20-Minute Topiaries

Step-by-step instructions for creating a simple spiral topiary.

The dwarf Alberta spruce has the ideal shape for creating a simple spiral topiary, and it responds well to shearing.

All About

Product Ideas

The splendor of Oregon's Cascade Mountains is something to behold--towering mountain peaks, wild and rushing river valleys and, of course, majestic conifers as far as the eye can see. So it's no surprise that one of the finest conifer nurseries in the U.S. is in Boring, Oregon. At Iseli Nursery, there seems to be no limit to what a pair of pruning shears and a whole lot of imagination can produce.

Conifers are plants that bear cones, and they come in all shapes and sizes. They're not very picky about their soil, and they can grow almost anywhere in the country. Most people plant conifers and let them grow as they naturally would. However, with a little artistic touch you can create a beautiful spiral topiary. The horticultural artist at Iseli Nursery says you can make a small spiral topiary in about 20 minutes.

Materials

dwarf Alberta spruce
flagging ribbon or tape
grass shears
pruners

Step 1: Make a template
The first step is to tie your ribbon to the top of the tree, and wind it around the tree like a candy cane stripe to be your guide. With the grass shears, follow the spiral of the ribbon and cut a line into the tree. Remove the ribbon, and you should have a clearly visible template for your spiral.

Step 2: Cut the spiral
Following the template, prune away the foliage, right down to the trunk. The spiral should reveal the trunk from top to bottom. Don't worry about harming the tree. The dwarf Alberta spruce is a very tough plant and takes quite well to shearing.

Step 3: Finishing touches
Trim off about one-half inch of the outer growth to round out your spiral nicely. Grass shears work best for the finishing touches.

If you'd like the tree to stay the same size, simply cut off the top. Or if you'd like a taller tree, allow the top to continue growing for another year or two, and continue the spiral. To keep your topiary spiral in shape, trim with grass shears at the beginning of summer, as the new growth for the season is hardening off.

Note: Dwarf Alberta spruce grows best in Zones 3-8.

Resources

Guests
- Andre Iseli - Conifer Expert
  Randy Smith - Designer
  Iseli Nursery
  Wholesale Only
  Boring, OR
  Phone: 503-663-3822
  Toll-free Phone: 800-777-6202
  Website: www.iselinursery.com