An artificial topiary form is a sculpted shape: usually a steel wire frame finished in faux foliage, so it holds a clipped silhouette permanently without water, sunlight or trimming. You can use one indoors or outdoors.
Most forms are simple geometric shapes, like a sphere or a cube. More complex ones take the shape of animals or characters. The nine shapes we are asked for most are set out in top 9 artificial topiary trees and shapes.
Start by deciding whether you want a topiary tree that is live, artificial or preserved. Then work out where it will sit, indoors or outdoors, and whether you have the right planter. It also helps to know who the topiary artist is.
No Water Required
The main benefit of an artificial topiary is that it needs no water. It does not wilt, and there is nothing to trim. A live one takes real time to look after.
Easy to Clean
Anything left in one place long enough collects dust. Cleaning a live topiary is fiddly, because you are working around something you can damage. A faux one is easy to clean, and you can be much firmer with it.
Can Be Placed Anywhere
An artificial topiary needs no natural light, so you can put it anywhere in your home or office. That includes rooms with no windows, where a live plant would not last.
Look Authentic
A good artificial topiary looks real. You know it is faux, but your guests will not. The most convincing pieces cost more, and they bring a touch of real luxury into a room.
How are artificial topiaries made?
Most artificial topiaries use plastic for the trunk and stems. The leaves and flowers can be plastic too, though higher-quality pieces use silk leaves. The parts are shaped to copy the form, texture and color of a real topiary tree.
Are there any downsides to an artificial topiary?
Price is the main one. Artificial topiaries that look real are among the more expensive options, and cheaper pieces wear down quickly and start to look ragged. A good piece lasts typically 5 to 10 years outdoors, longer indoors.
Animal Topiary
Animal topiary is the most popular artform we carry. Picture a family of flying pigs in formation, from papa pig down to baby pig.
Topiary Forms
Topiary forms can be almost any shape, from a horse to a person. We build custom frames to your drawing or photo.
Outdoor Topiary
Outdoor topiary, live or artificial, has to survive the weather. Choose a live topiary rated for your hardiness zone. Choose an artificial one with a metal frame that can stay outdoors 24/7 and foliage made for outdoor use.
Our wire frames are galvanized steel as standard, with powder coat as an option, and they stay outdoors all year.
Artificial Topiary
Artificial topiary copies a live one. A faux boxwood, for example, looks like real boxwood foliage.
Featured image credit: Pauline E / Creative Commons
Our artificial topiary range runs from UV-rated boxwood balls to full trees.
