Bushes for a Privacy Fence
- A fast-growing evergreen, the Leyland cypress grows up, not out. It can grow three- to four-feet in one season. Colors vary and include dark green, blue-green, gold and bright green. When mature, the height reaches upwards of 50 feet. Shearing will keep the growth under control and creates a hedge effect. They can also be pruned and shaped to create topiaries. The leyland cypress grows well in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 6 to 10.
- If you are in a tropical climate, hibiscus develops into a colorful, year-round hedge. A single shrub can grow to 7 feet. A row of hibiscus planted closely grows into a private screen. Hibiscus hedging produces colorful blooms year-round, with red, pink, orange, yellow, white, lavender, and brown the primary colors. It likes alkaline soil. The hybrid hibiscus won't grow as tall or full as a hardy plant. Choose the light pink "Mary Morgan" or the deep rose "American Beauty" for a colorful hedge in USDA zones 10 and 11.
- Areca palms thrive in tropical and sub-tropical climates. Native to Madagascar, these fast-growing trees need little time to grow into a full-fledged fence. Space the plants at least 3 feet apart. Prune the underneath fronds as the trees grow to prevent a wild look to your privacy fence. Young trees are reasonable in cost and are easily planted. Areca palms grow best in USDA zones 10 and 11.
- Hardy in cold weather and drought resistant, the American boxwood is a dense evergreen that grows to 12-feet high and 10-feet wide. With pruning, the hedge can be shaped into topiary designs, curved-top hedges or box-shaped privacy fences. American boxwoods thrive in USDA zones 5 to 9 and can be planted in sunny or shady areas. Prune in early spring and trim in early fall to keep the hedge hardy and strong for the winter snowfall.
- An evergreen from the cypress family, the American arborvitae grows best in USDA zones 3 to 7. It prefers a cold climate and an alkaline, moist soil; however, it will grow in neutral or acidic soils. The American arborvitae grows into a narrow, pyramid shape and can reach 30 feet in height. Its spread can be up to 12 feet. Pruning controls the width and shape. American arborvitae should be planted 3-feet apart to create a hedge.
- A thorned hedge, American holly is a good choice for a privacy hedge that has the added benefit of security. Its glossy leaves are sharply pointed and penetrate the skin easily. The American holly grows brilliant red berries in the fall and winter, making it one of the few hedges that produce color during the cold months. A mature American holly can reach 20- to 30-feet tall. It is very adaptable and grows in sun or shade, moist or drained soils, and prefers USDA growing zones 5 to 9. They should be planted 4- to 5-feet apart.
