Topiaries give a garden a classic look and show off meticulous pruning skill.
Use simple trimming and staking techniques on a coleus for this DIY topiary.
In just a few weeks, a standard can take shape and hold its good looks all summer.
Credit:Peter Krumhardt
Regular care and feeding, along with an occasional pinch or snip, will keep your standard looking snappy.
Plant thecoleusin the planter, no deeper than it was in its original pot.
Press soil firmly around the roots.
Credit:Karla Conrad
Use a pruning tool rather than just pulling off the leaves to avoid damaging the stem.
(The tie should make a figure-8 around the stake and stem.)
Repeat the procedure every 2-3 inches up the stem.
Credit:Karla Conrad
Reserve the remaining ties to use as the plant grows.
Water the plant well and continue to care for it as described on the plant tag.
Credit:Karla Conrad
