Top 5 Shrubs to Use for Screening Purposes
1. Elaeagnus
Terrible name, great plant! Elaeagnus is a tough evergreen shrub with silvery-green foliage that provides beautiful contrast in the landscape. It grows quickly and works especially well when you need a large screen, hedge, or background plant.
Once established, Elaeagnus is drought tolerant and adaptable to a variety of soil conditions. Depending on the variety and growing conditions, it can easily reach 8 feet tall and wide or larger, so be sure to give it plenty of room to grow.
Plant in full sun to part sun for best performance. Elaeagnus is also generally considered deer resistant, although no plant is completely deer-proof.
2. Southern Wax Myrtle
Southern Wax Myrtle is a versatile evergreen with attractive olive-green, aromatic foliage. Female plants may also produce clusters of small bluish-gray berries when pollinated.
Standard Southern Wax Myrtles can grow into large shrubs or small trees, often reaching around 15 feet or more, while dwarf selections remain considerably smaller.
Once established, Wax Myrtle is relatively drought tolerant and adaptable to both moist and moderately dry soil conditions. Plant in full sun to part shade. It is also generally considered deer resistant.
3. Pineapple Guava
Pineapple Guava is a beautiful evergreen shrub with a distinctive tropical look. Its thick, leathery leaves are green on top with soft, silvery-gray undersides, giving the plant year-round interest.
One of its most striking features is the unusual red and white flowers that appear in spring. Under favorable growing conditions, these may be followed by edible fruit later in the season.
Pineapple Guava can develop into a large shrub, potentially reaching 15 feet or more when mature. Plant it in full sun to part sun in well-drained soil.
It is generally considered deer resistant, although deer browsing can vary depending on conditions and available food sources.
4. Nellie R. Stevens Holly
Nellie R. Stevens Holly is an attractive evergreen with dense branching and glossy, dark green foliage. Its thick growth makes it an excellent choice for a large privacy screen, hedge, or specimen plant.
Mature plants can reach approximately 15 to 25 feet tall and develop a substantial spread, so allow plenty of room when planting. Bright red berries can provide additional seasonal interest on female plants when pollination conditions are favorable.
Nellie R. Stevens Holly performs well in full sun to part shade and adapts to a range of soil conditions as long as drainage is adequate.
5. Leyland Cypress
Leyland Cypress is a fast-growing evergreen known for its tall, dense growth. Its natural pyramidal shape makes it an attractive specimen, while multiple plants can be used to create a large privacy screen or windbreak.
Leyland Cypress prefers full sun and well-drained soil. When given enough space and left untrimmed, these trees can eventually grow 50 feet tall or more, so mature size should be considered carefully before planting.
Although its fast growth can be appealing when you need privacy quickly, avoid planting Leyland Cypress too closely together. Proper spacing and good air circulation can help reduce stress and disease problems as the trees mature.
Choosing the Right Privacy Plant
When choosing a shrub or tree for privacy, don’t just think about how quickly it grows. Consider its mature height and width, sunlight requirements, drainage, and the amount of maintenance you’re willing to provide. Giving plants enough room from the beginning will help create a healthier and better-looking screen for years to come.
Not sure which privacy plant is right for your space? Stop by The Home & Garden Center and let us help you choose the best option for your East Texas landscape!