Buxus (box) balls are a popular tree for providing impact in a scheme, but concerns over box blight disease mean that this species often can't be used. Palmstead offers five alternative trees which are suitable for use as balls.

Ilex crenata 'Dark Green'

Ilex crenata 'Dark Green' is a bushy, evergreen shrub that can be kept tightly clipped, lending itself well to topiary.

Small, glossy leaves around 2cm in length
Tough and versatile
Deals well with urban pollution
Tolerant of many conditions
Does well in full sun or partial shade
Can grow up to 4m high and 3m wide

Pittosporum tobira 'Nanum'

Pittosporum tobira 'Nanum' has a maximum height and spread of 60cm so is well suited to designs that require small or medium sized topiary balls.

Bright, glossy green leaves
Small, honey scented flowers in late spring and early summer
Hardy to around -5 degrees
Suitable for sunny, sheltered positions and in-land coastal gardens
Will need protection from hard frosts and in exposed areas

Taxus baccata

Taxus baccata lends itself well to being clipped and is perfect for topiary. It can be kept at any height without affecting its longevity.

Extremely tolerant
Can thrive in dry shade, acidic soils and alkaline soils
Areas with significant urban pollution
Dark green foliage
On female plants, red berries will appear in the autumn
Reaches 20m high (if left to grow into a tree form)
Highly toxic if ingested

Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Golf Ball'

Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Golf Ball' lends itself perfectly to topiary balls, forming a natural mound-like shape and can work as a small, medium or large topiary ball replacement.

Plant in fertile, moist, well drained soils
Mint green foliage
Small, honey-scented purple/brown flowers appear in late spring and early summer
Maximum height and spread of 1.2m

Laurus nobilis

Laurus nobilis (Bay) is an evergreen shrub that lends itself to being clipped, making it suitable for various topiary shapes.

Luscious, aromatic, dark green foliage
Position close to pathways or areas where the colour contrasts with the background
Benefits from a sunny or partially shaded, sheltered position
If planted in exposed situations plants may suffer from wind scorching

Topiary alternatives to buxus box

Topiary - products from other companies

Taxus baccata Common Yew, English Yew

Topiary trees

Topiary - companies

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