Topiary Herb Plants

Often seen in formal settings, topiaries can also be cultivated in small containers.Inti St. Clair/Photodisc/Getty Images

Topiaries are decorative living ornaments sculpted from trees, hedges, bushes and herbs. Oftentimes seen along walkways in formal gardens, topiary bushes are sculpted into globes, pyramids and other geometrical designs. In more whimsical gardens, the plants are transformed into swans and other animal shapes. Herbs, though soft stemmed and not often associated with topiary designcan be trained into shapes and grown in gardens or indoor containers.

Rosemary

Many florists and garden centers sell fragrant rosemary bushes that have been fashioned into miniature Christmas tree-shaped plants suitable for in-home displays. These trees can be decorated with ornaments and lights and are a healthy alternative for those with pine allergies. The tree should receive full sun and doesn't require much water. Once the weather warms it can be placed outdoors.

Lemon myrtle is native to coastal Australia and is used there as a seasoning for seafood and chicken. Some cooks add it to sweet dishes as well as salad. A gardener can tame the lemon myrtle into a topiary plant due to its woody nature. It is actually a tree. A mature lemon myrtle can reach heights up to 26 feet, making the lemon myrtle a good choice for the smallest of topiary arrangements -- bonsai.

Since the Middle Ages, lavender has been transformed into topiary designs. Species, such as L. angustifolia 'Nana Alba' and L. angustifolia 'Irene Doyle', are suitable for container topiary arrangements. These plants prefer hot, dry conditions. If you live in a warm region then consider growing Spanish lavenders such as L.stoechas and L. dentate.