Plants Good For Privacy: 10 Leafy Champions For Your Secret Garden Sanctuary
I’ve always been a bit of a private person, which naturally extends to my garden space. There’s something delightful about creating your own little green sanctuary where you can enjoy nature without feeling like you’re in a fishbowl. The right privacy plants can transform an exposed yard into a secluded retreat. They also add beauty, texture, and even wildlife habitat to your landscape.
My journey with privacy plantings began years ago when new neighbors moved in next door with a second-story deck that looked directly into my favorite reading spot. Instead of building a fence, I discovered the joy of using layers of shrubs, small trees, and climbing plants to create living walls. These plants not only provided the screening I wanted, but they also brought birds, butterflies, and seasonal interest that no fence could offer. Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about solving a practical problem with something that grows more beautiful each year.
1) Emerald Green Arborvitae
I’m a huge fan of Emerald Green Arborvitae for privacy screens in my garden. These lovely evergreens have saved me from awkward waves to my neighbor while I’m in my pajamas more times than I can count!
These trees are perfect for smaller spaces where you need privacy without giving up your whole yard. They grow in a neat, columnar shape, reaching about 12-15 feet tall but staying slim at just 3-4 feet wide. I love how they don’t take over my garden like some other privacy plants might.
The bright green foliage stays vibrant year-round, which means I get that lush privacy screen even in the dead of winter. No seasonal disappointment with these beauties!
I’ve found Emerald Green Arborvitae to be wonderfully adaptable to different growing conditions. They thrive in zones 3 to 8, making them suitable for most gardens across the country.
When I planted mine as a privacy barrier, I spaced them about 3 feet apart. This gives them just enough room to grow while still creating that solid green wall I was hoping for. If privacy is your main goal, don’t space them too far apart!
These arborvitae are relatively low-maintenance once established. I water mine deeply during dry spells, but otherwise, they pretty much take care of themselves. That’s my kind of plant!
One tip I’ve learned the hard way: protect young plants from winter damage. I wrap mine with burlap the first couple of winters until they’re fully established. Those harsh winter winds can be brutal on new plantings.
For a more substantial privacy screen, I sometimes recommend looking at ‘Nigra’ or ‘Green Giant’ varieties. They grow faster and wider than Emerald Green, though I still have a soft spot for my reliable emerald friends.
2) Wax Myrtle
I stumbled upon wax myrtles a few years ago when my neighbor’s wandering eyes became a bit too intrusive into my morning coffee routine. Let me tell you, these privacy plants quickly became my backyard heroes!
Wax myrtles are incredibly fast-growing privacy hedges with growth rates that can reach 3 to 5 feet in a single growing season. I was honestly shocked by how quickly they filled in gaps in my yard border. Nothing beats that feeling when you realize your pajama breakfast routine is once again your private affair.
The volume these shrubs develop is pretty impressive. Some gardeners on forums have even called them “one of the best privacy hedges” due to their dense growth habit. When mature, they can reach 15 to 20 feet tall, creating a true green wall.
I’ve found that spacing is important with wax myrtles. While some experts suggest planting them 12 feet apart (measuring trunk to trunk), I planted mine closer—about 5 feet apart—to create a solid screen faster.
One thing I love about my wax myrtles is how they respond to pruning. If you tip each stem, it makes the plant bushier. I do this twice a year, and my hedge gets denser each time.
They’re not fussy about light conditions either. My plants thrive in partial shade, but they can handle full sun just as well. This adaptability makes them perfect for those tricky yard areas where other plants might struggle.
3) Italian Cypress
I’ve always been fascinated by Italian Cypress trees – those tall, slender sentinels that instantly bring to mind Mediterranean villas and Tuscan landscapes. These elegant evergreens are privacy superstars in my book!
Italian Cypress trees create wonderful natural privacy screens with their dense, column-like growth habit. I’ve seen them transform ordinary backyard spaces into secluded retreats. They grow quite tall (up to 40-60 feet) but stay remarkably narrow (just 3-5 feet wide), making them perfect for tight spaces.
I once visited a friend who planted 67 Italian Cypress trees just 28 inches apart along their fence line. The effect was stunning! They created this gorgeous living wall that blocked the neighbor’s view while adding architectural interest.
What I love most about these trees is their versatility. You can use them to soften corners, cover drain pipes, or create elegant property dividers. I’ve even seen them planted in large containers to frame entryways or add height to patios.
For those with smaller spaces, there are dwarf Italian Cypress varieties available too. Though in my experience, they don’t grow quite as tall as their full-sized cousins, so keep that in mind if complete privacy is your goal.
Italian Cypress trees are particularly well-suited for dry, sunny locations. I planted three in my side yard five years ago, and they’ve been remarkably low-maintenance. Just give them well-draining soil and don’t overwater – they’re drought-tolerant once established.
If you’re looking for natural privacy with a touch of European flair, Italian Cypress might be your perfect match. They’re definitely one of my favorite privacy trees for creating that secluded garden retreat I’ve always dreamed of!
4) Podocarpus gracilior
I’ve always had a soft spot for Podocarpus gracilior, commonly called Fern Pine, even though it’s not actually a pine or a fern! This elegant evergreen has been my go-to recommendation for friends seeking the perfect privacy screen.
In my small suburban garden, I planted a row of these beauties along my property line five years ago. They’ve grown into the most gorgeous natural wall between my yard and my neighbor’s basketball court. The dense, feathery foliage creates such a peaceful barrier!
What I love about Podocarpus is how perfect it is for evergreen hedges and privacy screening. These plants are real workhorses in the garden. They maintain their lush appearance year-round, so you never have that awkward “naked hedge” phase in winter.
If you’re patient, these plants can eventually become lovely shade trees if left unpruned. I’ve seen stunning specimens in botanical gardens that reach impressive heights!
For those of us with smaller spaces, regular pruning keeps them in check. I trim mine twice a year to maintain an 8-foot hedge. I’ve found that pruning makes them bushier, creating an even denser privacy screen.
A helpful tip I’ve learned: wait until your Podocarpus grows a couple feet below your desired height before topping them. Once topped, they fill out beautifully!
These versatile plants thrive in full sun to partial shade, making them suitable for various garden locations. Mine get morning sun and afternoon shade, and they couldn’t be happier.
5) Indian Laurel
I’ve always been fascinated by the incredible privacy Indian Laurel can provide in a garden setting. This magnificent Ficus (Ficus microcarpa nitida) has become one of my go-to recommendations when friends ask about creating natural screens around their property.
The dense foliage of Indian Laurel columns is absolutely perfect for privacy needs. I love how the abundant leaves grow so thickly that they create an effective visual barrier between you and the outside world.
When planted strategically, these beauties can transform an exposed yard into a secluded retreat.
What I find particularly impressive about Indian Laurel is its excellent noise reduction qualities. If you live near a busy road, these plants can significantly dampen street noise, creating a more peaceful garden environment.
In my experience, planting these trees about 3 feet apart creates an ideal privacy screen. I’ve seen many gardeners place them along fence lines with great success, completely transforming ordinary boundaries into lush green walls.
Indian Laurel also functions as an effective windbreak, which I appreciate since it helps protect more delicate plants in my garden. I’ve planted a row along my western exposure, and it’s amazing how much they shelter the rest of my yard.
The growth habit of Indian Laurel is vigorous, but don’t let that scare you! I keep mine well-trimmed to maintain the size I want. With regular pruning, you can shape these plants into either a formal hedge or allow them to grow into full-sized privacy trees.
These plants create what I like to call a natural sound barrier that makes your outdoor space feel like an extension of your home. I’ve sat in gardens with mature Indian Laurel hedges and been amazed at how they create such a sense of seclusion.
6) Green Giant Arborvitae
I first discovered Green Giant Arborvitae when my neighbor’s towering hedge caught my eye. Honestly, it stopped me in my tracks! These magnificent evergreens have since become my go-to recommendation for anyone seeking privacy in their garden.
Green Giants are truly the superheroes of privacy plants. They can grow an impressive 3-5 feet per year in ideal conditions, reaching heights of 30-40 feet with a spread of 12-20 feet. I’ve watched young saplings transform into substantial privacy screens in just a few years.
One thing I love about these trees is their adaptability. I’ve seen them thrive in both full sun and partial shade, making them perfect for various garden locations. They’re also remarkably tough once established.
The dense foliage of Green Giants creates a beautiful natural wall. Their rich green color stays vibrant year-round, unlike some evergreens that bronze in winter. My own Green Giants have maintained their lush appearance through all four seasons.
Spacing is important with these beauties. I plant mine about 6-8 feet apart when creating a privacy screen. This gives enough room for them to fill in without becoming overcrowded.
What makes me recommend these trees so often? They’re surprisingly low-maintenance! After getting them established, I rarely need to fuss with them. They’re resistant to most pests and diseases that plague other privacy plants.
For quicker privacy, you can purchase larger specimens. While more expensive, starting with 6-7 foot trees gives you a head start on your privacy screen. I did this along my back fence and couldn’t be happier.
The pyramidal shape requires minimal pruning. I give mine a light trimming once a year, but it’s more for my satisfaction than necessity. They naturally maintain their elegant form.
7) Common Juniper
I first fell in love with Common Junipers when I spotted them creating a natural barrier at my neighbor’s yard. These hardy evergreens are absolute troopers in the privacy department, and I’ve since added several to my own garden’s perimeter.
Common Junipers offer year-round green foliage, making them perfect privacy solutions that never take a seasonal break. I particularly appreciate how they don’t drop their needles in winter when I most want that screening from my curious neighbors.
What makes these plants special is their versatility. I’ve seen them grown as low spreading groundcovers, but with proper pruning, they can be trained into more upright forms perfect for privacy screens. Mine have taken to this training beautifully!
These junipers are incredibly drought-tolerant once established. Last summer, when my sprinkler system broke during a two-week heatwave, my Common Junipers didn’t even flinch while other plants wilted dramatically.
If you’re planning to use Common Junipers for privacy, I recommend planting them about 3-5 feet apart. I made the mistake of placing mine too far apart initially and had to wait longer for them to fill in the gaps.
Common Junipers thrive in well-draining soil, something I learned the hard way when I first planted one in a low spot that collected water. That poor plant didn’t make it through winter!
For the best privacy screen effect, I’ve found that mixing Common Junipers with other evergreens creates a more natural-looking boundary. In my garden, I’ve paired them with arborvitae for varying heights and textures, creating what I like to call my “green fortress.”
8) Climbing Hydrangea
I’ve always found climbing hydrangeas to be the secret weapon in my privacy arsenal. These beautiful climbers start slow but reward patience with a spectacular display that can transform a bare wall or fence into a living tapestry.
Unlike their bushy cousins, climbing hydrangeas (Hydrangea petiolaris) actually cling to surfaces with their aerial rootlets. I once watched in amazement as mine gradually conquered my north-facing brick wall, creating a lush green curtain where nothing else would grow.
They do take their sweet time to establish – mine sulked for nearly three years before deciding to zoom upward! But this climbing vine can be trained to fill spaces between trees or cover structures, making it perfect for creative privacy solutions.
What I love most is their year-round interest. Summer brings clusters of lacy white flowers that smell divine. Fall delivers golden yellow foliage. Even in winter, the peeling cinnamon-colored bark and architectural branching pattern offer visual appeal, though they are fully deciduous and offer minimal winter privacy.
I’ve found they’re happiest in moist, well-draining soil with morning sun and afternoon shade in my garden. In cooler zones, they can handle more sun exposure as long as they have consistent moisture.
For privacy purposes, I plant them about 5-8 feet apart along fences or walls. The clean white flowers create a peaceful, neutral backdrop that complements any garden style.
Be patient though! As my gardening neighbor says, “First year they sleep, second year they creep, third year they leap.” I’ve found this saying particularly true for these gorgeous climbers.
9) False Cypress
I’ve been obsessed with False Cypress (Chamaecyparis) ever since I planted my first one as a privacy screen five years ago. These evergreen conifers are absolute champions when it comes to creating a living wall between you and your neighbors.
What I love most about False Cypress is their soft, feathery foliage that catches the light so beautifully. Unlike some harsh-looking evergreens, these have a gentle, almost cloud-like appearance that adds texture to any garden space.
The growth habit of False Cypress is naturally dense and pyramidal, which means less pruning work for me! I’ve found they develop a lush, fresh-looking appearance with minimal fuss.
In my garden, I’ve discovered these beauties offer year-round interest. While my perennials are sleeping during winter, my False Cypress stands proud, maintaining that gorgeous green color that reminds me spring will eventually return.
I’ve had the best success planting them in full sun in my cooler climate, though they’ve also performed admirably in spots that get some afternoon shade. This adaptability makes them perfect for those tricky garden areas.
False Cypress can grow fairly quickly compared to other privacy plants I’ve tried. I’ve watched mine stretch upward about a foot per year, which means you won’t wait decades for that much-needed screening.
I’ve experimented with different varieties, but the lime-green foliage types have stolen my heart. The bright color creates a beautiful backdrop for my flowering plants while still performing its privacy duties perfectly.
When planting these for privacy, I space them about 4-5 feet apart. This allows them enough room to reach their natural width while still creating that seamless green wall I was hoping for.
10) Pittosporum Silver Sheen
Let me tell you about one of my absolute favorite privacy plants – the elegantly named Pittosporum ‘Silver Sheen’. I discovered this beauty when searching for something to block my neighbor’s rather, um, “interesting” choice of lawn ornaments.
What makes Silver Sheen so special? It’s the foliage, folks! Those silvery-green leaves catch the light in the most enchanting way. I’ve stood in my garden many times just watching them shimmer in the breeze. Plus, they grow in a lovely dense pattern that’s excellent for creating privacy hedges.
The growth habit of this plant is a real winner. It has an upright, somewhat columnar form that doesn’t sprawl all over the place. I’ve found it stays fairly neat without becoming a pruning nightmare. And speaking of growth, these plants have what I call an amazing superpower – they grow quickly into a dense screen that can disguise walls or create privacy.
Maintenance is another area where Silver Sheen shines (pun intended!). I’ve found it easy to trim and maintain compared to some other hedge options. My pruning sessions have been refreshingly straightforward, which my aching back certainly appreciates.
If you’re considering this plant for a small space, I’ve seen it work wonderfully in courtyard patios. Just be mindful that faster growth means you might need to trim more often if your space is limited.
While some hedge plants feel heavy and oppressive, Silver Sheen has a lighter, more elegant feel. I particularly love how it creates privacy without making my garden feel closed in or gloomy.
Understanding Plant Privacy
I’ve always found that creating a natural privacy screen brings a special kind of magic to a garden. Plants not only block unwanted views but add beauty and life to your outdoor space in a way that fences simply can’t match. Let me walk you through what makes green privacy solutions so wonderful and how to choose the right plants for your sanctuary.
Benefits of Natural Screening
Privacy plants do so much more than just block nosy neighbors! In my experience, they create living walls that change with the seasons, offering different colors and textures throughout the year. I love how they absorb sound too – my arborvitae row noticeably muffles street noise compared to my old wooden fence.
Living screens also provide homes for wildlife. Last spring, I discovered a robin’s nest in my dense privet hedge! Trees and shrubs create natural barriers with attractive foliage and blooms that static fences just can’t offer.
They improve air quality too, filtering dust and pollution. Plus, they’re often more affordable in the long run since they don’t need painting or replacing like wooden fences.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Plants for Privacy
Before rushing to the nursery, I always tell my readers to think about the growing conditions first. I once bought gorgeous cypress trees only to watch them struggle in my clay soil! Take time to consider your conditions, space needs, and aesthetic before making final choices.
Growth rate matters too. Fast growers like bamboo provide quick privacy but may need more maintenance. Slower growers like yews require patience but often last longer.
Height and width are crucial – I’ve seen too many friends plant tiny arborvitae only to find they grow 15 feet tall! Make sure to check mature sizes.
Consider these important factors:
- Sunlight needs: Full sun, partial shade, or full shade
- Maintenance requirements: Pruning, watering, fertilizing
- Year-round privacy: Deciduous vs. evergreen options
- Spacing: Plants need room to grow without overcrowding
Remember that neighboring property lines can cause issues. I’ve heard horror stories about neighbors “pruning” plants that cross boundaries!
Planting Techniques for Privacy
Creating a green privacy screen takes more than just buying the right plants. I’ve learned through years of trial and error that proper spacing and ongoing care make all the difference between a sparse hedge and a lush living wall that truly gives you that peaceful seclusion.
Spacing and Layout for Optimal Coverage
When I first started creating privacy screens in my garden, I made the classic newbie mistake—I planted everything too close together! Trust me, those tiny shrubs grow up fast. For most privacy trees like arborvitae or cypress, I now space them about 5-6 feet apart, which gives them room to fill in without competing too much for nutrients.
I’ve found that staggering plants in a zigzag pattern creates much better coverage than placing them in a straight line. This mimics how plants grow in nature and eliminates those peek-through spots that defeat the whole purpose!
For immediate privacy while waiting for slower-growing specimens to mature, I plant fast-growers like Green Giant arborvitae between them. They can shoot up 3-4 feet per year in ideal conditions!
Maintenance Tips for a Thriving Privacy Screen
I’ve killed more privacy plants than I care to admit before learning this vital lesson: proper watering during the first two years is everything. I water deeply once or twice weekly rather than frequent shallow sprinkles, which encourages those roots to grow deep and strong.
Mulching around my privacy plants (keeping it away from the trunks) has been a game-changer. It suppresses weeds, retains moisture, and gradually improves the soil as it breaks down. My plants seem to grow noticeably faster with this simple addition!
For evergreen privacy screens, I do light pruning in late winter or early spring. Just a little shaping—nothing drastic! I learned the hard way that breaking up straight lines with curved beds creates a more natural, pleasing look than rigid rows that scream “I WANT PRIVACY!”
Fertilizing in early spring gives my screen that boost it needs to put on lush new growth, but I’m careful not to overdo it. Too much nitrogen can create weak, floppy growth that flops over in the first storm!
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve been getting tons of emails about privacy plants lately! Here are answers to the questions that keep popping up in my inbox. I’ve included tips for different spaces and needs based on my own trials and errors with plants like Emerald Green Arborvitae and Italian Cypress.
What are the top low-maintenance plants that can provide ample privacy in a garden?
In my experience, Wax Myrtle is one of the most fuss-free privacy plants I’ve ever grown. It needs minimal pruning and seems to thrive even when I forget about it for weeks!
Emerald Green Arborvitae is another favorite of mine. I planted a row three years ago, and they’ve needed almost no attention beyond occasional watering during dry spells. They maintain that gorgeous columnar shape without constant trimming.
For something a bit different, I’ve had great luck with Podocarpus gracilior. It’s incredibly forgiving if you forget to water it and stays lush and green year-round in my zone.
How can I ensure privacy in my outdoor spaces using fast-growing plants?
I learned this the hard way: when you need privacy quickly, bamboo can be your best friend! Just make sure you choose a clumping variety, not a running type. My neighbor once planted running bamboo, and we’re still fighting it five years later!
Italian Cypress has been my go-to for quick vertical privacy. I planted six-foot specimens that shot up nearly two feet in the first year alone. They create beautiful living columns that don’t take up much ground space.
For seasonal privacy that grows like crazy, I love ornamental grasses. Miscanthus and pampas grass have given me 6-8 feet of height in just one growing season. They do die back in winter, but the architectural dried plumes still provide some screening.
Could you suggest any perennial plants that serve as natural privacy screens?
Indian Laurel has been my most reliable perennial privacy screen. I planted three of them to block my view of the neighbor’s shed, and they’ve formed a beautiful evergreen wall that looks good in all seasons.
For flowering perennial screens, I adore my lilac hedge. The fragrance in spring is heavenly, and the dense foliage provides decent privacy for most of the year. It’s deciduous, though, so I’ve underplanted with evergreen shrubs for winter coverage.
Holly varieties make excellent privacy hedges with practical benefits. My ‘Nellie Stevens’ holly not only screens my patio from the street but also produces beautiful red berries that attract birds. Plus, those prickly leaves deter anyone from trying to peek through!
What options are there for indoor plants that can enhance privacy while still being easy to care for?
I’ve transformed my picture window with a row of tall snake plants. They’re practically indestructible—I once forgot to water mine for two months during a vacation, and they didn’t even droop!
For my home office, I created a green screen using pothos plants trained on tension rods. They grow quickly with minimal care, and the vines can be guided to fill in exactly where I need privacy from the street.
Bamboo palms have been my savior for bathroom privacy. They thrive in the humidity, grow tall enough to block the view through frosted windows, and only need watering once a week or so.
What are the best potted plants to create a secluded feel on city balconies or small patios?
When I moved to my apartment, I immediately invested in several large containers of clumping bamboo. They’ve been fantastic for creating height without taking up much floor space on my tiny balcony.
For year-round privacy in pots, my dwarf Alberta spruces have been workhorses. They’re slow-growing, so they don’t outgrow their containers quickly, and they maintain their dense, conical shape with almost no maintenance.
I’ve also had great success with potted vines trained on trellises for my balcony. Star jasmine gives me both privacy and amazing fragrance in summer, while still being compact enough for container life.
Can you recommend plants that provide front yard privacy and add to curb appeal?
In my front yard, I planted a mixed hedge of Emerald Green Arborvitae interspersed with flowering shrubs like hydrangeas. This combination gives me privacy while still looking welcoming and colorful from the street.
For areas where I wanted to maintain visibility while chatting with neighbors, I’ve used ornamental trees like Japanese maples. They create dappled privacy without forming a solid wall, and their gorgeous foliage is a real conversation starter!
I recently added a row of lavender and rosemary along my front walkway. They grow just tall enough to create a soft boundary without blocking the view entirely, plus they smell amazing when brushed against.