A privacy screen made of lush plants not only enhances the look of your yard but also creates a serene, natural barrier. Here’s a list of 25 stunning plants that grow taller than a six-foot fence, offering privacy and aesthetic appeal. For each plant, we’ve detailed its growth rate, maximum height, light preferences, and special care tips to help you choose the perfect options for your garden.
1. Emerald Green Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis)
- Growth Rate: Moderate (1-2 feet per year)
- Max Height: 12-15 feet
- Light Conditions: Full sun to partial shade
- Care: Requires regular watering during establishment; prune for shape.
2. Leyland Cypress (Cupressus × leylandii)
- Growth Rate: Fast (3-4 feet per year)
- Max Height: 40-60 feet
- Light Conditions: Full sun
- Care: Tolerates most soils; prune regularly to control height and width.
3. Japanese Privet (Ligustrum japonicum)
- Growth Rate: Fast (up to 2 feet per year)
- Max Height: 8-12 feet
- Light Conditions: Full sun to partial shade
- Care: Drought-tolerant; prune to maintain shape and density.
4. Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)
- Growth Rate: Moderate (1-2 feet per year)
- Max Height: 15-20 feet
- Light Conditions: Partial to full shade
- Care: Prefers moist, well-drained soil; avoid overwatering.
5. Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)
- Growth Rate: Moderate (1-2 feet per year)
- Max Height: 30-40 feet
- Light Conditions: Full sun
- Care: Low-maintenance; thrives in poor soil and resists drought.
6. Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus)
- Growth Rate: Moderate (1-2 feet per year)
- Max Height: 8-12 feet
- Light Conditions: Full sun
- Care: Requires well-drained soil; prune in late winter for vigorous blooms.
7. Camellia (Camellia japonica)
- Growth Rate: Slow (6-12 inches per year)
- Max Height: 6-12 feet
- Light Conditions: Partial shade
- Care: Protect from direct afternoon sun; prefers acidic, well-drained soil.
8. Mock Orange (Philadelphus coronarius)
- Growth Rate: Moderate (1-2 feet per year)
- Max Height: 10-12 feet
- Light Conditions: Full sun to partial shade
- Care: Prune after flowering to encourage dense growth.
9. Viburnum tinus
- Growth Rate: Moderate (1-2 feet per year)
- Max Height: 8-12 feet
- Light Conditions: Full sun to partial shade
- Care: Tolerates most soils; prune lightly after flowering.
10. Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii)
- Growth Rate: Fast (up to 3 feet per year)
- Max Height: 8-10 feet
- Light Conditions: Full sun
- Care: Cut back hard in spring to encourage new growth.
11. Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides)
- Growth Rate: Moderate (1-2 feet per year)
- Max Height: 15-20 feet (with support)
- Light Conditions: Full sun to partial shade
- Care: Train on a trellis or fence; regular watering during growth.
12. Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)
- Growth Rate: Fast (up to 4 feet per year)
- Max Height: 25-40 feet (with support)
- Light Conditions: Full sun
- Care: Prune aggressively to control growth; prefers well-drained soil.
13. Clumping Bamboo (Fargesia spp.)
- Growth Rate: Moderate (1-2 feet per year)
- Max Height: 8-12 feet
- Light Conditions: Partial to full shade
- Care: Avoid direct sunlight in hot climates; water regularly.
14. Golden Bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea)
- Growth Rate: Fast (up to 3 feet per year)
- Max Height: 20-30 feet
- Light Conditions: Full sun to partial shade
- Care: Requires containment to prevent spreading.
15. Honeysuckle (Lonicera)
- Growth Rate: Moderate (up to 2 feet per year)
- Max Height: 15-20 feet (with support)
- Light Conditions: Full sun to partial shade
- Care: Provide a sturdy trellis; prune regularly to shape.
16. Giant Miscanthus (Miscanthus giganteus)
- Growth Rate: Fast (3-4 feet per year)
- Max Height: 10-12 feet
- Light Conditions: Full sun
- Care: Requires minimal care; cut back in late winter.
17. Pampas Grass (Cortaderia selloana)
- Growth Rate: Moderate (up to 2 feet per year)
- Max Height: 10 feet
- Light Conditions: Full sun
- Care: Trim dead foliage in spring; handle carefully due to sharp leaves.
18. Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea)
- Growth Rate: Fast (2-3 feet per year)
- Max Height: 8-10 feet
- Light Conditions: Full sun to partial shade
- Care: Prune older stems in spring to encourage red color.
19. Lilac (Syringa vulgaris)
- Growth Rate: Moderate (1-2 feet per year)
- Max Height: 8-15 feet
- Light Conditions: Full sun
- Care: Needs well-drained soil; prune after flowering.
20. Forsythia (Forsythia x intermedia)
- Growth Rate: Fast (up to 2 feet per year)
- Max Height: 8-10 feet
- Light Conditions: Full sun
- Care: Prune after blooms fade; tolerates various soils.
21. Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster lucidus)
- Growth Rate: Moderate (1-2 feet per year)
- Max Height: 6-10 feet
- Light Conditions: Full sun to partial shade
- Care: Thrives in well-drained soil; prune for a neat appearance.
22. Serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia)
- Growth Rate: Moderate (1-2 feet per year)
- Max Height: 15-20 feet
- Light Conditions: Full sun to partial shade
- Care: Mulch to retain moisture; prune in late winter.
23. Evergreen Wisteria (Millettia reticulata)
- Growth Rate: Moderate (1-2 feet per year)
- Max Height: 15-25 feet
- Light Conditions: Full sun
- Care: Requires a sturdy trellis; prune to control growth.
24. Photinia (Photinia x fraseri)
- Growth Rate: Fast (up to 2 feet per year)
- Max Height: 10-15 feet
- Light Conditions: Full sun to partial shade
- Care: Trim regularly to maintain shape and encourage red growth.
25. Italian Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)
- Growth Rate: Moderate (1-2 feet per year)
- Max Height: 40-60 feet
- Light Conditions: Full sun
- Care: Requires well-drained soil; minimal pruning needed.
These plants provide a variety of options for creating a beautiful, functional privacy screen. Choose ones that suit your climate, soil, and maintenance preferences for a lush and private outdoor space.