Small Topiary Trees

Identification

• Small-sized trees well-suited for topiaries include Leyland cypress (Cupressocyparis leylandii) and bay (Laurus nobilis), as cited by Susan Berry and Steven Wooster in "Container Topiary."

Description

• Leyland cypress is a low-maintenance conifer that grows about 10 feet tall in containers. The tree has a rapid growth rate and dark green, needles. Plant in acidic, fertile soil for best growth. Bay is a broad-leaved evergreen with glossy, dark green, aromatic foliage used as a culinary spice. Grown as a topiary in containers, the tree grows up to 10 feet tall and blooms with small yellow flowers in spring.

Recommendations

• Use Leyland cypress for taller, upright forms such as spirals and pyramids. Trim topiaries twice every year in spring and early or late summer. Propagate with semi-ripe cuttings taken in summer or spring. Bay trees are commonly used as standards or 6-foot tall topiaries. The tree has a fast growth rate and grows best in sunny spots.