Margaret Matlack Jones has been a garden beautification volunteer and team captain of the Undersea Succulent Garden for two years at San Diego Botanic Garden. She was recently commissioned by SDBG to rework several topiaries, such as Dorothea (pictured) with water-saving succulent plants. Here are her suggestions for making and keeping the succulent topiary in your garden as gorgeous as Dorothea.
A strong, well-defined form is a must. Tightly pack the form with fresh sphagnum moss and wrap with fishing line. The line is useful both in holding the shape and anchoring succulents.
Select a location. Some shade is desirable, especially inland.
Make sure you have a solid base to anchor the form.
Purchase good tools. You’ll need sharp clippers, pins to attach some reluctant succulents and long tweezers for inserting cuttings.
Timing is important. If you want your topiary to look its best immediately, pack the larger cuttings tightly.
The key design elements are the succulent plants. Consider the effect of light on color and sun/shade tolerance, size of the mature plant, growth habit, seasonal appearance and the number of cuttings required.
Succulents are low maintenance, not no maintenance. While they are forgiving compared to many plants, they do require some water and pruning.
