topiary give a garden a Greco-Roman look and show off punctilious pruning science . Use elementary trimming and stake techniques on a coleus for this DIY topiary .
Peter Krumhardt
Topiary is the art of shaping plants into extraordinary forms , but that does n’t have in mind creating a topiary must be complicated . set out with the right plant and you ’ll have to cut back only a few leaves to design an eye - catch topiary standard , or “ lollipop . ” Most topiaries are perennial plants trimmed and regulate over several years , but tight - develop annuals can also be shave into a stylish standard . In just a few weeks , a standard can take bod and prevail its good looks all summer . The cay is to pick out a plant with a naturally strong central stem and attractive foliation — such as an good flame nettle with splashy colour — and tot up sturdy bread and butter as it grows . Regular care and feeding , along with an periodic pinch or snip , will keep your standard expect snappy .
Credit:Peter Krumhardt
What You’ll Need
Equipment / Tools
Materials
Instructions
Karla Conrad
Plant Coleus
occupy a planting container 3/4 full with pot soil . Plant thecoleusin the planter , no deeper than it was in its original pot . Press soil firmly around the roots .
Clip Off Bottom Leaves
Starting at the stain pedigree , clip off all the leave-taking on the bottom two - thirds of the stalk . utilise a pruning pecker rather than just pulling off the leaves to avoid damage the theme .
Stake the Plant
cautiously insert the bamboo stake next to the flora stem , crusade it to the bottom of the pot . Starting about 2 inch above the soil line , wrap up one wrench link around the post , then gently around the stem . ( The tie should make a figure-8 around the stake and base . ) Repeat the procedure every 2 - 3 inches up the stem . Reserve the stay ties to use as the plant life grows . Water the plant well and keep on to care for it as described on the plant tag .
Credit:Karla Conrad
Credit:Karla Conrad
Credit:Karla Conrad
