Best Tall Shrubs For Privacy (2024 Update)
If you're looking for a natural way to create privacy and block out unwanted views, then tall shrubs are a great solution. They not only add beauty and color to your landscape, but also provide a natural barrier and create a sense of seclusion. However, choosing the best tall shrubs for privacy can be overwhelming, especially if you're not familiar with the different varieties available.
Before buying tall shrubs for privacy, it's important to consider a few key factors. Firstly, the growing conditions such as soil type, amount of sun and rainfall in the area. Secondly, the overall size and shape of the shrub, as well as the rate of growth. Thirdly, whether it's evergreen or deciduous, as well as its maintenance and pruning needs. By considering these factors, you can find the best tall shrubs for privacy that will thrive in your landscape and meet your needs.
Are you looking for tall shrubs that offer year-round privacy? Do you want something low maintenance or easy to care for? Are you looking for a specific color or type of foliage? These are just some of the questions that may come to mind when choosing the best tall shrubs for privacy. Luckily, there are many options to choose from, whether you want something that grows quickly or slowly, or something that provides color throughout the seasons. With a little research, you can find the perfect tall shrubs for privacy that will help you create the peaceful oasis you desire.
10 Best Tall Shrubs For Privacy
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Ideal for creating evergreen privacy hedges with 30 live shrubs.
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This product is ideal for creating an evergreen privacy hedge with 12 live plants in 4" pots.
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This product is ideal for creating a privacy hedge with evergreen shrubs.
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The product is ideal for creating a privacy hedge with evergreen foliage, using 15 live plants.
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Ideal for creating an evergreen privacy hedge with 10 live plants that are shipped 1-2 feet tall.
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This product is ideal for creating a natural evergreen hedge for privacy.
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The product is ideal for creating a beautiful, tall and natural privacy fence or hedge.
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This product is ideal for creating a privacy hedge that stays green all year round with 10 live plants.
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The product is ideal for creating a tall and beautiful hedge for a natural privacy fence.
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10
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The product is ideal for creating an evergreen privacy hedge with 20 live plants.
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1. Ligustrum Waxleaf Privet – 30 Live Plants – Evergreen Privacy Hedge Shrub
This shrub is a deciduous, sometimes semi-evergreen, upright plant that produces fragrant, creamy-white flowers and round blue-black fruit. Its dark green and bright green glossy foliage has larger leaves compared to the Sinense. This quick-growing plant can grow up to 8-10 feet high and has dense and bushy characteristics, making it ideal for use as a privacy screen, wind screen, hedging, or small tree while adding great color to your garden.
To ensure the growth of a mature root system, this low-maintenance evergreen requires a regular watering schedule. Once the mature root system is established, occasional watering is needed, except during droughts, where watering is necessary more frequently. This shrub responds well to pruning and it is recommended to shear it 2-3 times per year to maintain its desired shape. Mulching is recommended to deter weeds, retain moisture, and keep temperatures low.
The compact habit with glossy foliage responds well to pruning and can be shaped into topiary or small standard trees. It displays a profusion of white blooms and is a useful hedge, screen, or windbreak. This shrub performs well in containers and as a topiary specimen. It is also evergreen, providing year-round beauty to your garden.
Due to their versatility and undemanding nature, these shrubs are used extensively in home landscapes. They can be planted as hedges, foundation plants, patio trees, or in shrub borders.
This shrub is grown, packaged, and shipped exclusively by Florida Foliage, ensuring its quality and authenticity. Overall, this shrub is a fantastic addition to any garden and provides both aesthetic and practical benefits.
2. Podocarpus Macrophyllus – 12 Live Plants – 4" Pots Japanese Yew Live Plants Evergreen Privacy Hedge
Florida Foliage presents the attractive and versatile Podocarpus macrophyllus, also known as Buddhist pine, yew podocarpus and Japanese yew. This evergreen is a pyramidal garden or patio tree with dense, upright branching and lush, needle-like, flat dark green leaves that take to shearing well. Its compact, lustrous foliage has a growth habit of 15-20 feet tall, making it an effective accent, screen or clipped hedge. It can also thrive in tubs or as a topiary.
This low-maintenance evergreen requires a regular water schedule to ensure the growth of a mature root system. Once established, watering is needed occasionally, except during droughts when watering is needed regularly. Pruning is not required, but shearing annually can maintain the desired shape. Applying mulch can prevent moisture loss, deter weeds and moderate winter temperatures.
Podocarpus macrophyllus is an undemanding, slow-growing tree or shrub that thrives in warm weather. It is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 10 and serves as a specimen, sheared hedge or espalier. This versatile plant is a handsome addition to any landscape, and it snuggles in nicely wherever an attractive, slender plant is needed.
Florida Foliage takes pride in growing, packaging and shipping this beautiful and practical evergreen exclusively. With its upright, evergreen oval shrub or small tree, attractive foliage and multiple uses, Podocarpus macrophyllus is sure to add a touch of elegance to any outdoor space.
3. Viburnum Suspensum – 20 Live Plants – Evergreen Privacy Hedge Shrub
The Viburnum suspensum is an attractive evergreen shrub that boasts a spreading habit and coarse texture. This plant species can grow up to 6-12 ft (1.8-3.7 m) in height with an equal spread if left untrimmed. Its dense foliage is made up of coarse dark green leaves that cover the shrub entirely, making it an attractive addition to any garden or landscape.
In late winter and sporadically throughout the spring and summer seasons, the Sandanqua viburnum produces small waxy tubular flowers in tight panicles that measure 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter. These flowers are white with pinkish tints and give way to small round red berries in autumn. The Sandanqua viburnum is a great evergreen shrub for hedges and screening in warmer zones.
This southern Japanese native is incredibly versatile, tolerating both moderate drought and wet soils in full sun and part shade exposures. It has a dense, upright growth habit with dark green leaves. Although it flowers with pale pink clusters, some may find its fragrance disagreeable.
For optimal growth as a dense screen or hedge, it is best to plant the Sandanqua viburnum in full sun and in a moist, well-drained soil. Its growth rate is fast, and it can also tolerate conditions near building foundations. With its lush green foliage, this species makes an excellent background plant for shorter, more colorful, or wispy palms, shrubs, and perennials.
Florida Foliage grows, packages, and ships the Sandanqua viburnum exclusively. Get your hands on this attractive evergreen shrub and add a touch of green to your garden or landscape.
4. Ligustrum Waxleaf Privet – 15 Live Plants – Evergreen Privacy Hedge
Florida Foliage offers their exclusive product, an upright deciduous, occasionally semi-evergreen shrub that produces creamy-white, fragrant flowers followed by round blue-black fruit. The shrub exhibits dark green and bright green glossy foliage with larger leaves compared to Sinense. This fast-growing shrub can reach 8-10 feet high, making it an ideal privacy screen, wind screen, hedging, and small tree while adding great color to your garden.
To ensure the growth of a mature root system, this low-maintenance evergreen requires a regular watering schedule. After the mature root system is established, occasional watering is sufficient, except during a drought, where regular watering is necessary. It responds well to pruning, and shearing is recommended 2-3 times per year to maintain the desired shape. Additionally, mulching is recommended to detour weeds, retain moisture, and keep temperatures low.
The shrub's compact habit with glossy foliage responds well to pruning into topiary or small standard trees, displaying a profusion of white blooms. It is a useful hedge, screen, or windbreak, and performs well in containers and as a topiary specimen. It is evergreen.
Due to their undemanding nature and versatility, these shrubs are extensively used in home landscapes, planted as hedges, foundation plants, patio trees, or in shrub borders. The dense foliage that these shrubs provide when pruned into hedges, along with their height, means that they afford good privacy during the summertime when folks are most active in their backyards.
5. Pragense Privacy: 10 Live Evergreen Bushes
The product being offered is a set of 10 plants, each measuring 1-2 feet tall, with well-branched gallon containers. The plants are shipped with soilless media and a slow-release fertilizer that lasts for up to 9 months. The mature height of these plants is 10 feet, with a spread of 6-8 feet. The growth rate of these plants is fast, making them an ideal choice for those who want a quick-growing garden. The plants are adaptable to different types of soil and can grow in both full sun and full shade. In spring, the plants bloom with beautiful white clusters, followed by fall berries.
It is important to note that California orders cannot be fulfilled due to state regulations. The product is suitable for planting in zones 5 to 8. The seller guarantees a successful transplant for 30 days if the included planting instructions are followed accurately, with the right location and water. For customers who purchase dormant plants in winter, the seller guarantees that the plants will leaf out in the spring under the same conditions.
The product description clearly states the size of the plants, which is important for customers who want to know what they are getting. The seller also provides information on the plant's growth rate, soil adaptability, and sunlight requirements. The blooming season and the type of berries produced by the plant are also mentioned, which adds to the product's appeal.
The seller offers a guarantee of successful transplant, which shows confidence in the product and the planting instructions provided. This is reassuring for customers who may be concerned about the process of planting and maintaining the plants.
6. Podocarpus Macrophyllus Japanese Yew – 10 Live Plants – Evergreen Privacy Hedge
Introducing the Podocarpus Macrophyllus, a versatile evergreen shrub that makes a stunning addition to any garden or patio. With its upright and dense branching, this pyramidal tree boasts lush foliage that can be easily sheared to your desired shape.
This evergreen shrub can grow up to 15-20 feet tall, making it an excellent screen, accent, hedge, topiary, or garden/patio tree. Its needle-like flat dark green leaves are compact and lustrous, adding a touch of elegance to any landscape.
To ensure the growth of a mature root system, this low-maintenance plant requires regular watering. Once established, occasional watering is sufficient, except during droughts where watering should be regular. Pruning is not necessary, but shearing annually will help maintain its desired shape. Mulching is recommended to prevent moisture loss, deter weeds, and moderate winter temperatures.
Also known as Buddhist pine, yew podocarpus, and Japanese yew, this plant is hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 7-10. Its undemanding nature and slow growth make it an attractive option for those who want a low-maintenance but stunning addition to their landscape.
You can trust that your Podocarpus Macrophyllus will arrive in excellent condition as it is grown, packaged, and shipped exclusively by Florida Foliage. Don't miss out on the opportunity to add this handsome and versatile plant to your collection!
7. Green Giant Thuja: Ultimate Privacy Hedge.
If you're looking for a beautiful and fast-growing evergreen tree to use as a privacy fence, look no further than the Leyland cypress. This classic green fence is a popular choice for its stunning appearance and quick growth rate, which can reach up to 3-5 feet per year.
At maturity, the Leyland cypress can reach an impressive height of 60-80 feet and a width of 15-25 feet, making it an ideal choice for creating a natural barrier. It is also hardy in zones 6-10, meaning it can thrive in a variety of different climates.
Please note that due to restrictions placed by the California Department of Agriculture, we are unable to ship certain plants and sizes to California. In some cases, the plant may be shipped in smaller bags or semi-bare root form.
Investing in a Leyland cypress is a great way to establish a beautiful and natural privacy fence that will continue to grow and thrive for years to come. With its impressive growth rate and stunning appearance, this evergreen tree is sure to be a standout addition to any landscape.
8. Viburnum Suspensum – 10 Live Plants – Evergreen Privacy Hedge
The Viburnum suspensum is a stunning evergreen shrub with a spreading habit and coarse texture. This shrub has an attractive compact form and can grow up to 6-12ft (1.8-3.7m) in height with an equal spread if left untrimmed. The shrub is covered in dark green, coarse leaves that add to its beauty.
In late winter, and sporadically throughout the spring and summer, the Sandanqua produces small waxy tubular flowers held in tight panicles that are 1.5in (3.8cm) in diameter. The flowers are white with pinkish tints and give way to small round red berries in autumn, adding to the shrub's visual appeal.
This evergreen shrub is a great option for hedges and screening in warmer zones. Native to southern Japan, the Sandanqua viburnum is tremendously versatile and can tolerate both moderate drought and wet soils in full sun and part shade exposures. Its dense, upright growth habit and dark green leaves make it a popular choice for gardeners.
It should be noted that the shrub does flower with pale pink clusters, but some may find the fragrance disagreeable. For best growth as a dense screen or hedge, the Sandanqua viburnum should be planted in full sun in a moist, well-drained soil. Its growth is fast, and it can tolerate conditions near building foundations. With its good green foliage, this species is an excellent background plant for shorter, more colorful, or wispy palms, shrubs, and perennials.
If you are looking to add this stunning evergreen shrub to your garden, be sure to check out Florida Foliage's full collection.
9. Green Giant Thuja Hedge – 50 Liners
When purchasing these plants, customers may receive them in a semi-bareroot state with minimal soil. This is a safe practice when shipping plants during the winter season. The plants are carefully packaged and shipped to ensure they arrive in a healthy condition. While it may seem unusual to receive plants with minimal soil, this method allows for a safer and more efficient shipping process. Customers can rest assured that the plants will still thrive and grow once planted in their desired location.
10. Sweet Viburnum Odoratissimum – 20 Live Plants – Evergreen Privacy Hedge
Looking for a versatile, fast-growing shrub that makes an ideal hedge or screen? Look no further than Viburnum odoratissimum, exclusively grown, packaged, and shipped by Florida Foliage.
This evergreen plant is perfect for creating tall, thick, and impenetrable screens that provide noise control and privacy, making it a popular choice for buffering neighborhoods from highways. Viburnum odoratissimum can also be pruned to be tall and narrow, making it an excellent choice for enclosing patio gardens.
In addition to its practical uses, Viburnum odoratissimum is a beautiful and fragrant specimen. It's one of the most gratifying shrubs to use as a hedge, thanks to its fast rate of growth and lovely springtime fragrance. Plus, it's rarely bothered by pests or disease, making it a low-maintenance option for any garden.
Viburnum odoratissimum has a tight branching pattern that makes it an ideal choice for creating privacy screens and hedges. It takes well to pruning and can be easily shaped into narrow forms to edge a patio or screen a walkway. As a hedge, Viburnum odoratissimum is known for its ability to create an impenetrable mass that provides privacy and noise control.
This plant is native to Asia, from the Himalayas to Japan, and is frequently planted across the Southern United States. Viburnum odoratissimum is winter hardy in Zones 7 to 9, though plants may lose their leaves in winter at the northernmost edges of its range.
Best Tall Shrubs For Privacy FAQs
Are there any tall shrubs that also provide attractive flowers or foliage?
Yes, there are several tall shrubs that not only provide attractive foliage but also produce beautiful flowers. Some of the popular options include:
1. Rhododendrons: These are flowering shrubs that produce clusters of blooms in various colors such as pink, white, red, and purple. They are also known for their evergreen leaves that provide year-round interest.
2. Hydrangeas: These shrubs produce large, showy blooms in shades of pink, blue, white, and purple. They also have attractive foliage that turns burgundy in the fall.
3. Lilacs: These shrubs are known for their fragrant, cone-shaped clusters of blooms in shades of purple, pink, and white. They also have heart-shaped leaves that turn yellow in the fall.
4. Viburnums: These shrubs produce clusters of white or pink flowers in the spring, followed by attractive berries in the fall. They also have glossy, dark green leaves that turn burgundy in the fall.
Overall, these tall shrubs can provide both beauty and privacy to your landscape while adding color and interest throughout the year.
Can I plant tall shrubs for privacy along a fence or do I need to space them out?
Yes, you can definitely plant tall shrubs for privacy along a fence, and spacing them out may not be necessary depending on the specific type of shrub you choose. However, it's important to consider the mature size of the shrubs and how close they will be to the fence and any neighboring properties. If the shrubs are going to be planted close to the fence, make sure they won't grow too tall and interfere with any power lines or structures. Additionally, planting the shrubs too close together can cause them to compete for nutrients and sunlight, which can stunt their growth and overall health. It's generally recommended to plant shrubs at least half their mature width apart from each other to ensure adequate space for growth and proper air circulation. Ultimately, it's important to research the specific shrubs you're interested in and consult with a professional landscaper or garden center for guidance on proper spacing and care.
Can you recommend any tall shrubs that are drought-tolerant and good for privacy?
Yes, there are several tall shrubs that are both drought-tolerant and good for privacy. Here are a few options:
1. Texas Ranger (Leucophyllum frutescens) – This drought-tolerant shrub can grow up to 8 feet tall and 6 feet wide, and produces purple flowers during the summer months.
2. Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) – This deciduous shrub can grow up to 12 feet tall and 10 feet wide, and produces showy flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white during the summer.
3. Ceanothus (Ceanothus spp.) – This evergreen shrub can grow up to 12 feet tall and 8 feet wide, and produces clusters of blue, pink, or white flowers in the spring and early summer.
4. California Lilac (Ceanothus thyrsiflorus) – This drought-tolerant shrub can grow up to 20 feet tall and 30 feet wide, and produces blue or white flowers in the spring.
5. Italian Buckthorn (Rhamnus alaternus) – This evergreen shrub can grow up to 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide, and produces small, inconspicuous flowers in the spring followed by red berries in the fall.
All of these shrubs are suitable for dry climates and can provide excellent privacy screening when planted close together. It's important to note that all plants need water to establish themselves, so be sure to water regularly until they are established.
Do any tall shrubs provide year-round privacy or are there certain seasons they are better for?
Yes, there are several tall shrubs that provide year-round privacy. Evergreen shrubs are the best option for year-round privacy as they maintain their green foliage throughout the year, providing a consistent screen. Some popular evergreen shrubs that provide privacy include Leyland cypress, holly, boxwood, and arborvitae. These shrubs are also great for their ability to withstand harsh winter conditions and maintain their shape without dropping their leaves. However, there are deciduous shrubs that can also provide privacy during certain seasons. For example, the Forsythia shrub blooms in the spring and can provide a dense screen of yellow flowers, while the Burning Bush turns bright red in the fall. In general, evergreen shrubs are the most reliable option for year-round privacy, but with careful planning and selection, a combination of deciduous and evergreen shrubs can provide a beautiful and functional screen throughout the year.
How much space do I need to plant tall shrubs for privacy and how many should I plant to achieve the desired effect?
The amount of space required to plant tall shrubs for privacy depends on the specific species of shrub you choose. Some shrubs grow very tall and wide, while others are more compact. As a general rule of thumb, you should space tall shrubs at least 6 feet apart to ensure they have room to grow and fill out. If you want to create a dense, full privacy hedge, you may need to plant more shrubs than if you're looking for a more open, airy effect.
The number of shrubs you'll need also depends on the size of the area you want to screen and the desired height of the hedge. A good starting point is to plant one shrub for every 2 to 3 feet of linear space you want to screen. For example, if you want to create a privacy screen along a 20-foot fence line, you'll need at least 7 to 10 shrubs, spaced 6 feet apart.
It's important to choose the right species of shrub for your specific climate and growing conditions, as well as your desired level of maintenance. Consult with a local nursery or landscaper to determine the best species for your needs.
What are the best low-maintenance tall shrubs for privacy?
When it comes to low-maintenance tall shrubs for privacy, there are several options that require minimal care and can provide the desired screening effect. One of the top choices is the evergreen holly shrub, which is known for its dense foliage and attractive berries. These shrubs can grow up to 15 feet tall and thrive in full sun to partial shade.
Another low-maintenance option is the arborvitae shrub, which is a popular choice for creating a natural fence. These evergreens are fast-growing and can reach heights of up to 20 feet. They also require minimal pruning or shaping and are drought-tolerant once established.
If you're looking for a deciduous option, the European hornbeam is a great choice. These trees can grow up to 40 feet tall and have dense foliage that provides excellent screening. They also have an attractive bark texture and can tolerate a variety of soil types.
Overall, these low-maintenance tall shrubs are great choices for privacy and can provide a beautiful backdrop to any landscape.
What are the best tall shrubs for creating privacy in my yard?
There are several tall shrubs that are ideal for creating privacy in your yard. One of the most popular options is the Leyland Cypress, which can grow up to 60 feet tall and has dense foliage that provides excellent coverage. Another great option is the Green Giant Arborvitae, which can reach heights of up to 50 feet and has a pyramidal shape that makes it a popular choice for hedges. The American Holly is also an excellent choice for privacy, as it can grow up to 50 feet tall and has attractive green foliage that remains on the plant year-round. Other tall shrubs that can be used for privacy include the Emerald Green Arborvitae, the Nellie Stevens Holly, and the Eastern Red Cedar. When selecting tall shrubs for privacy, it is important to consider factors such as the amount of sunlight and water the plants will receive, as well as the climate and soil conditions in your area.
What are the best tall shrubs for privacy in colder climates?
When it comes to selecting tall shrubs for privacy in colder climates, it's important to choose varieties that are hardy enough to withstand harsh winters and provide year-round coverage. Some of the best options for this purpose are the American arborvitae, Canadian hemlock, and Siberian dogwood.
The American arborvitae is a popular choice for its evergreen foliage, which provides excellent privacy screening year-round. It can grow up to 60 feet tall and 20 feet wide, making it an ideal choice for larger properties. The Canadian hemlock is another evergreen option that can grow up to 80 feet tall and 40 feet wide, providing ample coverage and a beautiful natural backdrop.
For a deciduous option, the Siberian dogwood is a great choice. It grows up to 20 feet tall and 20 feet wide and provides privacy during the growing season with its dense foliage. In the winter, its vibrant red branches create a striking visual display.
When selecting tall shrubs for privacy, it's important to consider factors such as soil type, sun exposure, and moisture levels to ensure the plants thrive in their environment. Consulting with a local nursery or landscaping professional can also help in selecting the best options for your specific climate and property.
What tall shrubs are best for blocking noise from nearby roads or neighbors?
If you are looking for tall shrubs that can effectively block noise from nearby roads or neighbors, there are a few options you can consider. One of the best options is the Leyland Cypress, which is a fast-growing evergreen tree that can grow up to 60 feet tall in just a few years. It has dense foliage that can effectively absorb noise and provide privacy. Another option is the Green Giant Arborvitae, which can also grow up to 60 feet tall and has thick foliage that can provide a sound barrier. The American Holly is another great option, with its dense and prickly foliage that can block noise and provide privacy. Other shrubs to consider include the Nellie Stevens Holly, the Emerald Green Arborvitae, and the Japanese Yew. When choosing shrubs for noise reduction, it is important to consider factors such as the climate, soil, and available space, as well as the desired height and density of the shrubs.
Which tall shrubs grow quickly and provide the most privacy?
There are several tall shrubs that grow quickly and provide privacy for your yard or property. One of the most popular options is the Leyland Cypress, which can grow up to 3-4 feet per year and reach heights of up to 70 feet. Another popular option is the American Arborvitae, which can grow up to 2-3 feet per year and reach heights of up to 40 feet. Both of these shrubs are evergreen, which means they will provide privacy year-round.
Other fast-growing shrubs that provide privacy include the Green Giant Arborvitae, which can grow up to 3-4 feet per year and reach heights of up to 60 feet, and the Eastern Red Cedar, which can grow up to 2-3 feet per year and reach heights of up to 40 feet. It is important to note that while these shrubs do grow quickly, they still require proper care and maintenance to ensure healthy growth and privacy. Consider factors such as soil type, sun exposure, and watering needs when selecting the right shrub for your specific location.
