Yes, lavender is in fact an excellent choice for creating a topiary. A topiary is a type of garden art in which trees, shrubs, and other greenery is trimmed into a specific shape. Lavender is an aromatic Mediterranean plant with a spikes of colorful flowers, making it an attractive choice for topiary.
Additionally, lavender is relatively low-maintenance, requiring pruning once or twice a year and full sun to thrive. With its gorgeous, distinct shape and pleasant fragrance, lavender topiaries make an eye-catching addition to any garden or outdoor space.
How do you grow a lavender topiary tree?
Growing a lavender topiary tree involves starting with a hardy lavender topiary tree variety like ‘Munstead’ or ‘Hidcote’, which are hardy in USDA Zones 5-9. You will then choose a potting mix that is well-draining, such as one that is designed for succulents or cacti, and pot your lavender tree in a larger container that is at least 10 inches deep and 12 inches in diameter.
When planting, ensure that the top of the root ball is just below the rim of the pot and firmly press down the soil around the roots of the topiary tree.
Water your newly planted lavender topiary tree well and continue to keep it evenly moist, but not soggy. Choose a spot that receives bright, indirect light and that has a temperature range between 55-90 degrees F with temperatures no lower than 40 degrees F.
Frequent pruning and shaping is part of the process of growing a lavender topiary. When the plant is established, trim the branches of the tree so that the foliage of the topiary tree is shaped how you want it and so that there is just a lid of foliage on top.
This will require regular maintenance but will allow the lavender to bloom and will keep you topiary tree healthy for many years to come.
How do you shape lavender?
Shaping lavender is a process that starts as soon as the plant begins to flower and lasts throughout the growing season. To shape lavender, you’ll need to start by pruning the plant to encourage bushier, more even growth.
Be sure not to cut too far down the stems during this process, as this can reduce the total flowering potential for the plant.
Next, you will need to deadhead the lavender by carefully plucking the spent flowers from the plants. This can help to encourage continued blooming and can further shape the lavender plants by creating a more even, mounded shape.
Deadheading can also help reduce the amount of reseeding that occurs, since it prevents the flowers from going to seed.
Finally, to complete the shaping of the lavender, you can use shearing or topiary pruning tools to carefully trim and shape the plants as desired. This should be done carefully, as clipping too much can damage the stems of the lavender.
Proper timing is also important, as cutting too early can reduce flowering potential and too late may result in the plant’s shape being incorrect.
Shaping lavender takes some skill and patience, but the results can be a beautifully shaped and evenly blossoming plant that can provide a stunning visual effect in the garden.
Should I deadhead my lavender topiary?
Deadheading (or removing dead and fading flower heads) is a great way to ensure that your lavender topiary stays in its best condition. Additionally, regular deadheading of your plant will promote further blooming and help to keep it looking fresh and healthy.
Deadheading should be done in early spring and often throughout the summer months as well. If you are unsure when to deadhead, use a pair of scissors to snip off any flower heads as they begin to look faded.
Make sure not to cut back too far or damage the leaves or stems as this can stunt their growth. Overall, deadheading your lavender topiary is an effective way to maintain its health and beauty.
How often should I water lavender plant?
The frequency at which you water your lavender plant will depend on the type of climate you live in, as well as the potting soil and pot size. Generally, lavender plants should be watered when the soil is dry to the touch, or when the top inch of soil looks dry.
In most cases you should water your lavender 1-2 times per week, making sure not to completely drench the soil; moderation is key with lavender! If your climate is hot and dry, you may need to water your lavender plant 2-3 times per week.
If you live in a humid climate, you may only need to water your lavender 1-2 times per month. Additionally, try to water your lavender plants in the morning or evening when it’s less hot outside. Doing so will help prevent severe evaporation and reduce any potential shock that the plant may experience from tap water.
Is a lavender topiary a perennial?
Yes, a lavender topiary is a perennial plant. Perennial plants, which are also known as herbaceous perennials, are plants that grow year after year and will die back to the ground in the winter before growing back in the spring.
Lavender is one such plant, and with regular pruning, a topiary shape can be achieved. Benefits of growing a lavender topiary include its pleasant scent and long flowering season—in mild climates, some varieties of lavender can bloom from early spring throughout the summer.
Its small size and care requirements also make it a great choice for gardeners with limited space and time.
Can a lavender topiary be planted outside?
Yes, a lavender topiary can be planted outside. Topiaries are plants that are trained to a set shape or form, typically with wood or wire support structures. If a lavender topiary is planted outdoors, it needs a minimum of 8 hours of sunlight per day and must be in a well-drained location.
It also needs daily watering during the summer months and monthly feedings of a balanced fertilizer to help the topiary retain its shape. When planting a lavender topiary outdoors, it is important to remember to keep it sheltered during winter months, as cold temperatures can cause it to suffer frost damage.
Finally, be sure to prune the topiary regularly – this will help to maintain its overall shape and can help promote vigorous growth.
What is the difference between a lavender tree and a lavender plant?
The main difference between a lavender tree and a lavender plant is the way in which each one is grown. Lavender trees are grown by grafting parts of a tree onto a rootstock, while lavender plants are grown from seeds or cuttings.
Lavender trees have a woody stem that can reach up to 3 to 6 feet in height, while lavender plants are typically much smaller and can reach up to 1 to 2 feet in height. Lavender trees are relatively easy to take care of and will produce a continuous flow of blooms, while lavender plants require more frequent care and maintenance but will not bloom as often.
Lavender trees have a more shrub-like form and are typically sold as small trees in garden centers, while lavender plants are usually sold as individual plants in pots. Lavender trees also have a longer life span and can live for up to 10 years or more, whereas lavender plants usually have a shorter life span of 1 to 5 years.
Can lavender topiary survive winter?
The short answer is yes, lavender topiary can survive winter. However, there are a few things you should do to ensure that your lavender topiary will survive the coldest months of the year.
First, you should ensure that your lavender topiary is planted in well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. Clay or heavy soils should be mixed with organic matter to help support the lavender’s root system.
Mulching is also helpful, as it helps keep the soil warm while also keeping roots protected from cold and insulates them from winter weather. You should also make sure to water your lavender topiary before the beginning of winter, as this helps soak up moisture that the plant will use over winter.
When choosing your location for the topiary, be sure to find a spot that faces south to take advantage of the warm winter sun and is shielded from cold winds. Also, make sure it is located in an area that doesn’t collect frost and snow, as these can be deadly for lavender plants, particularly topiary.
Finally, you should choose a good quality lavender topiary and make sure to prune or shape it regularly to increase air circulation and reduce the risk of fungal and bacterial infections. Deadheading flowers and leaves throughout the season will also help.
With proper planting, location, care and maintenance, your lavender topiary should have no problem surviving the winter and will look even more beautiful in the warmer months.
Is a lavender tree indoor or outdoor?
The lavender tree (Lavandula angustifolia) is typically an outdoor plant, growing best in full sun and in areas that are well-drained. It is frost tolerant and can survive temperatures as low as 5 degrees Fahrenheit, but it won’t do well if exposed to too much moisture.
The tree form of lavender is generally hardy in USDA growing zones 8-10, but with protection, it can be grown in other areas. If grown indoors, lavender will need direct sun, good drainage, and humidity levels that are lower than most houseplants prefer.
It also requires frequent pruning to prevent it from becoming unwieldy or toppling over. Properly cared for, lavender can live a long life and add a sweet, calming scent to any home.