Espalier
by Dr. Robert Black, Consumer Horticultural Specialist

An old horticulture practice of controlling plant growth in a flat plane against a solid surface is called the art of "espalier." Espalier originated with the Romans and the technique was refined through the years by the Europeans.

Espalier has considerable merit in today's garden design. The practice was originally used in the old world to conserve space in small orchards and gardens. The English used espalier for protective reasons. Espalier fruit trees located against a wall with a southern exposure received a degree of protection from the cold. Today, espaliers are used for introducing a decorative accent in the landscape.

An espalier becomes a living sculpture in the garden. Espaliered plants are especially effective against blank walls where a special interest plant is desired to relieve the monotony often created when continuous shrub groupings are used. Also, there are often tight, confined areas where spreading shrubs or trees cannot be effectively maintained. With landscape spaces becoming smaller around the single family house and even more confined for the apartment dweller, an espaliered plant may have considerable appeal.

Some caution should be exercised not to introduce too many of these features. It would be seldom that more than one plant or design would be used in a given landscape development.

Ligustrum, confederate-jasmine, podocarpus and loquat may be used throughout Florida for espalier. Camellia sasanqua, holly, photina, pyracantha, magnolia, dogwood and euonymus make good espaliered plants in north Florida, while allamanda,bougainvillea,poinsettia and lantana are excellent choices for south Florida. Plants not included in the above list can be used if they produce many lateral branches and can be severely pruned.

For supporting espaliers against a brick wall, anchoring devices are available at nursery and garden centers.

The secret of satisfactory results with espalier is to begin with a young tree or shrub that has several well balanced limbs off the main trunk. Many nurseries sell young pruned plants on supports already established for certain growth patterns.

There are numerous patterns from which to select. These range from the formal checker-board patterns to the simple informal natural growth spread. Almost any design can be worked out with proper pruning. The simpler the design, the easier the maintenance.

To maintain an espalier, remove all stray branches that appear vertical to the flat surface and beyond the boundaries of the desired pattern. Pruning and the occasional tying of new shoots to the surface are the main maintenance jobs.

Once established, the espalier tree or shrub requires only a few hours maintenance each season, yet it contributes year-round distinction to the garden.