Make Your Own Mint Plant Topiary
If you're a leggy plant, chances are I'm going to wrap you into a topiary! I love creating topiaries, so when I noticed some of my sweet mint that was waiting to be planted in my herb bed had grown long stems, I wondered how it would fare as a topiary. Well, there's only one way to find out!
In this post, Make Your Own Mint Plant Topiary, I'll guide you through the process of making a wreath topiary using a grapevine wreath as the topiary form. We'll cover how to get started and how to continue training your topiary over the summer months. Additionally, we'll discuss other herbs that make great wreath topiaries.
I made my first grapevine wreath topiary in 2020, which you can see in my popular post, "DIY Ivy and Rosemary Topiary Using A Grapevine Wreath." I love the natural appearance of the grapevine, providing a rustic and organic structure for the plants to climb on. Ivy, with its long and flexible stems, is a wonderful leggy plant to train, and I've potted several topiaries for family and friends using this versatile greenery. Rosemary, too, has been a delightful herb to work with, offering both beauty and fragrance to my wreath topiary plantings.
Choosing the Right Pot
When it comes to selecting the perfect home for your mint topiary, size definitely matters! You'll want to choose a pot that gives your mint room to grow and spread its roots, but not so large that it looks disproportionate to your grapevine wreath. For this outdoor mint plant, I've opted for a classic terracotta clay pot. These sturdy pots are my go-to for outdoor plants because they're durable, affordable, and they are an iconic herb planter.
Now, if you've been following along with my indoor topiary adventures, you know I love using thrifted soup tureens as planters. They add a unique, vintage flair to my creations. However, for this outdoor project, I'm sticking with a more traditional clay pot. Why? Well, terracotta is a porous material that allows for better air circulation and drainage, which is key to keeping your mint happy and healthy.
Speaking of drainage, make sure your chosen pot has ample drainage holes at the bottom. Mint doesn't like to sit in soggy soil, so proper drainage is a must. If your pot doesn't have pre-drilled holes, don't be afraid to get out your drill and make a few yourself. Your mint will thank you!
So, whether you're using a classic clay pot like me or repurposing a thrifted find, just remember to consider size, material, and drainage when selecting the perfect home for your mint topiary.
Sizing the Grapevine Wreath
Let's talk about the importance of proportional sizing when it comes to your grapevine wreath. You don't want your wreath to look like it's being swallowed up by your pot, but you also don't want it to be so large that it looks like it's trying to escape! It's all about finding that perfect balance.
First things first, grab your measuring tape and measure the diameter of your pot. This will give you a good starting point for selecting your grapevine wreath. As a general rule of thumb, you want your wreath to be slightly larger than the diameter of your pot. This will create a nice, balanced look and give your mint plenty of room to climb and spread.
When you're at the store (or if you're lucky enough to have a grapevine wreath stash like me), hold the wreath up to your pot and see how it looks. If it's too small, size up. If it's too large, size down. And if it's just right, well, you know what to do! A good rule of thumb is to buy a grapevine wreath that is 2" larger than the diameter of your pot.
Remember, the key to a stunning mint topiary is all in the proportions. So, take your time, measure carefully, and select a grapevine wreath that will make your mint look like the star of the show!
Best Soil for Mint Topiaries
When it comes to keeping your mint topiary happy and thriving, soil is key! You'll want to use a well-draining potting mix that's light and fluffy, allowing your mint's roots to breathe and grow. I like to create my own blend using equal parts potting soil, perlite, and compost. This combination ensures excellent drainage while providing your mint with the nutrients it needs to flourish. And don't forget to check your soil's pH! Mint prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil, so aim for a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 for optimal growth.
Assembling the Mint Topiary
A. Gathering materials:
- Clay pot (I used a 10")
- Soil
- Grapevine wreath (I used a 12" wreath)
- 2 - 4" mint plants
B. Step-by-step instructions:
- Preparing the pot and adding soil
Fill your chosen pot with the well-draining soil mix, leaving enough space for your mint plants. Give the soil a good drink.
- Planting the mint
For this project, I started with two 4" pots of sweet mint that had long stems (around 10-12") along with smaller ones. Gently release the roots from some of the soil in the container to encourage better growth. Place the two plants on the outside of each side of the pot, positioning them at 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock with space in between. The "legs" (long stems) should be planted so that they go over the outside of the pot.
- Placing the grapevine wreath
Once the plants are in place, stand the grapevine wreath on its side at an angle ( think 8 o'clock and 2 o'clock) to avoid the plants but be close to them.
- Securing the Grapevine wreath
Using 9" flocked wire, make a U-shape and weave it through the grapevine into the soil. Do this in several places along the bottom of the grapevine to ensure it's secure.
- Initial training of the mint stems
Gently wrap the mint stems around the wreath to start the topiary. This initial training will encourage the mint to continue growing and wrapping around the grapevine form.
Quick tips for Caring for Your Mint Topiary
A. Watering
- Water your mint topiary when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
- Provide enough water to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
- Ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot
Visit my "How Much Water Do Mint Plants Need To Thrive?" post for more information on watering mint.
B. Sunlight
- Mint thrives in partial shade to full sun
- If your topiary is outdoors, provide some afternoon shade in hot climates.
- Indoor topiaries should be placed near a bright window with indirect light.
Visit my "Mint Sunlight Guide: How Much Sun Do Mint Plants Need?" post for more information the proper sunlight for mint plants.
C. Fertilizing
- Feed your mint topiary with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
- Use a fertilizer formulated for herbs to ensure the right nutrient balance
- Watch for signs of nutrient deficiencies, such as yellowing leaves or stunted growth.
Visit my "What You Need to Know About Fertilizing Herbs: Nurturing Nature’s Bounty" post for learn more about fertilizing your mint.
D. Training the Mint
- Regularly wrapping new growth around the wreath
- As your mint grows, gently wrap the new stems around the grapevine wreath.
- Use soft twine or plant ties to secure the stems in place if needed.
- Continue this process throughout the growing season to maintain the topiary shape.
- Pruning techniques to maintain shape and encourage bushiness
- Pinch back the tips of the mint stems to encourage branching and fuller growth.
- Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased leaves or stems as needed.
- Prune your topiary regularly to maintain its shape and prevent overgrowth.
Other Herbs Suitable for Wreath Topiaries
- Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)
- Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
- Lemon Verbena (Aloysia citrodora)
- Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
- Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
- Sage (Salvia officinalis)
- Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
- Marjoram (Origanum majorana)
- Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus)
- Scented Geranium (Pelargonium spp.)
- Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)
- Catnip (Nepeta cataria)
These herbs have relatively flexible stems that can be trained to wrap around a grapevine wreath, and they offer a variety of fragrances and textures to create unique and aromatic topiaries. Experiment with different herbs to find your favorite combinations and enjoy the process of crafting your own living decor!
Frequently Asked Questions about Make Your Own Mint Plant Topiary
If you're new to creating topiaries, a great way to start is by using fresh mint or rosemary plants. These herbs have flexible stems that are easy to train around a form, such as a grapevine wreath. Another beginner-friendly option is to create a topiary using a small pot, a boxwood ball, and some angel vine or other trailing plants. These projects are perfect for adding a touch of spring decor to your outdoor space or window boxes.
When creating a topiary using real plants in a terra cotta pots, good drainage is key. Make sure your pot has drainage holes at the bottom, and use a well-draining soil mix to prevent water from sitting around the roots. Terra cotta is a great choice because it's porous and allows excess moisture to evaporate. To keep your topiary healthy, water it when the top inch of soil feels dry, and provide it with the appropriate amount of sunlight for the specific plant you've chosen.
When creating DIY topiaries, you can use various forms besides grapevine wreaths. Wire topiary forms, available on Amazon or at hobby lobby, come in different shapes and sizes, offering easier access for attaching plants. Woody branches or stems can also be used as a rustic base or other flexible materials can create whimsical shapes. Don't be afraid to combine different forms and materials to showcase your favorite features and achieve a unique look for your home decor. Have fun experimenting with easy projects and let your creativity shine!
Initial Planting 1 Month's Growth
Once your mint topiary begins to thrive be sure to harvest some to make my Easy Mint, Cantaloup and Fontina Pasta Salad or some delicious Blackberry Ricotta Artisan Toast!
Creating a mint topiary using a grapevine wreath is a simple and enjoyable project that adds a beautiful and fragrant touch to your home or garden. By following these steps and providing the necessary care, your mint topiary will flourish. With proper attention and a bit of luck, I hope to see my mint topiary not only thrive but also produce tiny blossoms, adding an extra charm to this fun plant project!
Have fun with this one!
