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Raising height of standard (lollipop) topiary

Cornish CanaryCornish Canary Posts: 21
in Tools and techniques

Hello,

I have recently purchased 6image goldcrest Pom Pom topiary which had been reduced to clear. I am not a huge fan of Pom Pom style, much preferring the Lollipop style. I have cleared the bottom growth so they are now effectively small standards. 

My question is how I best go about raising the height of the standard? I presume I need to slowly take of growth from the base of the globe but don't want to do anymore pruning until I get advice from people in the know.

I would be greatful for any advice.

Regards

Steve

Posts

  • KT53KT53 Posts: 9,016

    I think you're right about the method.  I can't see any other way of doing it, apart from putting them in a raised bed :-)

  • Cornish CanaryCornish Canary Posts: 21

    Bump image 

  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,445

    I'll do my best since nobody else hasimage

    From the flat-topped appearance I think these have already had their growing tips removed to stop upward growth and make the ball. From there they will have made multiple stems. Therefore no single stem to carry on upwards. The multiples will go on upwards. When you have removed a few lower branches you will find the base of these multiple stems rather than the single trunk.

    I have no experience of this, just extrapolating from plant growth generally.



    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,146

    I agree Nut - I don't think it's possible to raise the height of a standard once it's been 'stopped' in order to form the head.  


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Cornish CanaryCornish Canary Posts: 21

    Thank you very much for your replies. On closer inspection I can see you are absolutely spot on in your assessments! The tops have indeed been "topped" so I don't think growing upwards is an option now, I presume I can continue to grow and shape the existing globe just without raising the height of the clear stem.

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,146

    Just regular clipping with some topiary shears will keep the balls dense and nicely shaped. 

    The more frequently you clip during the growing season, the better the balls will be. 

    http://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/3348860/The-best-garden-hand-shears-on-offer.html 

    Last edited: 16 September 2016 07:59:55


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





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