If you are looking for a privacy fence, you can try out some of the following types of shrubs. These shrubs range from Evergreen to Low maintenance. In addition, they are also available in many different colors. Read on to find out more about them. Below, you will find information on how to select these shrubs. To choose the right shrub, consider the type of weather it can handle, and its ease of care.
Evergreen shrubs
If you’d like to create a secluded space around your home, evergreen shrubs are an excellent choice. While they don’t grow as fast as some other shrubs, they provide an elegant barrier that will block view from all sides. North Privet, various arborvitae plants, and other evergreens are common privacy fence choices. They’re easy to maintain and add visual interest to any landscape.
If you’d like to block a specific view, try growing forsythia, a fragrant flowering plant that can provide a living privacy screen from spring through fall. These shrubs grow eight to 10 feet tall and produce bright yellow flowers in spring. Because they require little maintenance, they can last decades. However, they are considered invasive in some areas. For a fast-growing privacy screen, shrubby honeysuckle may be a better choice.
Another evergreen shrub that can be used as a privacy hedge is the Emerald Green Arborvitae. This shrub can reach up to 10 feet tall and has emerald green foliage all year round. It is a much smaller variety of its larger cousin, the Arborvitae. It grows in a pyramid shape and will spread to about four feet wide. Choosing the right species will determine how well it fits your home.
Another choice is the Chinese fringe flower, which is related to witch hazel and is a medium-sized shrub. It produces small, ribbon-like flowers in spring and contrasts with its foliage color. The leaves are green, but they can be variegated, burgundy, or deep purple. This shrub is cold-hardy and not particularly fussy. So, whether you need a privacy fence, you’re sure to find a shrub or two that suits your style and location.
English Laurel is one of the fastest growing evergreens for privacy. English Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) is an excellent choice because it fills large spaces quickly. However, it does need regular pruning to prevent legginess. English Laurel has glossy green foliage, white flowers in the spring, and inedible berries in the summer. English Laurel is deer-resistant and grows in full sun to partial shade.
Yews are another great choice for privacy fences. They can reach a height of 6 feet and a width of 16 feet. While they’re not the smallest shrubs, they can add privacy and a beautiful hedge to any yard. And, unlike yew, they’re also incredibly versatile. Choose the right type of hedge for your garden and your fence will remain attractive for years to come.
The mountain laurel is another option, growing to up to 10 feet. It produces large, fragrant white flowers in spring. It’s also known as spoonwood, and is native to the eastern third of the US and southern Canada. The best part about this shrub is that it tolerates partial shade. You can prune it into a formal hedge, but it’s not too invasive. In addition to making a great hedge, this shrub has good winter hardiness and is deer-proof.
Low maintenance shrubs
When choosing low maintenance shrubs for privacy fence, choose plants that are well suited to your growing conditions. Euonymus, for example, grows fast and can be found in many varieties. These shrubs tolerate shade, poor soil, and moderate amounts of sun. They can also serve as a dense hedge or even be pruned into a tree shape. If you don’t have time to care for a privacy fence, consider a yew instead.
There are many types of Japanese maples available in the market. These low-maintenance shrubs need little pruning and are relatively disease-resistant. However, they are considered invasive in some parts of the US. You should be careful to choose the right variety, as some species are invasive. Despite this, most varieties are suitable for privacy fences. Deciduous varieties are particularly popular because of their huge flowers and excellent privacy screen capabilities.
Another low-maintenance shrub for privacy fences is the skip laurel. This plant is small in size and grows to ten feet, which makes it an excellent choice for homes that want privacy. However, skip laurel does not grow well in all climates and soil types. It does well in sun and well-drained soil. Its white flowers are attractive and a great addition to any privacy fence.
Hebe cultivars are also an excellent low-maintenance option. These trees have a variety of leaf colors and textures. If you’re looking for an evergreen privacy fence, the Hebe ‘Rosalie’ is the best choice. However, if you’d like flowers in the summer, hydrangea paniculata is another great low-maintenance option. It has an upright spreading habit and yellow-green leaves.
Summersweet clethra is another low-maintenance shrub. This shrub is native to the Eastern United States, and has a hardiness zone of -30 degrees Fahrenheit. It has large, showy flowers that bloom in early summer. Summersweet clethra requires average soil conditions and only moderate amounts of water. The best part is that the shrub can tolerate full sun to partial shade. It doesn’t require much care beyond pruning spent flowers.
Another low-maintenance option is the goldthread cypress. This shrub can tolerate shade but will not thrive in subtropical climates. In addition to its low-maintenance nature, it has an attractive cone shape. Additionally, it tolerates drought and moderate heat. These shrubs can grow as tall as 30 feet in a lifetime. You may consider these shrubs as low-maintenance options for privacy fence.
Whether you’re looking for a privacy hedge or a barrier between two properties, Smokebush is an excellent choice. This deciduous shrub grows from ten to fifteen feet and has a stunning, fragrant flower in the spring. The flowers turn to fluff once they’re spent, making them look like smoke. Smokebush has bluish-green or wine-red foliage and is deer-resistant. This plant is native to Europe and Asia.
Variegated shrubs
If you’re looking for a way to hide a fence, there are many plant varieties you can use. Several of these plants feature variegated foliage and can provide visual interest with their dual-toned leaves. You can plant these plants in groups of three or four and space them two feet apart. They are relatively easy to grow and require little maintenance. Read on to learn about some of the best options for your privacy fence.
English laurel is a very vigorous evergreen shrub that is suitable for privacy hedges and screens. The glossy leaves are green throughout the year, and they thrive in partial shade or full sunlight. The shrubs can grow to be up to 15 feet in height and need regular pruning to stay manageable. The cherry laurel produces flowers in midsummer. These fragrant flowers have a fruity fragrance. Its foliage is attractive when grown in groups.
Arborvitae, aspen, and holly are popular choices. These plants grow fast and can grow up to 60 feet. However, they can be cut back to just a few feet each year if you want to reduce the height of your hedge. If you want a smaller hedge, Emerald Arborvitae is a great choice. They grow up to ten or fifteen feet tall and can be pruned to a desired height.
If you want a fence with visual interest and privacy, you can plant a layered mix of plants. Evergreens and deciduous shrubs are good choices for privacy fences. These shrubs also provide seasonal color, flowers, and fruit. If you’re looking for privacy without a fuss, consider planting an evergreen hedge. A hedge maple will grow at an average of one foot each year and is low maintenance. European hornbeam is another great choice for privacy fences.
Arborvitae is one of the most popular privacy plants. This tree grows tall and forms a dense hedge when planted close together. Arborvitae is also cold-hardy and easy to maintain, making it an excellent choice for a privacy fence. Arborvitae also requires low maintenance and is suitable for most soils. Arborvitae trees are also one of the most popular plants for borders and hedges, and can be purchased at The Home Depot.
Another popular privacy hedge is the boxwood. This tree is a dense, bushy shrub with lush foliage. It has a distinctive box-like shape and is perfect for creating a privacy fence. Boxwood privacy hedges can grow anywhere from three to thirty feet tall. It can be planted in most types of soils and tolerates shade. In addition, it is a popular plant for low-profile privacy hedges.