Having privacy in our outdoor spaces is important for many of us, but that doesn’t mean we have to settle for a boring and unsightly fence. Why not add some greenery and natural beauty to your privacy fence by growing plants that not only provide a shield from prying eyes but also create a stunning backdrop for your garden?
In this listicle, I’ll introduce you to the 27 best plants to grow as a privacy fence. These plants are not only excellent at blocking unwanted views but also offer a range of colors, textures, and fragrances to enhance your outdoor oasis.
So, let’s dive in and discover the perfect plantings to transform your fence into a vibrant and inviting natural barrier.
1. Bamboo (Phyllostachys spp.):
Bamboo is a fantastic choice for creating a living privacy fence. Its fast growth and dense foliage quickly form an impenetrable barrier. Plus, the tall and graceful canes add an elegant touch to any garden. Just remember to choose a clumping variety to avoid its invasive tendencies.
2. Privet (Ligustrum spp.):
Privet is a classic choice for privacy hedges. It grows quickly, tolerates various soil conditions, and can be easily shaped. The glossy leaves create a dense screen that effectively blocks unwanted views while adding a touch of sophistication to your landscape.
3. Arborvitae (Thuja spp.):
Arborvitae, also known as “tree of life,” is a popular evergreen shrub for creating privacy fences. Its dense foliage and tall growth habit make it an ideal option. Choose from different cultivars, such as ‘Emerald Green’ or ‘Green Giant,’ based on your desired height and width.
4. Boxwood (Buxus spp.):
Boxwood is a versatile plant that can be pruned into a formal hedge or left to grow naturally. With its small, dense leaves and compact growth, it’s a great choice for creating a tidy and low-maintenance privacy fence. It’s available in various cultivars, including the popular ‘Green Velvet’ and ‘Wintergreen.’
5. English Ivy (Hedera helix):
English Ivy is an evergreen vine that can be trained to climb your fence and create a lush green wall. It’s a hardy plant that thrives in both sun and shade. While it may require some initial support, once established, it will cover your fence with its dense foliage, providing privacy and a touch of old-world charm.
6. Leyland Cypress (Cupressus x leylandii):
Leyland cypress is a fast-growing evergreen tree that can be planted close together to form an effective privacy fence. Its tall, slender shape and dense foliage make it an excellent choice for creating a natural screen. However, be mindful of its size potential and ensure there’s enough space for it to grow.
7. Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus):
Rose of Sharon is a beautiful flowering shrub that can be pruned into a privacy hedge. It produces stunning, hibiscus-like blooms in a variety of colors, adding a burst of vibrancy to your fence line. Additionally, it attracts pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds, making your garden a haven for wildlife.
8. Japanese Yew (Taxus cuspidata):
Japanese yew is an elegant evergreen shrub with dense foliage that can be sheared to create a formal privacy fence. Its dark green, needle-like leaves and slender habit add a touch of sophistication to any landscape. It thrives in partial shade and well-drained soil.
9. Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans):
Trumpet vine is a vigorous and fast-growing vine that can quickly cover your fence with its attractive foliage and showy trumpet-shaped flowers. It’s a perfect choice if you want to add a splash of color and attract hummingbirds to your garden. However, ensure proper support and regular pruning to keep it in check.
10. Evergreen Clematis (Clematis armandii):
Evergreen clematis is a climbing vine that features glossy, dark green leaves and fragrant white flowers in spring. It can gracefully cover your fence with its lush growth while providing year-round privacy. Ensure it has a sturdy support structure and prune after flowering to maintain its shape.
11. Purple Hopseed Bush (Dodonaea viscosa):
Purple hopseed bush is a versatile shrub that can be pruned into a hedge or left to grow naturally. Its compact growth, narrow leaves, and attractive reddish-purple color make it a standout choice for a privacy fence. It’s drought-tolerant and requires minimal maintenance once established.
12. Climbing Roses (Rosa spp.):
Climbing roses are not only breathtakingly beautiful but also excellent for creating a living fence. Choose varieties like ‘New Dawn’ or ‘Zephirine Drouhin’ that produce vigorous canes and abundant blooms. With their enchanting fragrance and stunning colors, these roses will elevate your garden’s charm.
13. Heavenly Bamboo (Nandina domestica):
Heavenly bamboo, despite its name, is not a true bamboo but a compact evergreen shrub. It offers year-round interest with its delicate foliage, colorful berries, and stunning red or bronze winter foliage. Plant it along your fence to create a vibrant and visually appealing privacy barrier.
14. Photinia (Photinia spp.):
Photinia is a popular choice for a privacy hedge due to its stunning red or copper-colored new growth. It forms a dense screen of glossy green leaves that offer year-round privacy. Choose cultivars like ‘Red Robin’ or ‘Pink Marble’ for their vibrant foliage and ability to withstand pruning.
15. Wisteria (Wisteria spp.):
Wisteria is a climbing vine that can be trained to cover your fence with its cascading clusters of fragrant flowers. It adds a touch of romance and elegance to any outdoor space. However, keep in mind that wisteria requires sturdy support and regular pruning to maintain its shape and prevent overgrowth.
16. Podocarpus (Podocarpus spp.):
Podocarpus, also known as yew pine, is an evergreen shrub with dense, needle-like foliage. It can be pruned into a formal hedge or left to grow naturally. Podocarpus tolerates both sun and shade, making it a versatile choice for creating privacy. Its dark green foliage provides an elegant backdrop for your garden.
17. Smokebush (Cotinus spp.):
Smokebush is a deciduous shrub with a unique, smoky appearance due to its cloud-like clusters of feathery flowers. It can be pruned into a compact hedge or allowed to grow naturally, providing privacy with a touch of drama. Choose cultivars like ‘Royal Purple’ or ‘Grace’ for their vibrant foliage colors.
18. Carolina Jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens):
Carolina jessamine is a twining vine with glossy, dark green leaves and fragrant yellow flowers in spring. It can be trained to climb your fence and create a living screen. The vibrant blooms and glossy foliage will add a cheerful and welcoming touch to your outdoor space.
19. European Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus):
European hornbeam is a deciduous tree that can be pruned into a dense hedge. Its dense foliage and unique textured bark provide year-round privacy and visual interest. The foliage turns a beautiful yellow in autumn, adding a splash of color before the leaves drop.
20. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia):
Russian sage is a perennial plant with aromatic silver-gray foliage and stunning lavender-blue flowers. It adds a soft and airy texture to your fence line while attracting butterflies and bees. Its drought tolerance and low-maintenance nature make it a hassle-free option for privacy and beauty.
21. Red-Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea):
Red-twig dogwood is a deciduous shrub with bright red stems that create a stunning display during winter. It can be pruned into a hedge or allowed to grow naturally, providing privacy and adding interest to your garden even when other plants are dormant.
22. Variegated Box Elder (Acer negundo ‘Flamingo’):
Variegated box elder is a small, deciduous tree with striking pink and white variegated foliage. It can be pruned into a privacy screen or grown as a specimen tree. The vibrant foliage brings a burst of color to your fence line and creates a focal point in your garden.
23. Clematis (Clematis spp.):
Clematis is a versatile vine that comes in a variety of colors and flower shapes. It can be trained to climb your fence, adding vertical interest and a burst of color when it blooms. Choose from different varieties, such as ‘Nelly Moser’ with its pale pink flowers or ‘Jackmanii’ with deep purple blooms.
24. Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana):
Red cedar is an evergreen tree that can be pruned into a hedge or allowed to grow naturally. It offers year-round privacy with its dense, aromatic foliage. The red-brown bark and attractive blue berries add visual interest to your fence line.
25. Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia):
Virginia creeper is a vigorous deciduous vine that can quickly cover your fence with its vibrant green foliage. It turns a beautiful crimson-red in autumn, providing a stunning seasonal display. Be aware that it can be aggressive, so regular pruning and maintenance may be necessary.
26. Purple Beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma):
Purple beautyberry is a deciduous shrub known for its clusters of bright purple berries that appear in late summer and fall. It adds a unique pop of color to your privacy fence. The berries also attract birds, making it a wildlife-friendly addition to your garden.
27. Honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.):
Honeysuckle is a fragrant vine that can be trained to climb your fence. It produces clusters of tubular flowers in various colors, including white, yellow, and pink. The sweet scent and the nectar-rich blooms attract butterflies and hummingbirds, adding life and beauty to your outdoor space.
Tips for Maintaining Your Privacy Fence
Regular Pruning:
To ensure your privacy fence remains in top shape, regular pruning is essential. Trimming back any overgrowth, maintaining the desired height, and shaping the plants will help keep them neat and attractive.
Adequate Watering:
Provide your privacy fence plants with sufficient water, especially during dry spells. Check the moisture level in the soil and water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth.
Fertilize Appropriately:
Use a balanced fertilizer to nourish your plants and promote healthy growth. Follow the recommended application rates and timing specified for each plant variety.
Mulching:
Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of your privacy fence plants. Mulch helps retain soil moisture, suppresses weeds, and provides insulation for the roots.
Pest and Disease Control:
Regularly inspect your plants for signs of pests or diseases. Early detection allows for prompt treatment and prevents any potential damage to your privacy fence.
Support Structures:
Ensure your climbing plants have sturdy support structures in place to prevent them from damaging your fence or becoming unruly. Use trellises, wires, or pergolas to guide their growth.
Regular Inspections:
Regularly inspect your privacy fence for any signs of damage or weakness. Repair or replace any broken or damaged parts promptly to maintain the integrity of your fence.
Consider Sunlight Requirements:
Pay attention to the sunlight requirements of the plants you choose. Some may thrive in full sun, while others prefer partial shade. Plant accordingly to ensure their health and vitality.
Complementary Plantings:
Enhance the beauty of your privacy fence by adding complementary plants around it. Consider colorful perennials, annuals, or groundcovers that will accentuate the foliage and flowers of your fence plants.
Mulch-Free Zone:
Keep a mulch-free zone around the base of your privacy fence plants to prevent excess moisture retention, which can lead to root rot. Leave a small gap to allow for proper airflow.
Creating a privacy fence doesn’t mean sacrificing aesthetics. With the right choice of plants, you can transform a plain fence into a lush and inviting natural screen. From fast-growing bamboo to fragrant climbing roses, the options are endless.
By incorporating these 27 best plants into your landscape, you’ll enjoy both privacy and the beauty of a garden that seamlessly blends with nature. So, start planning your green fence today and let these plants work their magic in turning your outdoor space into a private sanctuary.