Topiary, the art of shaping plants into decorative forms, requires the right shrubs to achieve stunning results. The best candidates for topiary typically have small leaves, dense growth, and respond well to frequent pruning. While evergreens are popular choices for year-round appeal, some deciduous shrubs can also excel in topiary work.
This article will explore the top shrub options for creating eye-catching topiaries, considering factors like growth rate, leaf size, and overall suitability for shaping into various forms.
Boxwood
Because boxwood can keep its beautiful green foliage throughout the year, it is frequently used for landscaping purposes. It has a reputation for being consistent in US Hardiness Zones 5 through 9, demonstrating its adaptability to various temperatures. Due to its sturdy character and gradual growth rate, varieties such as ‘Wintergreen’ are highly valued since they provide a dense appearance over time without need regular trimming. Because of its compact growth and everlasting leaves, it is very popular for garden borders and hedges.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9
- Growth rate: Slow to moderate (6-12 inches per year)
- Leaf size: Small, typically 0.5-1.5 inches long
Yew
Yew trees are common in many kinds of landscapes and are a practical choice for gardeners due to their ability to adapt to different planting seasons. This evergreen tree has modest variations in tone throughout the winter months, but it retains its rich green color throughout the year. The yew’s root system features are also important since they give the tree a strong base and allow it to flourish in less-than-ideal soil.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-7
- Growth rate: Slow (6-8 inches per year)
- Leaf size: Small, needle-like, typically 0.5-1.5 inches long
Privet
Privet is a preferred option for hedgerows because of its quick growth rate, which produces a lush barrier quickly. Typically, it is planted in the early spring or fall for the best possible root establishment. Ligustrum vulgare is a popular variety that offers lush foliage and works well in many garden styles. Privets, in particular, are a dependable choice for gardens that run the risk of wildlife infiltration because of their notable resistance to deer and rabbits.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-8
- Growth rate: Fast (1-2 feet per year)
- Leaf size: Small to medium, typically 1-2.5 inches long
Holly
Due to their versatility, hollery trees may thrive in a variety of US Hardiness Zones, usually ranging from 5 to 9. This makes them excellent for a wide range of climates. With a moderate growth rate, they gradually reach their mature size over several years, providing a steady presence in the landscape. The holly’s extensive yet shallow root system means that growing it close to buildings or other plants needs careful thought to prevent possible problems with root interference.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9 (varies by species)
- Growth rate: Slow to moderate (less than 12 inches per year)
- Leaf size: Small to medium, typically 1-3 inches long
Bay Laurel
USDA Hardiness Zones 8–10 are ideal for bay laurel growth, as it is native to the Mediterranean region. The tree is well-known for having a robust root system that aids in its ability to anchor and frequently needs plenty of room beneath the soil to spread. Disease resistance is one of bay laurel’s noteworthy qualities, which makes it a good option for gardens where pests and diseases are an issue. ‘Saratoga’ is a commonly known variety that is valued for its lush foliage and compact growth.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-10
- Growth rate: Slow to moderate (6-12 inches per year)
- Leaf size: Medium, typically 2-4 inches long
Japanese Holly
Japanese Holly is well-suited for regions within USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 9, providing versatility in various climates. This evergreen shrub is good for hedges or foundation plantings because it usually grows at a slow rate and reaches a height of 6 to 10 feet. ‘Compacta’ is a well-known variety due to its thick, spherical shape, while ‘Helleri’ is still in demand because to its low, spreading shape that makes it a great ground cover for landscaped areas.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 6-9
- Growth rate: Slow (6-8 inches per year)
- Leaf size: Small, typically 0.5-1 inch long
Rosemary
Rosemary is frequently found in kitchen gardens and grows well in a variety of US Hardiness Zones, particularly in Zones 8 through 10, which have moderate winters. Because of its strong resistance to illness, this herb is a good option for both rookie and seasoned gardeners. Popular variants ‘Tuscan Blue’ is frequently preferred for its tasty leaves and tall, upright growth, while ‘Prostratus’ is typically utilized as a ground cover because of its compact form and trailing habit.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-10
- Growth rate: Moderate (up to 24 inches per year)
- Leaf size: Very small, needle-like, typically 0.5-1 inch long
Lavender
Lavender is a versatile choice for many gardeners because it grows well in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 9. Although lavender prefers full light and well-drained soil, its vast root system allows it to withstand some drought. Gardeners can choose from a variety of types to meet different landscaping demands, like ‘Hidcote’ with its rich purple blossoms and ‘Munstead’ with its compact form. Lavender is a popular choice for gardens due to its different varieties and overall versatility.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9 (varies by species)
- Growth rate: Moderate (6-12 inches per year)
- Leaf size: Very small, typically 1-2 inches long
Box Honeysuckle
Box honeysuckle is often planted in the spring and grows best in full sun to light shade with well-drained soil. It is a dependable option for gardeners because of its exceptional disease resistance and ability to endure common dangers. It grows to a maximum height of 8 feet rather quickly, making it perfect for borders or hedges. Popular kinds are “Nitida,” prized for its thick growth, and “Baggesesen’s Gold,” with yellow foliage. Because of its versatility to US Hardiness Zones 4 through 8, gardening opportunities are broad.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 6-9
- Growth rate: Fast (12-24 inches per year)
- Leaf size: Very small, typically 0.25-0.5 inches long
Myrtle
Due to their modest growth rate, myrtle trees usually grow well in most US Hardiness Zones, although they thrive best in Zones 8 through 11. They can be used in a variety of regions where these conditions are prevalent because of their versatility. Myrtle trees are well-known for being resistant to disease, and they require little maintenance to keep their structure and foliage intact. Well-known cultivars with strong disease resistance, such common myrtle (Myrtus communis), are more appealing in a variety of landscape situations.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-10
- Growth rate: Slow to moderate (6-12 inches per year)
- Leaf size: Small, typically 0.5-1 inch long