How to Care for Evergreen Topiaries

Overview

Ivy is a woody vine-growing evergreen that is commonly used in the creation of topiary structures. The vines are easily trained around a wire topiary structure that is attached to or stuck into the pot. Ivy topiary plants do not respond well to cold or excessively hot temperatures and should be protected by growing indoors in climates that have these conditions. The evergreen topiary plants should be replanted in a larger pot every two years to prevent from becoming root bound.

Step 1

Place ivy topiary plants in a location that offer morning sun and afternoon shade light conditions. Topiary plants grow well in one to three hours of direct sunlight.

Step 2

Water evergreen topiaries once the top layer of soil becomes dry. Ivy topiary plants do not respond well to being over-watered or placed in standing water.

Step 3

Keep the evergreen topiary plants in an area where the temperatures are 60 to 80 degrees F. Topiary plants can be grown in shaded locations outdoors during the summer and placed indoors during the cooler fall and winter months.

Step 4

Fertilize evergreen topiary plants with a liquid general purpose houseplant fertilizer that is high nitrogen (30-10-10) at every other watering (approximately every other week) during the spring, fall and winter seasons. Fertilize at every watering during the summer growth season.

Step 5

Shape the topiary as the plant grows by winding the plant around the topiary structure. Remove dry leaves as they appear. Pinch to remove long growth shoots to stimulate new growth for a full-looking plant.

Step 6

Monitor ivy topiary plants for the presence of spider mites. Isolate the plant and spray the leaves with room temperature water to remove the mites. Treat the plant by spraying with an insecticidal soap solution.