Espalier (es-pal-yea) is an ancient technique of training plants through pruning to grow in a flat-plane pattern against a wall, fence, or trellis. Many plants lend themselves to being espaliered and the designs can vary. You may have seen examples of this technique; pyracantha is often trained in a flat pattern along a brick wall.
Certain types of plants adapt better to espalier than others, but trees, shrubs and vines are all candidates. The young plant you choose must have branches that are or will be long and flexible with attractive flowers, fruit, and foliage and/or bark. Apple trees, camellias, gardenias, climbing roses, jasmine are a few plants to try. There are several ways to espalier a plant: it can be fastened directly to a masonry wall, a trellis can be used to hold the plant four to six inches from the wall, or fastened to a trellis as a stand-alone feature in the landscape. A relatively simple method of supporting espaliered plants against masonry structures is the use of galvanized or aluminum wire strung between eye screws anchored in plastic or lead plugs inserted in holes drilled into the mortar joints. The desired pattern is established in wire and the plant is fastened to the wire using plastic plant ties, cloth or panty hose to avoid girdling. These ties must be watched carefully and when they become tight, they should be cut and re-tied.
Plants can be trained to a variety of espalier designs such as:
- horizontal (branches grow horizontally out of one central trunk),
- palmetto (branches grow in a fan shaped pattern)
- cordon which is a tree trained to grow as a single stem. (It resembles a menorah).
Espaliers are particularly suited in small areas such as a patio or bare wall spaces, but can make a nice addition in any landscape area. It takes a little effort and patience to espalier but the results will be uniquely worth it.
Bibi Blonn, Smith County Master Gardener
Texas AgriLife Extension Service
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