Creating Privacy
You like your neighbors, but you don’t want to see everything that they do. And you probably don’t want them watching you all the time either. And that’s why there are privacy hedges! Tons of options to allow what you do in your yard to stay in your yard. Below are some of our favorites.
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Sweet Viburnum
We know what you are going to say. Boring. But you know what, a tried-and-true shrub that can take severe prunes every few years and will even survive a new septic drain-field dug right along its roots is our kind of plant. Tough as nails for any conditions Florida throws at it.
Podocarpus
For those with more refined tastes, the slender foliage of Podocarpus adds a touch of class. It is slower growing than Sweet Viburnum, so it is a great option if you want to do less trimming, but you’ll have to have some patience as you wait for it to grow to its full potential.
Hibiscus
On every tropical island, you will find Hibiscus. The big, colorful blooms can’t be beat. Most Hibiscus varieties grow between 4 and 8 feet tall, depending on how you prune them, giving you great privacy and turning your backyard into a little slice of paradise. Other flowering options are Plumbago, Thryallis, and Texas Sage.
For Shade
Sometimes you need privacy in a shady area. The above options prefer sun, but there are great plants for shade such as Dwarf Variegated Schefflera or Viburnum Suspensum. The Dwarf Schefflera is delightfully variegated and will slowly grow up to around six feet tall. Viburnum Suspensum is the slow-growing cousin of Sweet Viburnum, and while it can tolerate sun, it also stays nice and full in shady areas. Other potential privacy plants for shade that also happen to be lush and tropical include Traveler’s Palm, White Bird of Paradise, and Areca Palm.
Native
If you want to go native, then try Simpson’s Stopper or Beauty Berry. These are wildlife magnets, with privacy to boot, that know how to take Florida weather without missing a beat.
Vines
If all you have is a very narrow area, then consider vines. They will climb a fence or trellis for privacy in a compact space. Star Jasmine Vine, Mandevilla, and Passion Flower are fast growing, full-covering options.
Bamboo
We know what you are thinking, “I don’t want bamboo going everywhere in my yard,” but that only happens with running bamboo. All the varieties that we carry are clumping bamboo, and while over time the clumps can get large, especially on big varieties like Giant Timber, many maintain a smaller profile.
Anybody can sell you plants, we make sure you succeed.