Indoor Topiary Care
Four tips for caring for indoor topiaries during the winter monthsThis article accompanies the “Quick Guide to Indoor Topiaries” article in the Early Spring 2016 issue of Garden Design magazine.
Coprosma repens ‘Rainbow Surprise’ sits near a sunny window in an antique marble saucer. Photo by: Rob Cardillo.
Pelargonium crispum ‘French Lace’ grows best in a south- or west-facing window. Rotating the plants occasionally allows for all sides to receive equal amounts of sunlight. Photo by: Rob Cardillo.
Santolina chamaecyparissus (left and middle) and golden S. virens ‘Lemon Fizz’ (right). Photo by: Rob Cardillo.
Especially during the winter months when the ground is frozen solid and the pleasure of gardening is either a distant memory or a future waiting to unfold, topiaries can fulfill the urge to garden. Here are some tips on caring for indoor topiaries.
- Let a little light shine in. Light needs depend on the type of plant, but most need bright light and during winter months a few hours of direct sun. Rotate them every few days so all sides of the plant receive equal amounts of light. If they are displayed in a location with low light, leave them there only for a couple of days and then return to a sunny window.
- Stay sharp. Pruning requires a sharp pair of scissors; place the topiary on a lazy Susan if you have one and spin it around to make sure all sides are trimmed evenly. Trimming back stray branches and half to three-quarters of the new growth will allow the topiary to look freshly coiffed.
- Water wisely. Water topiary to keep it evenly moist. For best results, place the plant in a sink and water thoroughly, let drain, and move back to its growing location. Never let them sit in a saucer of water, and never let them completely dry out.
- Infrequent feedings. Fertilize once a month (except during winter), with a well-balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.
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