Topiary balls and pyramids give a front door instant, formal structure, and they look their best at Christmas with a string of outdoor lights or a red ribbon. Choose BetterBuxus 'Skylight' box balls and pyramids, bred in Europe for resistance to box blight, or Japanese holly (Ilex crenata), a hardy evergreen box alternative with small glossy leaves. Free tracked delivery to 25 EU countries.
Which topiary should I choose?
| Option | Sizes | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| BetterBuxus 'Skylight' box balls | About 25cm (23cm pot) or 30cm (26cm pot), single or pairs | The classic box look, with improved blight resistance |
| BetterBuxus 'Skylight' pyramids | Pair, 60–70cm in 23cm pots | Framing a front door or gateway |
| Japanese holly 'Jenny' balls | Pair, 25cm across | A box look-alike that box blight does not affect |
| Japanese holly pyramid | 55cm in a 21cm pot | A single statement cone |
Box or Japanese holly?
Box (Buxus) is the traditional topiary plant, but box blight has damaged many box balls and hedges. BetterBuxus varieties are bred for improved resistance to it, while Japanese holly is not affected by box blight and clips to the same tight shapes. Our box alternatives guide compares the options.
Care
Keep potted topiary outdoors in sun or part shade, in a container with drainage holes, and water whenever the top few centimetres of compost are dry, including during dry spells in winter. Feed in spring and trim once or twice a year, in late spring and late summer, to keep the shape. Both are hardy, but give pots a sheltered spot in freezing winds.
Box and holly are harmful if eaten, so keep them away from pets that chew plants.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring topiary indoors for Christmas?
For a short time only. Box and Japanese holly are outdoor shrubs: bring them into a cool, bright spot for up to 10–12 days over Christmas, away from radiators, then put them back outside.
Can I put lights on topiary?
Yes. Use outdoor-rated LED lights, which stay cool, and take them off after the holidays.
What goes well with topiary at a front door?
Underplant the pots with trailing ivy or add a pot of red-budded skimmia alongside. Our winter planter guide and Christmas plant care checklist have more ideas.
Part of our Christmas and winter plants range. For gift ideas and last-order dates, read the Christmas plants guide.