Raising Standards
Standards create an instant architectural element in any garden. Whether it’s a formal Bay Laurel framing an entranceway or a Weeping Pear in a courtyard, a naked stem topped with a clipped head of foliage creates elegance to any landscape. Buying a standard tree can be expensive, but with a little patience, you can do it yourself with relative ease.
Select the Right Candidate
Look for a young plant or cutting with a strong, perfectly straight central leader (the main upward stem). Good choices for New Zealand conditions include Bay Laurel, Camellias, Fuchsias, or native Kōwhai and Corokia for a unique local twist.
Clear the Trunk
As the plant grows, resist the urge to chop the top. Instead, focus on the lower half. Gently pinch out any lateral side-shoots emerging from the main stem. Leave the upper foliage intact for now, as these leaves act as the engine room, providing the energy needed to thicken the trunk. Remove too much foliage at this point and you will slow down the growth.
Stake for Security
A standard is top-heavy by nature. Secure your central leader to a sturdy bamboo or timber stake using soft plant ties. Secure it firmly but leave a little wiggle room so the trunk can flex in the wind—this movement actually triggers the stem to grow thicker and stronger.
The “Big Clip”
Once your stem reaches the desired clear height (usually between 1 and 1.5 meters), snip off the very tip of the central leader. This breaks apical dominance, forcing the plant to stop growing upward and start branching outward.
From here, regularly trim the new top growth into a tight sphere. Within a couple of seasons, you’ll have a striking, custom-made living monument for the garden.