Topiaries can be expensive to buy because they take a long time to shape and grow, but it's easy to train one yourself. To shape your plant into a traditional spiral, follow these steps:
1. Start with a ribbon about two inches wide and spiral it around the plant to use as a cutting guide.
2. Using a sharp pair of pruning shears, sprayed with a little alcohol and water so they are sterile, prune away the shrub where the ribbon is. Cut back to the main branch, lifting up under the ribbon to cut. Be careful not to over-prune.
3. After you have the shape you want, consider transplanting the plant to a larger pot to encourage growth, but don't fertilize too often.
It's important to match your beautiful topiary with the right indoor environment. Some plants will require lots of sunlight, while other do well in indirect light.
- Rosemary does well with lots of direct sunlight near a window. It's drought-tolerant but should be watered regularly; let the soil dry out between waterings. Be sure to rotate your plant regularly.
- The purpose of growing topiaries is to enjoy their foliage. Blooming is discouraged so the plant's energy can go toward producing foliage. Whenever a berry or bloom appears, it should be removed immediately.
- Careful pruning is an important part of topiary maintenance. Use hand shears for tight areas and large shears for bigger jobs.
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