turn this guy into a topiary plant of sorts. Spherical.

==>>> your first step i pruning.. is always.. defining your goal ... that said.. i dont understand the above ...

pruning a shrub into a ball ... i dont really think of as topiary ... and im not sure how big a ball you want ...

i would probably start by reducing the tallest branch by half ... then watch the plant.. when it break new buds .. and then.... decide how to prune off parts to achieve the shape i want ...

in plant time.. that might be years ... there is no instant gratification imo ...

as to a ball shape.. the off kilter trunk is not relevant.. imo ...

ken

ps: why was it not outside in full bright shade.. for the summer???? .. lack of ground???

Yes, I wanted to prune it into a ball. Sorry if that wasn't clear.

I bought this plant from my local garden center, actually in the houseplants section, as what they call a "fairy plant." I guess people buy these small plants to create different kinds of mini plant displays. I thought I would give a try. It was like 3 bucks.

I have not put it outside because, well, there is no "outside" for me. I live in a top floor apartment with no patio or balcony.

Thank you for the advice. I'll consider lopping a section of the top of next summer and see what happens.

Eugenia is often used for topiary. We had 5 foot tall ones in 2 and some in 3 ball forms (sometimes called poodle topiary trees) at our garden center last year,although I couldn't say if it was the same type of eugenia or not. Most people thought they were boxwood, but they were not. Once established in this shape they were very easy for me to keep trimmed to form. Read more on topiary forming in general so that you have a clear idea of what shape you want, where you are going with it, and which trimming will encourage side growth, etc. A poodle topiary tree would take a lot more time and effort and would probably be started from starting with a taller specimen, but a ball shape is classic and elegant. It's not an overnight project, especially since you can't get the extra fast growth from being outside but would be fun project. I'm going to try a double poodle topiary in boxwood even if it takes me years.