Globulous Eugenia Pom Care

Topiaries require daily watering in Spring, Summer and Fall months, and a minimum of 3-4 times per week in the Winter months. Over or under watering will result in browning of leaves and die-back of branches. Re-pot topiaries into larger containers, using moisture control soil mixtures, in order to reduce potential damage from lack of water is recommended.

Use hand pruners for limbs up to ½ inch in diameter, lopping shears for branches more than ½ inch but less than 1 inch, and a pruning saw for larger branches. Prune limbs at a 30-degree angle at a bud or joint. Use hedge shears for trimming hedges in smooth shapes. Remove dead, damaged or diseased limbs with the appropriate pruning tool. Diseased limbs may have dead leaves, moldy peeling bark, cankers or splits in the wood.

Fertilize at least three to four times a year with a complete formula, e.g. 13-13-13 or 18-6-8. Keep in mind that different fertilizers may be more soluble, or “hotter” than others, potentially damaging roots. Always test new fertilizers by initially applying lower rates in order to determine the plant’s tolerance to the brand of fertilizer used.

It can grow well in full sun outdoors, but in regions with hot summer sun, a spot that gets full sun for the morning hours, followed by partial shade in the afternoon, is ideal. It isn't a good choice for a fully shaded spot, where it tends to lose leaf color and become leggy, an undesirable growth habit for a topiary.

An outdoor-grown Eugenia topiary thrives in any type of well-drained garden soil. It does poorly in soil that stays wet for long periods. It is a good idea to keep these plants in acidic soil (5.5 – 6.5pH). When planting outside, till to a depth of 18 inches minimum.

Eugenia are recommended for Zones 9-11. As a general rule, topiaries should be sheltered or covered when temperatures are expected to drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.