comments on the Garden Art forum.

The wisteria blooms have almost disappeared, and we'll have to wait another year.

Loyd

Hi Loyd...I'm back.
I'm officially hooked on Topiaries. I now have 4 dolphins growing in the front yard (planted in the ground-I call it the dolphin pool). 2 Dolphins in back (in pots), and one seal in a pot.
3 different types of plants. Japanese boxwood, one in a Coprosma Repens (mirror plant), and not sure of the other one..but it's dark leave with small little blooming white flowers).
I have some mini topiaries that I haven't filled yet, but someone mentioned moss. Not sure if I'm into the moss at this time.
I've learned one thing. You MUST have patience to really enjoy the topiary. I have none...but I'm trying..really hard to obtain some.
Please send any tips you might think I need.
Thank you
Patty
Lakewood, CA

Hi Patty,

I haven't tried making a topiary using moss. I have seen some that look very nice. Maybe I'll try it sometime.

For topiaries in this climate I prefer to use Eugenia-Monterey Bay Brush Cherry. Your plant with white blooms might this. Does it have small smooth cherry like red berries? I have used rosemary plants, but after three or four years they seem to get some dead and bare areas. I have used Japanese box wood in cooler climates where it gets down below 20°.

A plant better than any of these is a Dwarf Myrtle-Compacta. It is small (2 to 3 ft. tall & wide), tightly branched, small leaves and white flowers. But it is slow growing and at my age I don’t want to wait more than five years to fill in. Your plant with white flowers might this.

The topiary of two geese has ivy which was repotted from another container into this hypertufa trough a few months ago. Since June there are a lot of new leaves and it should continue to fill in.

Loyd