Cupressus is one of several genera within the family Cupressaceae that have a common name ‘Cypress’.

Not wanting to get too arty farty with the Latin names etc, I would like to share with you what can be done with this plant type commonly called Cloud pruned topiary.

On occasions our designs just need that certain punch and if the location and growing conditions permit we will lean towards such a tree or hedge form.

A cloud tree is a single plant with a series of cleared stems with balls (the clouds) on their ends and are now popular in many garden stylesfrom Chinese and Japanese styles along with styles including formal, modern and eclectic. Theyare sure to wow your visitors with their impressive form and structure making them the ideal feature tree. Their clear trunks make space for lower under plantings such as grasses and groundcovers.

When positioned artfully they can deflect the eye from a mundane patch of the garden or to add prominence. Being evergreen they will give strong silhouettes throughout the winter months. If you enjoy the art of pruning, you'll find these wonderful shapes are not as difficult to create as they might look.

The term "cloud pruning" is used to describe not only the spectacularly pruned trees mentioned above but also to describe irregular shaped hedges which in the right place can be simply spectacular as the hedge row carries rounded none conforming lumps melting into each other.

Don’t shy away you’ll be surprised how easy they are to create and maintain.