If you want topiary that flowers, Osmanthus x burkwoodii is beautiful and carries deliciously scented spring blooms; however, like yew, it takes time to establish. In Japan (for example, at the Togakuin and Shiofune Kannon-ji temples), clipped Japanese azaleas form striking boules of vivid colour in spring and early summer. Both osmanthus and azaleas can be trimmed after flowering.
Finally, for undulating evergreen mounds that resemble curvaceous banks of green snow, Wilson’s honeysuckle is a great choice, and the topiary gurus at Architectural Plants recommend Baccharis patagonica.
Which plants make the best hedges?
Mixed hedging is the most modern form of hedge. Its variety provides an abundance for wildlife, including nesting, shelter, and food for birds, and nectar for pollinators; it offers interest all year, having spring blossom, summer flowers, fiery autumn leaves and berries, and evergreen colour in winter; plus, it’s more exciting than a standard uniform hedge. The contrast of different textures, colours, and foliage shapes side by side is wonderful when clipped, and, over the years, the plants grow into and around one another, creating a living tapestry. This is standard practice in Japan, where different shrubs are often mixed and hard pruned into hedging. You can use deciduous plants (such as dog rose, hawthorn, Burkwood viburnum, hazel, copper beech, and field maple), interspersed with evergreens (for instance, golden privet, late cotoneaster, firethorn, Portugal laurel, and conifers). If winter structure or privacy is your main priority, a mixed hedge is best dominated by evergreens or deciduous plants that retain their leaves in winter (such as beech). The obvious boon of mixed hedging is that – unlike a mono-planting – if disease hits, only one plant need be removed, rather than the whole thing!
What is the best plant for a small hedge?
Low hedging is excellent for edging borders and for adding structure. Box (Buxus sempervirens) is the traditional choice, but can succumb to box blight. Thankfully, there are lots of alternative plants available, including Podocarpus nivalis, Euonymus japonicus ‘Microphyllus’, and Lonicera ligustrina var. yunnanensis ‘Maigrün’. For a golden hedge, go for Ligustrum sinense ‘Sunshine’ or Podocarpus totara ‘Aureus’. Barberries (Berberis) can also be excellent box lookalikes and offer a range of leaf colours: ‘Nana’ and ‘Fireball’ are beetroot-purple and red. Where the mini hedge is to line a path, opt for something fragrant, so that ankles brushing past will release the scent onto the air: lavender, rosemary, or – in mild areas – myrtle (Myrtus communis); all three have flowers, as well as aromatic leaves. Another great flowering hedge, which can be used to substitute box, is Rhododendron Bloombux. Trim after flowering.
When should topiary be trimmed?
Clipping varies from plant to plant, according to its speed of growth. For instance, box, privet, and Wilson’s honeysuckle can be clipped twice or thrice in a growing season, whilst holly, beech, and late cotoneaster usually only need one cut. In general, it’s best to trim box and yew topiary and hedging in early or late summer or both. If birds are nesting in the plant, wait until August or September. Search for your hedging or topiary plant in the RHS Plantfinder to discover which Pruning Group it belongs to, which will tell you when it needs a haircut.
