by Patricia Riley Hammer
Traditional topiary has an Old World mystique, bringing to mind generations of gardeners artfully creating lifesize forms from simple sprigs of shrubs. But topiary doesn't have to take a lifetime of gardening expertise to enjoy. A simple tabletop topiary can be designed by any gardener with a little foresight and creativity. Start it now, and you could have a full-grown centerpiece for the holiday table.
The ivy tree pictured here captures the elegance of traditional topiary, yet is quick to form and easy to maintain. The initial form can be made in less than an hour, and will reach prime fullness in 12 weeks. Although the topiary tree is in its full glory during the December holidays, it can be decorated and used for special occasions throughout the year, or serve as an attractive table decoration or patio accent at any time.
Tooling Up
To make a topiary tree, you'll need a metal frame, a six-inch clay container, a small amount of fast-draining potting soil, a vining ivy, plastic twist-ties (to hold the stems to the wire if needed), and a pair of pruners. Although the photos are specific to this project, the technique is much the same for any growing any tabletop topiary using a wire frame. Just be sure your frame of choice is substantial enough to support the ivy for years to come.
The small, delicate leaves of English ivy (Hedera helix) work well for this project, complementing the graceful design of the tree without overpowering the frame.
Topiary Care
Indoors, an ivy topiary requires lots of light and should be located near a bright window, but not in direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day. During mild seasons the topiary can be kept outdoors in light shade.
Water the tree when the surface soil begins to dry. Fill the pot with water, insuring that the soil is thoroughly drenched. Make sure that all surplus water is allowed to drain out through the bottom of the pot. Do not let the pot stand in water, or the plant's roots will rot.
Fertilize the ivy every two or three weeks during the active growing season; less often when growth slows down. Use a liquid fertilizer recommended for foliage plants and follow the directions on the label. A well-balanced ration such as 10-10-10 is a good choice for ivy.Keep the ivy clean and healthy by giving it periodic water showers.
The force of the water will discourage insects. Remove brown leaves and debris to keep the topiary looking its best, and to reduce hideouts for insects and disease.
Tree Trimming
The simplicity of small white or red candles at Christmastime is elegant on this ivy topiary. Generally, the candles are used as ornaments only and burning is not recommended. If you choose to burn the candles, use small drip rings to keep hot wax from spilling onto the ivy leaves. And of course never leave burning candles unattended.
Another decorating scheme for the holidays is to run a short string of miniature lights. Choose cool white lights, to avoid burning the plant. The tree can be dressed up at other times of the year with small bows or miniature balloons. Small white doves perched on the candle holders turn the tree into a gorgeous centerpiece for wedding tables. Or try adding matching party favors such as small colorful fans or streamers of fine ribbon. A florist in our area often decorates with tiny bouquets of dried flowers, or clusters of fresh miniature roses.
A Topiary in Training
Start with a well-rooted six-inch pot of ivy that has several pliable runners at least 10 inches long. Leave the ivy intact in the plastic pot it was grown in at the nursery; repotting comes later, once the topiary is well established.
Secure the tree frame by sinking the prongs on the bottom into the soil of the potted ivy, then pushing the frame down into the soil as deep as possible. The first ring of the frame should rest on or near the top of the soil. If the pot of ivy is well-rooted, the frame will anchor tightly.
Once the frame is in place, begin training the ivy. Take one stem at a time and weave it up and around the outside of the frame in a spiral pattern, pulling the ivy as tight as possible. Keep the ivy snugly wrapped against the frame to give the final cone-shaped "tree." Continue to spiral the stems outside the frame in a circular fashion, each one following the same pattern as the strand before it. Tuck the ivy through or around a wire of the frame to hook the vine into place by its leaf petals, or use a twist-tie if help is needed to hold the runners in place.
Once all the main stems have been used, tuck the stray lateral stems into the frame. After a day or two in their new position, all the leaves will have turned their upper surface toward the light. Wait four or five days, then clip off the stems that don't follow the final cone shape. Repot the plant into a decorative container.
As the ivy grows, continue to train it up and around the frame until the tree is totally covered. Keep the form in shape with occasional pruning.
Favorite Ivies for a Quick Topiary
Ivalace—good "holiday" ivy because small, dark green and
glossy leaves look like American holly
Eva—small, variegated leaf looks festive
Telecurl—dark green, with a nice form and curl to the leaf
Cascade—medium green, very self-branching
Ambrosia—very different, unusual color with the variegation
Walthamensis—all around good ivy, hardy in winter and very
fast growing; has the traditional "ivy" leaf
Eclipse—interesting gray-green curled edge; nice to work with
because it's fast-growing
Patricia Riley Hammer is owner of Samia Rose Topiary in Encinitas, California, and president of the American Ivy Society. She is the author of The New Topiary (Garden Art Press, Ltd., 1991), and is the former topiary specialist at Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania.
Copyright NGA
Reprinted with permission HouseNet, Inc.
Make a Topiary Tree for the Holidays