Even the ancient Romans knew how to cut boxwood and other evergreen plants into artistic, decorative shapes. The topiary can be limited to simple geometric structures such as balls or cubes, but can also be quite extravagant: even a spiral boxwood in the front yard is an eye-catcher.

Tall box trees are particularly suitable for spiral topiary

Spiral cutting instructions

In order to create a successful spiral cut without a finished frame, you first need a suitable type of boxwood. Here you should choose a tall variant such as 'Rotundifolia', which already has a height of at least one meter. First cut this box into a cone shape:

  • Tie several canes together at the top end in a tent shape.
  • These form an effective guideline for the cut.
  • Now cut back any excess growth until the plant is level with the stakes.

Then the spiral cut can be done. To do this, proceed as follows:

  • Tie a string to the top of the plant.
  • Wrap the twine around the bush in a wide spiral.
  • Finally, tie them to the bottom of the trunk.
  • Cut the lower branches in the spiral shape dictated by the thread.
  • Do this as evenly as possible.

Don't cut off too much at once, rather proceed slowly: "Cut a little and cut often" is the motto for successful topiary. Going too drastic will result in unbalanced forms that will take at least a year to mature to some extent. After pruning, the boxwood should be supplied with organic fertilizer and watered regularly so that it recovers from the hardships of pruning.

The right tool

Always use very sharp and clean tools for topiary, as the soft shoots you remove are very juicy and easily susceptible to disease if torn. Targeted and precise cuts are also not possible with flexible shoots with blunt tools. In order to avoid a dangerous fungal infection, it is also advisable to disinfect with an alcohol solution (at least 70%). By the way, shears for shearing sheep are perfect for an easy and precise cut.

tips

The spiral shape is particularly harmonious when the box stands on a broad base and tapers evenly towards the tip.

Category:

Vegetable garden