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A hedge is created by planting bushes or shrubs close together to form a natural fence. Hedges are commonly used to provide privacy from neighbors, act as a windbreaker, and buffer noise from busy streets. They are typically planted along the border or perimeter of a home. Hedges can also offer habitat and food for pollinators like birds and insects. When selecting a hedge, consider factors such as size, height, leaf retention, and suitability for your area. Below, our experts discuss the characteristics of top shrubs and bushes for creating privacy in your yard.
Meet Our Experts:
– Jim Putnam, plant expert from the Southern Living Plant Collection
– Mary Phillips, head of native plant habitat strategy/certifications at the National Wildlife Federation
– Janet Sluis, director of Sunset Western Garden/Perennial Programming at Plant Development Services, Inc.
– Kelly Funk, president of Jackson & Perkins
Considerations for Choosing Privacy Hedges:
When choosing the best privacy plants for your landscape, focus on three key aspects of the hedge you are considering. Our experts guide you through the decision-making process.
1. Size and Height:
Consider the mature height and growth rate of the privacy plant you wish to plant. Match the plant’s mature size to your desired hedge height and available space to ensure they stay within desired parameters and require minimal pruning, advises Jim Putnam.
2. Evergreen or Deciduous:
Decide if you prefer evergreen or deciduous privacy shrubs. Evergreens offer year-round privacy, while deciduous shrubs may suit a specific aesthetic if privacy needs vary throughout the year, notes Putnam.
3. Native and Adaptable:
Opt for shrubs and bushes native to your region as they provide habitat for wildlife, are easier to maintain, and are better adapted to local conditions, suggests Mary Phillips. Plants suited to your eco-region need less water, fertilizer, and care, saving you time and resources. Also, consider the sunlight and shade levels on your property as different plants have varying light requirements.
Related: 8 Fast-Growing Windbreak Trees for Privacy and Protection, Recommended by Arborists
Best Privacy Hedges:
Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis L)
Buttonbush is a deciduous shrub with glossy green leaves and unique spherical clusters of nectar-filled flowers that attract birds and pollinators, according to Phillips. This deer-resistant shrub is ideal for areas prone to deer browsing.
– Zone: 5 to 11
– Height: 6 to 12 feet tall
– Light: Partial shade to full sun
Related: Find Your USDA Hardiness Zone
Boxwood (Buxus)
Boxwood, though not native to North America, is a popular choice for privacy hedges. Boxwoods co
Different sizes and heights of hedges are available to suit your gardening and privacy needs. Janet Sluis, director of Sunset Western Garden/Perennial Programming at Plant Development Services, Inc., explains that boxwoods are ideal for narrow or small spaces where other shrubs may become too large. These hedges retain their leaves throughout the year, ensuring a natural and protective screen without the hassle of falling leaves during winter. For optimal screening, select tall-growing varieties as opposed to dwarf ones that reach heights of 3 to 4 feet. In addition to their year-round foliage, boxwoods attract bees with fragrant yellow-green flowers in late spring and summer. Once established, these plants are easy to maintain.
Hydrangeas are excellent hedge plants that provide privacy and beauty with their large, showy flowers. You can even cut them to enjoy fresh blooms indoors. These versatile plants come in various hues and bloom on both old and new wood. Low-maintenance and requiring minimal pruning, hydrangeas are a lovely addition to any garden.
If you’re looking for a hedge that supports wildlife, consider inkberry holly. This shrub offers dense, evergreen foliage and provides food for birds and a habitat for butterflies. Inkberry holly is adaptable to different soil types and is a great alternative to boxwood for those interested in planting native species.
Loropetalum, also known as Chinese fringe flower, is a fast-growing, drought-tolerant plant with red to purple foliage. This low-maintenance option is both deer-resistant and pest-resistant, blooming sporadically throughout the year with vibrant red fringe flowers.
Forsythia shrubs, known for their vibrant yellow flowers, are among the first to bloom in spring, adding color and privacy to your garden. These plants can thrive in various soil types and grow quickly, making them an ideal choice for creating privacy in a short amount of time. Once established, Forsythia shrubs are generally low maintenance and require minimal care.
Ilex Screen Play is a hybrid hedge plant that reaches up to 6 feet tall and thrives in zones 5 to 8. It features light green leaves and resembles a holly but without spines. This fast-growing hedge can reach heights of up to 30 feet and can be pruned into hedges or used as a standalone screen. It produces white flowers and red berries in winter, attracting songbirds.
Junipers are popular evergreen plants for hedges, with some varieties being low-ground covers and others growing into tall trees. Their leaves come in various shades of green, silver, and blue, and they do well in zones 2 to 9, reaching heights of up to 65 feet.
Meadowsweet is a deciduous shrub that grows densely with greenish-yellow leaves. It produces clusters of tiny white flowers in summer, attracting butterflies and birds. The foliage turns bright yellow in the fall, and it thrives in zones 3 to 8, reaching heights of up to 8 feet.
Rhododendrons are shade-tolerant evergreen shrubs that offer glossy foliage and small flowers in spring. They do well in zones 6 to 9, reaching heights of 3 to 4 feet.
Sea Myrtle is a versatile shrub with silvery green foliage that provides privacy, wind protection, and shelter for birds. It produces white feathery flowers in late summer and early fall, attracting pollinators. It grows in zones 4 to 11, reaching heights of 6 to 15 feet.
Southern Arrowwood is a native shrub that produces clusters of tiny white flowers in late spring through midsummer. It is fast-growing and provides food for bees, birds, and butterflies. In the fall, its foliage turns bright shades of yellow, orange, and red. It thrives in zones 2 to 8, reaching heights of 6 to 8 feet.
Arborvitae, also known as Thuja, is a native evergreen shrub that is commonly used for hedges. It does well in various light conditions and can reach considerable heights.
In North America, arborvitae is a fantastic choice for year-round privacy with its dense growth that forms a natural living wall and acts as a windscreen. Also known as American arborvitae, northern, or eastern white cedar, this woody plant has an upright and ovate habit, according to Funk. Suitable for Zones 2 to 7, it can reach a height of 18 feet and thrives in partial to full sun.
Weigela, a fast-growing shrub from the Weigela species, is a low-maintenance plant that offers excellent privacy for homes. Once established, Weigela shrubs need minimal care, making them ideal for homeowners looking for privacy without high maintenance, as noted by Funk. These versatile plants can adapt to various soil types and climates, producing colorful foliage and vibrant flowers that enhance the landscape. Expect blooms from spring through early summer.
Weigela thrives in Zones 4 to 8, reaching heights of up to 5 feet and preferring full sun exposure. For more gardening tips and plant recommendations, you can find the original article on Martha Stewart’s website.
