All About Topiary Frames

Growing and caring for your topiary takes time, patience, skill, and diligence.  If you wish to train your shrub, tree or plant into a specific shape, but can't seem to find the time, there's a tool that can help!

What is that thing?

A topiary frame is a wire cage that is used to help guide an unpruned or unsheared plant.  In essence, it serves as the skeleton for the topiary that has yet to take shape and flourish. Frames usually come preassembled. Wire frames work in two different ways:

Topiary frames can be placed over a shrub or plant.  If you already have a good sized shrub or bush, place the frame over the greenery and cut and prune until you have sculpted the leaves to fit around the metal.  Viola!  You now have that swan you've always wanted.

Or, conversely, you can begin with a topiary frame and grow into the form.  Here, you will generally start with Sphagnum moss, which acts as a growing agent.  Fill the frame with moss.  Then, you can plant seeds inside of the moss.  Once the plant begins to grow, use it to cover both the moss and the frame.  In no time, your topiary will be filled out!
 

From cones to cats

Topiary frames come in all shapes and sizes.  Some of the more popular forms include:
 

Frames made for tabletop decorations.  These small frames do well with ivy, which can be trained easily.  Tabletops are great for beginners, because they are easy to work with and fill out quickly.  Think weddings, parties, and holiday decorations.
 

Traditional larger topiary frames.  Topiary has its origins in geometric shapes, such as balls, cones, and spirals.  These forms are elegant and great for the outdoors.  Try placing the frame over an existing shrub or bush, rather than growing from seed.  This will save a lot of time! 

Topiary trees.  A topiary Christmas tree is a great idea for the holiday season!  Frame sizes for trees vary in size, ranging from miniature tabletop decorations to several feet in height. 
 

Animal frames.  Topiary animals have become increasingly popular over the years.  It is now somewhat common to see these life-size creatures in your town.  Popular choices include: rabbits, deer, teddy bears, swans, dogs, cats, frogs, and ducks.      

Custom frames.  Be creative!  Ever wanted a dinosaur in your front yard?  Now's your chance!

Don't forget the tip!

Smaller frames look better with smaller leaves.  A large leaf size will cause the shape to be lost.

Smaller frames dry out faster than larger frames, so remember to water generously! 

It's ok to hang your frame, such as in a basket, but it will also dry out faster than one located on the ground.  Water accordingly!

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