How to Make Boxwood Christmas Topiaries

Turn boxwood clippings into DIY holiday topiaries to flank a fireplace mantel, bring some life to a holiday tablescape or add height to a buffet table.
White Mantel With Holiday Greenery

White Mantel With Holiday Greenery and Wreath

Add a natural touch to your mantel with a preserved or fresh topiary and wreath. They're easy to assemble and can be left plain or embellished with holiday ornaments and trim. An occasional misting with water will keep them hydrated and looking their best. Make your own with our boxwood wreath step-by-step instructions and boxwood topiaries step-by-step instructions

Materials Needed:

  • 2 12" cone-shaped foam topiary forms
  • 8 fresh or preserved boxwood branches (preserved branches can be bought online or ordered through florists)
  • florist wire
  • wire cutters
  • 2 pots or urn-shaped containers

Select Form and Pot

Topiaries can be made in cones, spheres, half spheres and two-tiered forms. Select the desired form shape and size and a complementary pot. A cone form should sit down inside the pot. Tip: It's best to buy a pot slightly larger than the size that might seem appropriate. Once the boxwood sprigs are added, the finished topiary will be much larger than the foam form.

Trim Boxwood Sprigs

Pull or trim sprigs off a large preserved boxwood branch (Image 1). Trim sprigs down even further to about 2-3-inch pieces (Image 2). Cut just above a row of leaves for the best look (Image 3).

Create Bunches for Topiary Top

For a cone-shaped topiary, create 4-5 bunches of boxwood sprigs by gathering 3-4 individual sprigs and bundling them together with a length of florist wire. Tuck bunches into top of form (Images 1 and 2).

Finish Topiary and Trim

Working your way down, cover topiary form with bundled bunches of boxwood sprigs, leaving about 1-2 inches around the bottom uncovered. Pot topiary, and make sure all the foam is covered (Images 1 and 2). Add individual boxwood sprigs to any gaps, if necessary. Add a dab of hot glue to the bottom of the form to secure it in the pot if needed. Trim leaves with scissors to groom the topiary (Image 3). Keep out of intense, direct sunlight and mist with water every couple of weeks to keep leaves hydrated and looking their best (Image 4).

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