An artificial topiary is a faux plant shaped into a precise geometric form, such as a ball, cone, spiral or stacked balls on a stem, copying the garden art of clipping evergreens like boxwood and cypress. It suits formal front doors, porches, patios, balconies and indoor entryways where a symmetrical accent is needed and a living shrub would need regular trimming. Our range has nearly 600 topiaries and topiary-style plants, from small balls for planter tops to tall spirals that flank a door.
Topiary Shapes and Where Each Works
- Ball: a single sphere of leaves, either on its own or on a trunk. A topiary ball can sit in an urn, a window box or on a mantel. Loose balls also come in packs, sold as artificial topiary balls for planters or for hanging.
- Double and triple ball: two or three spheres stacked on one stem. An artificial triple ball topiary tree adds height and drama to a porch.
- Spiral: foliage wrapped in a corkscrew around a central trunk. An artificial spiral topiary is the most formal shape and looks best in matching pairs.
- Cone and tower: tapered pyramids, often in cypress or cedar, good for narrow spaces beside doors.
- Standard or lollipop: a ball on a tall bare trunk, which gives height without blocking windows.
Boxwood, Cypress, Cedar and Blooming Options
Foliage type changes the look as much as the shape does. Artificial boxwood topiary is the classic, with small, dense, bright green leaves; English boxwood versions have the tightest leaves. Cypress topiary has soft, feathery needles in a deeper green, and an artificial cedar topiary has flat, layered sprays with a slightly blue tint. Softer options in the collection include eucalyptus, lavender topiary with purple spikes, rose and sweet bay styles, plus olive-leaf topiaries. If you want an olive tree with a looser canopy, see our artificial olive trees.
Outdoor Use and UV Resistance
Many listings here are labeled indoor/outdoor or UV-resistant. That matters, because standard plastic foliage fades from green to blue-gray within a season of strong sun. For outdoor topiaries, check that the listing states UV or weather resistance. Tips for porches and entries:
- Weigh down the pot with sand, gravel or a heavy planter such as cement, especially for tall spirals that catch wind.
- Place them where they get some shade during the hottest part of the day if possible.
- Rinse dust and pollen off with a hose every few months.
- Store or cover them in very harsh winter storms to extend their life.
Sizing Topiaries for Doors and Planters
For a front door, a pair of topiaries that reaches roughly a third to half the height of the door looks proportionate; for a standard 80-inch door, that usually means about 3 to 4 feet including the pot. Taller spirals of 5 to 6 feet suit oversized or double doors. For window boxes and urns, measure the planter's inside diameter and choose a ball slightly wider than the opening so it sits on top neatly. Small topiary trees around 1 to 2 feet work on shelves, dining tables and mantels.
Potted vs. Loose Topiary
Some designs arrive in a planter, often black, white or cement-look pots. Others come in a plain base for you to set into your own container. Potted is easier for a quick matching pair; loose lets you match the planters already on your porch. When matching a pair, buy both at the same time so the foliage color is identical.
How Topiaries Fit With Other Faux Trees
Topiaries add structure and symmetry; trees add height and a natural shape. A common combination is clipped boxwood at the door and a softer tree inside the entry. For tropical height, browse artificial palm trees; for bold indoor leaves, try faux fiddle leaf figs. Everything sits within our plants and trees collection.
What Faux Topiaries Cost
Prices start around $17 for small balls and reach about $920 per item for tall or potted designs. Most fall between roughly $105 and $315, with a typical topiary around $185. Packs of balls are priced per pack. Just over half of the range is in stock.
Artificial Topiary FAQ
Do artificial topiary plants outdoor fade in the sun?
Standard plastic foliage fades over time in direct sun. UV-resistant designs hold their color much longer, and some shade extends their life further. Check each listing for outdoor and UV details.
How do I keep a tall spiral from blowing over?
Put the topiary in a heavy planter and fill the space around its base with sand or gravel. Cement or stone planters are more stable than lightweight resin.
Which looks more natural, boxwood or cypress?
Both can look convincing. Boxwood suits clipped balls and formal shapes because real boxwood is clipped that way; cypress and cedar look natural in cones and spirals.
What size topiary ball fits a window box?
Choose a ball close to the box's depth so it doesn't hang over the edge too much. For large planters, a ball slightly wider than the opening sits neatly on top.
Can I use topiaries indoors?
Yes. Small balls and cones work on mantels, tables and shelves, and tall pairs suit indoor entries or flanking a fireplace. Indoor placement also keeps them from fading.