Boxwoods love to show off their geometric side, especially when you help them along with a pair of shears. But don’t let the simple triangular faces fool you—cutting a perfect pyramid isn’t always a walk in the park. To get those crisp lines, you’ll need a steady hand and, ideally, a trusty template.
Stick to fast-growing varieties for pyramids
A good pyramid needs a wide, sturdy base and a sharp reach for the sky. If you pick the wrong variety, no amount of trimming will give you that towering look. Your best bet is to go with fast-growing, upright varieties like ‘Rotundifolia.’ If you already have a slower-growing boxwood in your garden, you might find it easier to shape it into a sphere or a cube instead.
To use a template or not?
Can you trim a pyramid by eye? Absolutely! The more you practice, the more natural it becomes. But if you aren’t feeling like a topiary pro just yet, there’s no shame in using a template. You can buy ready-made frames in various sizes, but pyramids are actually one of the easiest shapes to DIY. All you need are four bamboo stakes tied together at the top like a teepee. It’s quick, cheap, and works like a charm.
How to trim your boxwood pyramid
- First, grab a pair of specialized boxwood shears—they make the job much smoother. If you don’t have them, standard garden shears will work too.
- Make sure your tools are sharp and disinfected. Boxwoods can be picky and are prone to fungal diseases, so clean blades are a must.
- Lay down a tarp or cloth around the base. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later when you aren’t picking tiny leaves out of the mulch.
- Place your template over the bush and trim away anything poking out. If you’re a beginner, take it slow. It’s better to trim a little at a time than to accidentally cut a hole that will take months to grow back.
- Once you’re done, remove the template. If you’re using a wire frame, you can actually leave it in place—the boxwood will eventually grow right over it.
Pro Tip:
Boxwoods do great in pots! Trimming two matching potted boxwoods into pyramids is a fantastic way to frame your front door without taking up too much space.
When is the best time to trim?
You can trim your boxwood anytime from April through mid-September. If your plant needs multiple haircuts, just make sure to wait at least four weeks between sessions. For a pyramid, two trims per season is usually plenty.
- Only trim between April and mid-September.
- The first shaping trim should happen right after the first spring growth (usually late April or early May).
- The second “touch-up” trim should happen in July, or by mid-August at the latest.
- Wait for a cloudy, dry day to avoid leaf burn.
- Give your boxwood some fertilizer and a good soak after trimming to help it recover.
