I have loved myrtle topiaries for years. I would always admire them in magazines and how elegant, graceful, and pretty they are. I admired my online friends who seemed to have the magic touch with myrtles – Loi of Tone on Tone and Heather of Sweet Shady Lane. Heather calls them her “ladies.” I have bought a few over the years and felt like they were fickle, difficult, and beyond my skill to care for. The truth is, I just didn’t know the one, simple trick to taking care of myrtle topiaries. Are you ready for it? Water them daily or every other day because they like to stay moist.
Before I shared the tip, I thought I would test it out. I would just keep them in my kitchen window, which gets nice morning sun, and water them daily.
I bought this pair of myrtle topiaries in May at the Lucketts Spring Market and, now, five months later, they are growing and happy. They are even ready for another haircut. I learned from reading about myrtle topiaries that two new leaves will grow where you make each cut, which will help the topiary get thicker and fuller.
They were dotted with little white blooms in early summer and even a few seeds sprouted in one pot. I decided to leave them for now to see if it’s possible to transplant them or if I’m getting a little too big for my gardening britches.
You can see the little sprouts in this pot…
One of the best reminders for me to water them daily is to have a watering can sitting in the kitchen. I keep one on the shelf by the door and, it’s such a pretty watering can, I don’t mind that it’s a permanent fixture. It’s a copper Haws watering can and I just love it. The long, thin spout makes watering indoors easy and neat.
I have done a few other things in addition to regular watering and trimming. Number one – I’ve put them outside on the patio here and there to get some fresh air and then I bring them in at night. I’m sure I’ll learn a good indoor/outdoor schedule for them, but right now I’m afraid I’ll get distracted and forget about them and then they’ll dry out or get too hot so they’ve mostly stayed inside. Two – I’ve fed it with some all-purpose water-soluble plant food (20-20-20) every few weeks. I haven’t been faithful with it, but as with my outdoor plants, I’ll set a calendar alert to keep them on a regular feeding schedule.
I’ll probably transplant them to larger pots soon since they’ve grown. I do love the patina these pots are developing, though. I’ll have to use them for something else.
So, there you have it! If you’ve wanted to keep myrtle topiaries but you weren’t sure about taking care of them, it’s that simple. Water regularly, make sure they are happy with their light level, trim them as needed, and give them some fresh air and feeding now and then.
If you can’t find myrtle topiaries at a local shop, nursery, or garden center, you can purchase them on Etsy HERE. THIS BOOK also had some great tips on carrying for topiaries.
18 Responses
Marian, I have never had luck with myrtle topiaries! I buy the beautiful plants, admire them … then a few months later, they are dead! But now … armed with these important green thumb tips, I am inspired once again! (And your myrtle topiaries bloomed! You are indeed a green thumb extraordinaire!) Gorgeous!
Beautiful!
Are these different from Crepe Myrtles, that are so prolific in the south? The blooms sure are, and I really like those.
I love the pots also.
All very pretty ! Just love the vignette ! Where did you get that beautiful basket/tray on your kitchen counter ?
It is from Sweet Shady Lane – https://heatherstrommen.com/the-shoppe/new-scallop-wicker-basket
You can keep them in these pots if you shake the old earth away and replace it with new. Plants don’t always need new pots, just new, fresh soil full of power.
I figured they might need a little more room as they grow.
How do you keep your cats from eating them? Do you have cats that don’t go on your kitchen counters? Mine do not listen.
Mine don’t listen, either, although Violet doesn’t usually get on the counter. Esmé, however, is all over everywhere. She doesn’t eat the myrtles, but she does rub her face on them when she wants a scratch. I try to discourage her, though. She still knocks off some leaves now and then.
one other important tip with all topiaries is to turn them regularly so different sides face the light. that way they will go straight rather than curved. yours are lovely
Good tip! Yes, I have turned mine and swapped them, too, since one gets a little more light than the other. Thanks for adding your experience!
At Etsy what size do I order?
Can I request a clay pot?
Is a South window too much light?
Are they a certain Myrtle! Name?
Help. You hooked mel
I would start with one or two in 4″ or 6″pots and check out different sellers. Some prices + shipping are better than others. I think they’ll do great in a south-facing window. The full name is myrtle communis compact or dwarf myrtle, but they are usually just referred to as myrtle topiaries. If you search on Etsy or follow the link in my post, you’ll find a nice assortment. All the best!
Your topiaries are wonderful. Always a fan of them. I have had several for years – and have had some not make it, too. Glad yours are thriving.
How did you get your pot to get that patina?
They just did that on their own!
Do you have any secrets for keeping Rosemary topiaries alive? I buy them at the Christmas season, but I can’t seem to keep them alive….
Not yet! I’ll try one and see if I can keep it alive. 🙂 I had a gorgeous one a few years ago and it didn’t make it.