Gardening pros share the best plants for creating a hidden sanctuary via a living fence.
Plant what thrives in your planting zone, and then summon some patience as they grow.
The wait will be worth it once these plants transform your outdoor space into a privatepersonal oasis.
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How much privacy do I need?
How much space can I give up for the plants?
Are there any local laws or regulations about my plantings?
MONROVIA / PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRANDON FRIEND-SOLIS
How soon do I need privacy?
“Burgundy Queenis a vigorous climber, growing up to 30 feet long.
“Burgundy Queen features stunning flowers and gorgeous foliage,” adds Clay.
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This border plant adds privacy and color to your backyard and features purple-red to maroon foliage.
During spring, you’ll enjoy its light pink to white blooms.
They grow to about 4 feet wide and up to 8 feet tall.
Monrovia / Photography by Doreen Wynja
It also produces berries that attract birds to your yard.
When arranged together, several viburnum plants can form a flowering hedge along your garden’s perimeter.
In gardens where privacy is less important, this dense evergreen also makes an excellent topiary.
Monrovia / Photography by Doreen Wynja
When left to grow unchecked, it climbs to 12 feet, forming a high border around your yard.
Mandevilla (Mandevilla spp.)
Mandevillacomes in two formsclimbing and moundingso, if privacy is the goal, look for theclimbing variety.
Monrovia / Photography by Doreen Wynja
Plant it in spring after the danger of frost has passed, selecting a spot in full sun.
“Bonus: It’s also usually ignored by deer and rabbits!”
Some varieties are also suitable ashouseplants.
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If you’re patient, within 10 years it’ll grow into a beautiful, 10-foot-tall, 6-foot-wide screen.
What makes Arborvitae great for privacy screens is their vertical growth pattern and that they stay green all year.
They’re also fast-growing, low-maintenance, and cold-hardy.
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The others grow from 12 to 15 feet tall, making them a good fit for any size garden.
Its dark green, soft, needle-like leaves prefer full sun.
For best performance, plant a row in full sun.
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Another asset is its showy, fragrant white spring flowers.
While it prefers full sun, it adapts well to all light conditions, even heavy shade.
It’s also relatively drought-tolerant and not fussy about soil pop in.
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It grows 5 to 7 feet tall.
It has diminutive, glossy, leathery green leaves and performs well in full sun through heavy shade.
For spectacular color, look for variegated varieties with bright yellow and green leaves.
Monrovia / Photography by Millette Photomedia
Privet (Ligustrum spp.)
Note that the leaves and fruit of privet hedges can be toxic to people and animals.
Fun fact: It’s also known as the sausage vine, as the plant produces sausage-shaped fruits.
Monrovia / Photography by Doreen Wynja
These plants can produce plenty of seedlings that can be hard to remove from your landscape.
Be vigilant about deadheading the flowers to prevent your Rose of Sharon from spreading.
Crepe myrtle can handle the heat and drought, making it an ideal choice for Southern gardens.
Monrovia / Photography by Doreen Wynja
Monrovia / Photography by Doreen Wynja
Monrovia / Photography by Doreen Wynja
Monrovia / Photography by Brandon Friend-Solis
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