Decorating a potted topiary plant for the holidays is easy and fun. Ribbons, little cookies, tiny lights, holiday ornaments, hemlock pine cones (which are almond-sized), origami and gumball-sized Christmas balls are only a few of the possibilities.
Tree-shaped topiaries are particularly fun for kids to decorate because the small scale lets them complete the job before they lose interest. You can also personalize the decorating with pictures of loved ones, drawings or handmade ornaments. Or you can go minimalist.
"Some people just put a big bow on top whose ends trail down the sides," says Schickenberg. "I've also seen little dried berries tucked in."
Some topiaries don't need adornment, which helps the holiday-harried to simplify the decorating portion of the season. For example, the only thing a fragrant, flower-laden jasmine wreath needs is a place of honor - a tabletop or mantelpiece.
Topiaries are easy to care for. "You treat them like a normal houseplant," says Winterfeldt. "Water them once a week, and give them a little water-soluble fertilizer once a month."
Most need bright but not direct sunlight. Keep soil moist but not sodden.
Letting the plants dry out between waterings will produce browned leaves, especially on evergreens and ivies. And bear in mind that many American homes are bone-dry in winter, so the plant will need to be spritzed occasionally.
"They love their leaves showered off," Schickenberg says.
Tropicals such as winter jasmine are happiest if they are in a pot set on top of a container of pebbles filled with water. To water tropicals, set them in the kitchen sink once a week and shower them until water comes out the bottom of the pot. Let the pot drain for a few moments before putting it back on its pebbles.
Specific cultural requirements should be listed on the topiaries' tag; if they aren't, ask about them. To maintain the topiaries' original shape, simply clip the plant back into submission periodically. Pruning promotes bushier growth.
"You can trim or tuck in the unruly little strands of the vines," says Schickenberg.
Topiaries of all stripes enjoy an annual summer sabbatical outdoors.
Hardy specimens should be kept chilly to keep them from breaking dormancy until spring, but they will need some wind protection and careful attention to their water needs.
