The straight sides of the cube-shaped topiary stand out as a bold statement in any garden by their very nature - or lack of it. The perpendicular faces of the cube are rarely, if ever, encountered in the natural world, and to see a plant trained to defy our expectations is both eye-catching and intriguing.

The cube can be grown free-standing or set within a planter, as shown in these images here. Although the shape is simple enough, maintaining the effectiveness of the cube will require a keen eye and a sharp blade. Excellent as a patio specimen, bordering a driveway or beside a doorway, the cube is also well-placed to punctuate the end of a walk, to top a wall, or to mark the corner of a building or structure.

Plant Species

As with many traditional topiary shapes, the choice of plant will often be determined by the eventual size desired of the specimen. In the case of the cube, however, it is Box, which can be clipped more tightly than most other plant species, that lends itself especially well to the need for well-defined edges and corners.