California Plants

Fraser’s Photinia (Photinia x fraseri) is a perfect large evergreen shrub to use as a privacy screen between your house and a neighbor. Plants can be very affordable to buy. They are beautiful, with bright red and green leaves. These can also be used as a hedge or beautiful bush in the yard. Photinia flowers in the spring are sweet smelling. Photinias generally like at least 6 hours of sun. This Photinia does not want to dry out between waterings, although after being established for about 6 months, this shrub is fairly drought tolerant. Generally these do grow to 10 or 15 feet high and wide, so it is best to give ample spacing between plants. The Fraser’s Photinia in the below photo is just under two feet in height, but will grow fast. This shrub can be shaped with pruning, and likes to be fertilized in the spring. It does not like weather to be colder than 10 degrees Fahrenheit. If you like Photinias, also check out this nice Waxleaf Privet Five Gallon.

Fraser

When looking for privacy plants, shrubs, and trees to create an outdoor privacy screen, there are a number of great options. Although it is possible to buy a garden fence for outdoor privacy, living things are relaxing and fun to look at. Outdoor privacy screens block out noise, give privacy, and look pleasant. Here are a number of plants, shrubs, and trees we recommend, all listed and priced here.

1. Stephanandra ‘Crispa’ - Shade, prevents erosion on hills, grows in zones 3-8
2. Taxus Margarita - Part shade or full sun, 4 to 6 ft height/width, grows in zones 3-7
3. Hydrangea ‘Annabelle’ - Part shade, beautiful big blooms, grows to height of 4 feet tall, grows in zones 4-9
4. Rhododendron P.J.M. - Part shade or full sun, beautiful foliage, 5-6 feet tall, grows in zones 4-8
5. x Cupressocyparis leylandii - Sun or light shade, fast growing, dense, can trim to be 10-30 feet tall, grows in zones 6-9
6. Caryopteris ‘Longwood Blue’ - Sun or part shade, great as a hedge, about 2 feet tall, grows in zones 5-9
7. Cryptomeria ‘Radicans’ - Part shade or full sun, drought resistant and fast grower, can grow 10-40 feet in height depending on your trimming, grows in zones 5-8
8. Pinus ‘Thunderhead’ - Sun, easy to grow, 5-6 feet in height, zones 5-9
9. Thuja ‘Green Giant’ - Part shade to sun, easy to grow and fragrant, trim to be anywhere between 10-30 feet tall, grows in zones 5-8