Sculptural Greenery Elevated: 5 Luxury Topiary Trees Worth Considering

Blog Summary:

There’s something inherently sophisticated about a beautifully shaped topiary. Much like a well-set table or a curated art piece, the right greenery completes a space.

Whether you’re styling a sun-drenched conservatory, rooftop terrace, or intimate interior vignette, this quick guide breaks down five of the best plants for topiary art—whether you’re going for classic, fragrant, or zero-maintenance style.

• Boxwood: A timeless topiary staple with dense foliage ideal for shaping into spheres, cones, or tiers.
• Yew: A formal garden favorite, great for large-scale designs like spirals and mazes.
• Arborvitae: Naturally columnar and low-maintenance; perfect for privacy or structured landscapes.
• Myrtle: Glossy, citrus-scented, and elegant; perfect for indoor or smaller topiary forms.
• Preserved Topiaries: Real plants without the upkeep; ideal for indoor use with long-lasting beauty.

Topiary trees, often colloquially referred to simply as topiaries, are not actually a type of plant so much as a way of pruning trees or shrubs.

Topiary art, or the pruning of plants to create topiaries, turns ordinary plants into extraordinary sculptural statement pieces. Equal parts whimsical and manicured, topiaries are a fun and elegant way to add greenery to any space, indoors or outdoors.

Whether you prefer living topiaries, which must routinely be trimmed to maintain their shape, or preserved topiaries, which are formerly live topiaries that have been treated to be lower-maintenance, there’s no limit to what you can do with this type of plant. What’s more, there are nearly endless topiary shapes available to choose from, including spheres, spirals, columns, and more.

So, what are the best plants for topiary art? Here are five outstanding options worth considering.

1. Boxwood Topiary (Buxus)

A timeless favorite, boxwood bushes are characterized by miniature evergreen leaves and a dense habit. This makes them the perfect plant for precise shaping into spheres, cones, or other tiered designs. Depending on the variety, boxwoods may naturally take on pyramidal shapes or rounded habits, providing plenty of styling flexibility.

Boxwood’s versatility is what makes it so iconic. Inside, preserved boxwood orbs paint a striking picture atop a marble countertop or next to limestone fountains from RH. Outdoors, varieties like “Green Mountain” or “Chicagoland Green” hold their form beautifully when flanking a wrought-iron gate or lining a cobbled courtyard.

2. Yew (Taxus Baccata)

The yew topiary is a masterclass in architectural greenery. With its rich green needles and pliable yet resilient form, there’s no wonder yew has been a staple of formal gardens for centuries.

Indeed, their natural structure makes Yew an ideal choice for large-scale shapes ranging from spirals to hedge mazes and large gardens.

Try planting grand shapes that echo the angles of a Neoclassical façade outdoors, or counterbalance Yew’s warmth with RH limestone fountains or McKinnon and Harris garden seating.

3. Arborvitae (Thuja)

For refined greenery with a naturally tailored silhouette, look no farther than arborvitae.

Certain cultivars, such as “Emerald Green” and “North Pole,” grow into tall columnar or pyramidal shapes almost on their own, decreasing the amount of trimming required.

For this reason, Arborvitae is the topiary of choice for minimalist estates, manicured privacy walls, and more. Imagine lining the edge of a courtyard pool with a row of columnar arborvitae, offsetting the clean lines of a Dedon chaise or Boffi outdoor kitchen, for instance.

4. Myrtle (Myrtus Communis)

If your aesthetic leans toward Mediterranean refinement or understated elegance, then myrtle is the topiary of choice for you.

With glossy evergreen leaves and a scent that’s subtly reminiscent of citrus, this plant is truly a classy one. It is also easily formed into topiary art shapes such as orbs, cones, or even pom-poms. It responds well to routine clipping and does especially well in bright indoor spots.

If you are decorating an indoor setting, consider pairing myrtle topiaries on a credenza near Loro Piana textiles or a hand-blown Murano glass vase beside a stack of Assouline books. This is greenery as accessory – curated, fragrant, and intentional.

5. Preserved Topiaries

For effortless luxury that makes a lasting impression, preserved topiaries are the design-forward solution.

These are real plants—often boxwood—that have been expertly treated to maintain their lush, natural appearance without the need for water, sunlight, or trimming.

They’re ideal for spaces where live greenery isn’t practical, like guest bathrooms, powder rooms, or entry consoles layered with Dior Maison trays and Diptyque candles. Use them to add texture to a refined tablescape or to bring sculptural structure to a minimalist bookshelf styled with Hermès porcelain or Frette linen boxes.

In Conclusion

Like any sophisticated design element, topiaries bring structure, charm, and sophistication to any indoor or outdoor space they’re used to decorate. From sculptable evergreens such as arborvitae and yew to real live and preserved boxwoods, there’s a solution for every style and every unique need.

The key is to select the right plants for each specific use case. Ready to elevate your space with Sculptural greenery? We’d be more than happy to help! Reach out to us at Winward Home anytime. Or, browse our entire collection of topiaries for indoor and outdoor use online now.