Herb Topiary Trees

• Herb topiary trees don't have to be huge. Jim Arbogast/Digital Vision/Getty Images

  Any herb tree or shrub with small leaves and a tight growth is an appropriate subject for topiary work. Herb topiary trees usually grow in pots as standards, then are trimmed into shapes as they grow. A pot-grown tree is easy to move as many need the protection of a greenhouse in colder months. Lower-growing herbs also can be clipped into mounds as path edgings.

Buxus

• This common box comes in the form of a small evergreen tree or shrub that grows to about 14 feet. It has glossy oval leaves and gives off a strange acrid scent. Buxus featured heavily in the gardens of ancient Rome. It still is popular as clipped box hedges or topiary trees. More than 70 species of buxus exist. Dwarf varieties predominantly become edging and low hedges. Although hardy, the tree does not fair well in acutely cold winters. Frost damages new growth, so any clipping should take place after the last frost.

Juniper

• Juniperus communis has become a popular variety for shaping into tall cones and pyramid shapes. A hardy, coniferous evergreen, the juniper has long, needle-type leaves. It grows slowly, making it appropriate for topiary, usually requiring only one pruning per year to keep its shape. The juniper's narrow leaves allow for more creative and intricate shapes. Compressa juniper is a dwarf variety, suitable for creating lower topiary shapes that form pathways and hedges.

Bay

• Standing as a "lollipop" or standard "mop-head" shape, a bay tree topiary typically provides a traditional herb garden with a centerpiece. An evergreen shrub or small tree, the bay has aromatic, oval, dark green leaves. Bays can grow as standards in pots and grow slowly, so training them into shapes requires a little patience. Many gardeners also train the tree's stem, choosing to twist three or four separate stems into a twist.

Yew

• Taxus baccata yew is a traditional topiary tree and a favorite for use as hedging. It is a spreading evergreen tree that can grow to about 50 feet high. Its leaves are dark green and have the appearance of flattened needles. Its ability to rejuvenate quickly helps it respond well to close clipping and shaping, making it ideal for topiary work.

Sweet Myrtle

• Myrtus communis is a sweet-smelling shrub from the Mediterranean. An evergreen shrub, it grows up to 10 feet tall. A glossy, oval leaf helps it respond well to clipping for all topiary shapes. It is not a full hardy, so it requires some protection during colder months. The tarentina dwarf version is ideal for compact globes and low mounds.