Ivy Topiary for the Outdoors

(Question)

I am interested in growing a topiary. I have plan on using a three foot lollipop shaped form in a container. I was wondering if you could tell me which kind of Ivy is the fastest growing and the least susceptible to cold conditions as I was hopping to keep it outside in the winter (Zone 6). In addition, can you tell me if there anything else I would need to do to protect it over winter (wrapping it in burlap, keeping it out of the wind)?

(Answer)

Thank you for contacting the Toronto Master Gardeners.

This is a fun project, one that a friend of mine is completely addicted to – she creates all kinds of novel shapes which are living art-forms/sculptural elements, where the containers can be moved around the garden or her patio to create interesting focal points.

I would recommend you begin with Hedera Helix Ivy as it will thrive in this hardiness zone, is a vigorous grower, has bendable vines and can be pruned/trimmed to encourage bushier growth or removal of stray vines.  Hedera Helix is quite an aggressive, invasive plant so normally we would not suggest it be planted into a garden bed, but in this limited controlled application, it would be great.

Below are a few directions to consider:

  1. Choose a heavy, frost proof container as your topiary has the potential to get top heavy and you don’t want it blowing over in the wind.
  2. Make sure your container has a good drainage hole.
  3. Use a good quality soilless mix/container soil.
  4. Secure the topiary form deeply into the centre of the container.
  5. Depending on the container size, choose 3, 4 or 5 plants to be evenly spaced around the form (generally odd numbers tend to be more attractive).
  6. Water plants in well.
  7. Once you’ve sewn the plants, begin to train them up and around the form
  8. Trim stray leaves or vines to create a more defined shape.
  9. As Ivy grows, continue to weave & train until you have the form completely covered.
  10. Continuous pruning/trimming can be done to create a bushier, fuller shape if you have sparce spots.

With regards to over-wintering your plants, below you will find a link to a previous question posed to our group, which will give you great advice in order to successfully protect your project from the harsh realities of the Canadian Winter.

Winter protection for plants in Balcony containers – Toronto Master Gardeners

Hope this information is helpful, good luck.