Topiary has a long history in the Pistoia district. The ability to train and maintain plants in precise geometric forms is a skill passed down through Pistoia nurseries over decades of specialist production. It cannot be improvised: it requires the right plant selection, calibrated pruning cycles year after year, and the patience of a production process that cannot be rushed.
Vivai Reali has been producing topiary in Pistoia since 1978. All forms are trained in-house, with no material bought in from third parties, across 30 hectares, with a team many of whose members have been with the company for over twenty years.
Topiary Species
_Taxus baccata_ (English Yew) (Zone 4, to -34°C)
Forms: cones and pyramids, columns, lollipop standards.
_Ilex crenata_ (Japanese Holly) (Zone 6, to -23°C)
Forms: balls and hemispheres, spirals, cubes and geometric forms, lollipop standards, pyramids and cones.
Key advantage: immune to Cydalima perspectalis (box tree moth), a direct operational benefit over Buxus in affected markets.
_Prunus lusitanica_ (Portugal Laurel): lollipop standards on clear stem
Evergreen, dark glossy foliage, more refined character than Prunus laurocerasus. Immediate visual impact at competitive price.
Why In-House Production Matters
Every topiary specimen is trained directly at the Pistoia nursery over multiple growing seasons. This means: defined and uniform forms; known root history; predictable pruning response after planting.
Ordering
Standard lead time: 1–2 weeks. Confirm availability well in advance for large forms. Incoterms: EXW/FCA. DAP for established partners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which topiary forms does Vivai Reali produce?
In Taxus baccata: cones, pyramids, columns and lollipop standards. In Ilex crenata: balls and half-balls, spirals, cubes, pyramids, cones and lollipop standards. In Prunus lusitanica: clear-stem lollipop standards.
Does Vivai Reali buy in topiary from other growers?
No. All Vivai Reali topiary is trained in-house at the Pistoia nursery over several growing seasons, with no material bought from third parties for resale.
What is the best alternative to Buxus for topiary?
Ilex crenata: compact habit, small glossy leaf, excellent response to fine pruning, and immune to box tree moth (Cydalima perspectalis). Hardy to Zone 6 (−23°C).
Who can buy Vivai Reali topiary?
Only professional green-sector operators: nurseries, garden centres, landscapers and resellers. Vivai Reali does not sell at retail or ship to private individuals.
What is the lead time for topiary orders?
The standard lead time is 1–2 weeks, longer in peak season. Incoterms are EXW/FCA, with DAP for established partner accounts.
Can I get support choosing species, formats and quantities?
Yes. Vivai Reali’s staff are available for information and support on availability, formats, documentation and shipment planning. For enquiries and quotes: contact us.
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