How to Make a Lavender Topiary

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Lavender topiary or a lavender tree is so pretty and I am finding them easy to create.  I am going to share my journey in creating lavender topiary so you can try it too!

Topiaries are a wonderful way to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any garden or indoor space. If you’re looking for something special to spruce things up, why not try making a lavender topiary or tree?

This beginner-friendly guide will take you through the steps of creating a beautiful lavender topiary that will look great for years to come.

What is a Lavender Topiary or Tree?

A lavender topiary or lavender tree is the art of pruning (cutting) live lavender plants into decorative shapes.

Many times, when you say topiary people think of the art of pruning boxwood shrubs, yew or holly shrubs to create beautiful shapes.

Many refer to these as Lavender Standard Topiary, thought you should know in case you run across that term.

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I love making topiary with herb plants. They make wonderful gifts, table decor or interesting elements out in the garden. I use them both indoors and outdoors so take your pick.

Creating lavender topiary is so much fun!  It takes some patience but most gardeners are accustomed to exercising patience.

The first step is choosing the right plant. Lavender is an ideal choice for a topiary because it has a nice, full shape and is easy to prune.

Plus it is hardy in a wide range of temperatures and garden zones. Its is easy to care for making it a perfect plant for the novice gardener and topiary creator.

Some lavenders are more cold hardy than others so check the label to see if the one you choose will need winter protection in your garden or if you will need to bring it indoors.

You can find lavender plants at most nurseries or garden centers. Make sure you choose one with healthy, full foliage so it will look its best once it’s trimmed into shape.

I have seen mostly Spanish Lavender (lavender stoechas) used for the ready to buy lavender trees but I have used English and French lavender with success.

You can also start your own lavender plants from cuttings. I have an entire post written on how you can start Lavender from cuttings.

This is the lavender plant I took my cuttings from that I am turning into a topiary.

You can leave the lavender plant in its original pot or you can repot it into another container. I share what I like to use below.

Supplies to Create the Lavender Topiary Tree

Now that you have your plant, lets talk about what tools you will need. Since lavenders are typically on the younger side when we buy them then we won’t need large garden shears.

A pair of pruners or even these garden snips work very well for me.

I prefer using terra cotta pots as they breath and since Lavender prefer drier conditions they are perfect for those that get carried away with overwatering.

Plus their heavier weight keeps the lavender tree upright should the top get very full.

A sandy soil is preferred by lavender plants so mix a good potting mix with horticultural sand or builders sand about half and half.

Note: I have also used cactus mix or just plain potting soil so if you don’t have any sand then just use what you have, just be careful not to overwater.

Some sort of stake for support, I use bamboo cut from my own plants.

When repotting a garden center lavender plant then use a pot that is about 2 inches wider than the plants root ball. This gives it room to grow.

Create your Lavender Topiary

From the plant, choose the most central and strong-looking stem to be the future trunk.

Cut the other stems off flush with the soil surface so that only one stem is remaining.

Being a young plant this central stem may still be soft so you can add a small plant stake to support it.

Now remove the leaves from the bottom half of main stem, which is now the trunk.

Then water and care for the plant normally for the following months as it adjusts to its new shape.

Below are the plants we will be working with today.  The one on the far left is the shape I am going for though I want it to get fuller, it will as I keep trimming it at the top.

The one in the middle is what I will photograph for this post and the one on the far right will be what I use for the video linked at the end of this post.

My goal is the make the one lavender, now on the left, look more like the one on the right.  I want a more rounded top and I want the height to be similar.

I start by trimming out the extra stems lower down on the main stem, this photo looks like I am cutting the main stem but in actuality, I am not, just one of the lower side shoots.

Now I am cutting another side shoot. You can see I will be left with the main shoot or stem from which I want more side shoots to grow but higher up on the main stem.

It doesn’t look like much but trust me it will put out more side shoots as it grows. 

Lavender Topiary Support

Using a bamboo stake tie up the Lavender to keep it straighter.

Note: I grow my own bamboo, here is how I divide and propagate it so I always have plenty.

For ties, I use pantyhose cut into narrow strips.  These work better for me as opposed to twine as they stretch with the growth of the plant and the color blends in as they age to a grey-green.

You can see how I have tied up the lavender to the bamboo.  Another benefit of working with these is the gorgeous scent they release as you work with them.  Aromatherapy at its freshest!

Because of the variety of this Lavender, these stay shorter but if you use a taller growing lavender you can get taller topiaries. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different varieties.

And here is the video

https://youtu.be/IT11I0-Ksyk

Want to know how to overwinter your Lavender Topiary?  Read that here.

Happy Gardening

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