Beguilingly simple yet hugely effective, the bold roundness of the ball-shaped topiary stands out in any garden; the perfect counterpoint to a stone wall or paved hard standing, the ultimate foil to the bold uprights of tall grasses, specimen trees or the traditional summerhouse.

The near-spherical ball is best seen when raised within a planter, although it can also be grown to good effect closer to the ground, although this may demand more regular maintenance if the ball is not to evolve into a dome.

Plant Species

The choice of plant species for a ball-shaped topiary may be determined to some extent by the ultimate size anticipated for the piece. Box, as illustrated here, is best for small to medium-sized examples, where the smaller leaves generate a density that maintains the integrity of the shape. For larger specimens, Bay or even Yew may be used.