What is it about a standard plant that makes it so elegant? Essentially it is nothing more than a ‘ball on a stick’, yet these pieces of topiary lend style, flair, formality and structure. Is it that they conjure visions of grand gardens? Is it because they denote a serious gardener at work, one with the skills to coax perfect shapes from plants? Or is it a case of knowing that, once mature, these standards would come with a hefty price tag?
Whatever the reason, there’s no denying their panache. Their classic position is in smart pots either side of the front door: perfect leafy sentinels. A popular plant choice for this situation is handsome, glossy-leaved bay (), but other evergreen candidates include holly or privet species such as. If a smaller ‘ball’ is desired, opt for), elaeagnus or photinia look better if the standard is larger overall.
