Discover how to grow, care for, and style these unique topiary trees to elevate your garen's curb appeal.
Who says you can't have candy in the garden? Lollipop trees, with their whimsical topiary form — a rounded “ball” of foliage or flowers on a single straight trunk — are a delightful way to bring charm, structure, and a little bit of magic to your outdoor space. Whether you're looking for something floral and fragrant or neat and evergreen, there's a lollipop tree for every style.
When I started planning my front yard, I knew I wanted trees — but not the kind that would tower over the house or take up too much space. After way too much research, I finally landed on the perfect solution: a lollipop tree. They're just the right size to plant close to the house, adding height and structure without overwhelming the space. It was exactly the balance I was looking for.
Here are 10 of our favorite lollipop trees to inspire your garden dreams:
Crabapple Lollipop Tree (Malus spp.)
This is one of the trees I went with. Crabapple lollipop trees offer a show-stopping display in spring, with clouds of pink or white blossoms that later give way to miniature apples — beloved by birds and bees alike. Their rounded canopy looks perfectly pruned even when left to grow naturally. Great for adding color and wildlife appeal! Since I live in utah and we have harsh winters and hot summers a crab apple tree is hardy and does very well here.
Best For: Spring color, pollinator gardens, small ornamental features.
Limelight Hydrangea Lollipop Tree (Hydrangea paniculata 'Standard')
I opted for these in my backyard, I love that they flower all summer. Hydrangeas are already garden favorites, but in lollipop form, they’re something special. These standards typically feature a single trunk with a rounded crown of large, frothy blooms — often white, pink, or lime green — that change color as they mature.
Best For: Seasonal interest, container planting, modern and traditional landscapes.
Lilac Lollipop Tree (Syringa vulgaris)
A lilac lollipop tree is all about romance. Imagine a perfectly rounded canopy bursting with fragrant, pastel-colored blooms in mid to late spring. These are ideal for patios or entryways where you can enjoy the sweet scent up close.
Best For: Fragrance, cottage gardens, focal points near seating areas.
Lavender Lollipop Tree (Lavandula spp.)
Lavender lollipop trees combine fragrance, form, and pollinator appeal. With silvery stems and a soft purple dome of blooms, they add a Mediterranean vibe to patios and borders.
Best For: Bee-friendly gardens, container planting, sensory gardens.
Bay Laurel Lollipop Tree (Laurus nobilis)
With its dark green, aromatic leaves, the bay laurel makes a tidy and elegant evergreen lollipop tree. It's both ornamental and practical — the leaves can be snipped off for cooking! Perfect for flanking doorways or patios.
Best For: Formal gardens, edible landscapes, Mediterranean-style decor.
Rose Lollipop Tree (Rosa 'Standard')
Standard roses (also called tree roses) are classic lollipop trees. Grafted to grow tall, they bloom in dense, colorful balls and offer a timeless touch of romance. Choose varieties with repeat blooming for flowers all summer long.
Best For: Cottage gardens, rose lovers, romantic themes.
Boxwood Lollipop Tree (Buxus sempervirens)
If you love tidy, sculpted looks, boxwood lollipop trees are ideal. Their dense, evergreen foliage can be clipped into a perfect globe, making them a favorite in formal and modern gardens alike.
Best For: Topiary gardens, low-maintenance structure, evergreen interest.
Cherry Blossom Lollipop Tree (Prunus spp.)
Bring on the fairytale vibes with a cherry blossom lollipop tree. In early spring, these trees burst into pink or white blooms like a puff of cotton candy, then transition into a neat canopy of green foliage.
Best For: Spring impact, Japanese-inspired gardens, ornamental landscapes.
Weigela Lollipop Tree (Weigela florida 'Standard')
Weigela’s tubular, two-toned flowers are adored by hummingbirds, and when shaped into a lollipop form, they add a touch of wild beauty to the structured shape. Blooming in late spring and again in summer, it’s a colorful addition.
Best For: Wildlife gardens, layered borders, cheerful color.
Sea Green Juniper One Ball Topiary (Juniperus chinensis 'Sea Green')
For a hardy, evergreen option with striking texture, the Sea Green Juniper One Ball Topiary is a standout. Its naturally arching branches form a soft, cloud-like ball above a single trunk. This topiary stays compact and looks sharp year-round, making it a fantastic low-maintenance option.
Best For: Evergreen structure, low water gardens, year-round appeal.
Tips for Growing Lollipop Trees:
- Placement matters: Use them to frame entrances, line paths, or create focal points.
- Keep them trimmed: Occasional pruning maintains their iconic shape.
- Container-friendly: Many lollipop trees thrive in large pots — perfect for patios or balconies.
Make the Gardening Process Easier
When planting lollipop trees, selecting the right size planting pot is essential for healthy growth and proper development. Start with a small pot, around 6 to 8 inches in diameter, if you're planting a young or newly rooted lollipop tree. This size allows for better root control and reduces the risk of overwatering. As the tree matures, it will need to be repotted into progressively larger containers—typically moving up to a 12- to 16-inch pot, and eventually to a 20-inch or larger pot for full-grown specimens.
Larger pots provide more space for root expansion, support the top-heavy structure of lollipop trees, and help retain adequate moisture and nutrients. Always ensure pots have good drainage to prevent root rot and promote healthy growth.
If you decide to plant your lollipop trees straight into the ground instead of a pot consider installing a drip line in your yard. This targeted watering method conserves water, reduces weed growth, and provides consistent moisture—perfect for keeping your lollipop trees lush and happy.
Whether you go for a fragrant lilac, a blooming hydrangea, or an evergreen bay, lollipop trees bring a touch of fantasy to the garden — like something from a storybook. Which one would you plant first?
Happy planting!
-Brooke
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