Our Collection
Topiary
Hedgeworx specialises in architectural topiary and mature specimen trees for private gardens and large estate landscapes. Our collection spans classic forms through to bespoke sculptural pieces.
These are substantial living forms requiring careful handling, transport, and establishment. Each piece is considered a living work of art, defined by proportion, character, and permanence.
Hedgeworx specialises in architectural topiary and mature specimen trees for private gardens and large estate landscapes. We supply an extensive range of mature topiary in a variety of species, shapes and sizes. The collection extends from traditional balls, cones and domes through to large-scale specimen pieces in a wide variety of architectural and sculptural forms, some reaching over five metres in height.
Each piece has been carefully grown, clipped and shaped over many years, with our largest specimens representing decades of skilled cultivation.
Our principal topiary species are Yew (Taxus baccata), Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) and Green and Copper Beech (Fagus sylvatica and Fagus sylvatica ‘Purpurea’).
Yew (Taxus baccata)
Dense, evergreen and exceptionally long-lived, Yew is one of the finest species for topiary. Its naturally compact growth and ability to regenerate from old wood allows it to be clipped into precise architectural forms while retaining its characteristic depth and density.
Growing conditions: Yew performs well in full sun or partial shade and is suitable for a variety of soil types, provided the ground is free-draining and not subject to waterlogging. Once established, it responds exceptionally well to regular clipping, allowing defined forms to be maintained for many years.
Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus)
Hornbeam is particularly suited to architectural topiary. In spring it is one of the first species to produce new foliage, an exciting time when the bright lime green leaves burst into life. As the season progresses, the leaves deepen to dark green, providing dense coverage. As autumn approaches, they gradually turn shades of bronze and brown. Its tolerance of heavier soils also makes it a versatile choice for a wide range of planting conditions.
Growing conditions: Hornbeam performs well in full sun or partial shade and is tolerant of a broad range of soils, including heavier ground. Regular clipping encourages dense growth and maintains its strong, defined form.
Green and Copper Beech
Beech creates beautifully formed topiary, with fresh green or purple foliage in spring and summer followed by warm copper and bronze tones in autumn and winter. Its fine foliage and naturally elegant habit lend themselves particularly well to formal shapes and larger, simple architectural forms, holding its foliage long into the winter months.
Growing conditions: Beech performs best in full or partial sunlight and requires fertile, free-draining soil. Unlike Hornbeam, it will not tolerate persistently wet ground.
Topiary Forms & Shapes
Classic shapes, timeless structure, beautifully maintained.
Bespoke Topiary
Bespoke Topiary
Ball
Cone
Dome
Spiral
Cube
Pyramid
Beehive
Cloud Tree
Topiary is usually specified by the overall height and width of the plant, together with the pot size or rootball dimensions. For more architectural or individually shaped specimens, additional dimensions may be provided to accurately describe the form and proportions of each piece.
As mature topiary is grown and shaped over many years, particularly larger Taxus baccata specimens, dimensions will vary from plant to plant. Our team can provide individual measurements, photographs and specifications for current stock and help source particular forms or sizes where required.
Mature & Specimen Topiary
Alongside our more simple geometric forms of balls, cones and domes, Hedgeworx specialises in mature specimen topiary for projects where established scale, structure and impact are required from the outset.
A Substantial Collection
We hold a substantial collection of specimen topiary, particularly in Taxus baccata, including exceptional plants several metres in height that have been carefully cultivated and shaped over many years.
Plants of this scale require careful consideration of access, transportation, lifting and positioning. Our team can advise on specimen selection and manage delivery and planting, including specialist machinery where required.
For projects requiring a particular size, shape or proportion, we can also identify individual specimens through our network of specialist growers.
The Topiary Garden at Sandringham House
In 2023, Hedgeworx was selected as the sole supplier of the structural hedging plants and specimen topiary for the new Topiary Garden at Sandringham House.
The project included 34 individual Taxus baccata topiary specimens, with some estimated to be more than 80 years old. Each piece was individually selected for its form, scale and position within the garden.
The scale and established nature of the specimens required specialist transportation, lifting and planting, with each piece carefully positioned as part of the overall design.
The project reflects both the quality and scale of specimen topiary available through Hedgeworx and our experience in managing exceptional plants from selection through to final planting.
Selecting Your Topiary
The impact of topiary lies not only in the specimen itself, but in choosing the right scale, form and position within the landscape.
Our team can assist with the selection of individual specimens, whether for a single focal position, a balanced pair, a repeated architectural scheme or a larger landscape project. Current photographs, dimensions and specifications can be provided, and clients are welcome to book a visit to the nursery to view and select individual pieces in person.
With many years of experience in the planting of mature specimens, our team can manage every practical aspect, from access and transportation through to lifting, positioning and planting.
Interested in our Topiary?
Contact us to discuss available specimens, arrange a visit to our nursery, or enquire about current availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
We supply a superb selection of mature topiary in a vast range of shapes and sizes: spirals, cones, beehives, domes, low domes, cylinders, cubes, pyramids, balls, pillows and bespoke sculptural forms. Our principal topiary species are Yew (Taxus baccata), Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) and Green and Copper Beech (Fagus sylvatica and Fagus sylvatica ‘Purpurea’). We offer topiary balls up to 2.5 metres in diameter and cones up to 5 metres tall.
It can take decades and even centuries to produce the finest pieces. Every piece of bespoke topiary has been carefully crafted and hand-clipped over many years, sometimes even decades, to give it a special shape and unique identity. We have teamed up with a handful of carefully selected partner nurseries to grow and train traditional and contemporary stock for UK gardens.
Yes. We are frequently called upon to search for bespoke plants to fit seamlessly into a particular garden space. Whether you need a specific size, an unusual form, or a matched pair, we work with our network of specialist growers to source or commission pieces to your specification. We have supplied pieces exceeding 500cm in height and weighing several tons.
If you can maintain a hedge then you can maintain topiary too! While the larger mature pieces are available as rootball plants only, we offer a large selection of potted plants for year-round planting. Yew (Taxus baccata) prefers free-draining soil and will not tolerate waterlogging. We can advise on the best species for your soil conditions.
Large pieces of topiary start at 3 metres tall and we have previously supplied specimens of more than 5 metres in height. Some weigh more than 6 tons and require cranes, telehandlers and large excavators to offload and plant. We manage all specialist equipment in-house to ensure safe handling from nursery to final position.
Yes. Due to the age and magnificence of the best mature topiary, they must be lifted with very large, heavy rootballs and require specialist handling skills and machinery. Our team provides a full planting service across the UK. We have supplied to Sandringham, Chartwell and even the Coronation of King Charles. Our team works to high standards of health and safety throughout.