When searching for plants to create live privacy barriers, rapid growth may be prioritized highly on your checklist. However, with regards to shrubs, trees, and decorative grasses, you ought to steer clear of varieties that proliferate rapidly or dominate your landscaping. Numerous commonly chosen privacy plants turn out to be intrusive species causing more issues than benefits. Although European privet (Ligustrum vulgare) could appeal visually or some types of bamboo such as golden bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea) might offer swift coverage, both serve as prime instances of plant life you should refrain from cultivating in your garden.
Rather than using invasive species that might take over your lawn and the nearby region, opt for plants such as American holly (Ilex opaca) and sweet olive (Osmanthus fragrans). ) , and wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera) stand out. Unlike rapid growers that tend to be difficult to manage, these options are more manageable. Consider these plants for enhancing seclusion in your outdoor space. That won’t surpass it. Native species or non-invasive non-native privacy plants are preferable, as they support local wildlife and thrive under local environmental conditions.
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Avoid Privet
Most of the privet species introduced to the U.S., including those originating from China such as Ligustrum sinense, are currently classified as invasive. The European privet, which is sometimes called primwort, serves commonly as a hedge shrub due to its rapid growth and has been marked as an invader in multiple states. Besides their quick spread, these plants tend to overrun properties because birds disseminate their seeds after consuming them. Identifying invasive privets involves looking out for specific characteristics: they have simple leaves arranged oppositely along stems covered with grayish bark. While not every variety falls into this category, it’s advisable to steer clear of using them for privacy hedging unless you can confirm otherwise.
Don't Plant Golden Bamboo
Some varieties of bamboo that are not invasive, but it's best to avoid golden bamboo for privacy screens due to its quick growth. Described as running bamboo due to spreading via rhizomes, these plants are difficult to contain. Today, it is classified as invasive across several states, including Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Georgia. Golden bamboo grows between 10 and 20 feet tall. Identify it by the short swollen internodes bunched at the base of some canes and the fan-shaped green leaves. Luckily, there are plenty of Improved options for dealing with invasive Japanese bamboo .
Stay Away From Buckthorn
For those seeking a thick hedge, common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) and glossy buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula) could be options. Originally introduced from Eurasia during the 18th century, these shrubs do not produce actual thorns but feature appealing leaves—qualities that make them occasionally chosen for screening purposes. Nevertheless, both types of buckthorn are considered invasive species. They spread aggressively outside residential gardens due to bird consumption of their dark-purple fruits. Capable of reaching heights of around 25 feet, this plant competes with indigenous flora by blocking necessary light and potentially releasing substances harmful to surrounding vegetation’s health.
Beware Of Burning Bush
The vivid crimson hue of the burning bush (Euonymus alatus), extensively utilized for its aesthetic appeal in American gardens, originates from Asia. Capable of reaching heights of 20 feet, this plant displays green blooms during spring followed by vibrant scarlet foliage come autumn. Despite being an attractive choice for hedging or natural screens to highlight its striking seasonal colors, controlling its growth proves challenging as it tends to proliferate uncontrollably past manicured lawns. Being an aggressive invader, this non-native variety suppresses indigenous flora and faces restrictions in certain regions across the country.
Keep Japanese Barberry Away
A thick bush with numerous small limbs, known scientifically as Berberis thunbergii or commonly as Japanese barberry, came to the United States around the end of the 19th century. Despite being extensively utilized for natural hedges because of its resistance to deer, this plant can rapidly spread since both birds and wildlife consume its berries. Additionally, when parts of its branches touch the soil, they often develop roots at those points. Due to its association with the black-legged tick—a potential health hazard—it’s advisable not to use Japanese barberry for privacy purposes in your garden. Studies have shown an increase in tick populations in areas heavily covered with these bushes.
Don't Plant Sacred Bamboo
A native of Asia, Nandina domestica, commonly known as sacred bamboo, is an evergreen shrub. This plant features lovely white blooms in springtime, bright red berries during fall, and feathery leaves throughout the year. Popularly called just "nandina," it’s often used in the Southern United States for hedges since it thrives even under dry conditions. However, nandina might spread beyond residential areas through birds and other creatures. Additionally, you should be cautious about growing it owing to the poisonous substances (cyanide) present in its fruits, posing significant risks to humans and pets like cats and dogs.
Avoid Leyland Cypress
Leyland cypress (Cuprocyparis leylandii) is a hybrid evergreen tree with scale-like leaves. These trees are incredibly popular among landscapers for their quick growth rates. Although this plant is not traditionally considered invasive, being a sterile hybrid of two species, it has aggressive tendencies that you might want to avoid. A big issue with this tree is that it can grow much larger than you initially expect, taking up a larger space in your yard than planned. These trees also can easily be affected by root rot, which can quickly spread.
Keep Chinese Silvergrass Away
Chinese silvergrass (Miscanthus sinensis), often referred to as maiden grass, is widely cultivated throughout the U.S. for providing seclusion in outdoor spaces. Landscape professionals appreciate how these plants retain their structure even post-wilting before entering dormancy. The species is favored because of minimal upkeep requirements and its resistance to deer damage. Nevertheless, this type of grass did not originate within the United States; rather, it hails from Asia. Due to non-native characteristics, it has become an invasive species here—its spread occurs through airborne seed dispersal by winds. Additionally, it poses fire hazards since it burns easily. Each individual plant proliferates using underground stems called rhizomes, leading to unexpected appearances around the garden area.
Plant American Holly
Rather than opting for an invasive plant, think about choosing a native holly tree such as the American holly. This variety not only displays attractive red berries but also offers nourishment to local fauna. Despite having a gradual growth pace, this perennial evergreen serves excellently as a natural barrier due to its balanced crown structure. However, because it requires ample room to flourish, it might be unsuitable for compact gardens. When fully grown, the American holly typically attains heights between 35 and 50 feet and spreads out around 15 to 25 feet wide. As a type of broad-leaved flora, the females enhance your landscape with their aesthetic appeal and delightful scent. The American holly thrives best within USDA Hardiness Zones ranging from 5 through 9.
Consider Yellow Indiangrass
Choose a local, wildlife-friendly option such as yellow indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans) instead of the intrusive Chinese silvergrass. Standing at 3 to 8 feet tall, this decorative grass serves well as a natural fence in your garden. Known for withstanding multiple environmental challenges including deer, dry conditions, and polluted air, it offers continuous visual appeal and shelter throughout the seasons. As a bunching species that spreads moderately without becoming invasive, take care since this grass, suitable for USDA hardiness zones 4 through 9, poses fire risks and shouldn’t be placed near buildings.
Check Out Wax Myrtle
A broad-leaved evergreen tree indigenous to the U.S., wax myrtle is frequently chosen for hedges due to its resilience against urban stresses such as salinity and restricted rooting areas. This shrub, which goes by the alternative name southern bayberry, can grow up to 15 to 20 feet high when fully developed. In autumn, birds relish the berries with their sugary coating and pleasant aroma. Additionally, the aromatic blooms make wax myrtle an appealing choice for hedging plants. Within just one growing period, it has the potential to expand upwards of 5 feet.
Give Sweet Olive a shot.
Despite numerous gardeners shaping sweet olives into petite ornamental trees, these evergreen shrubs have the potential to grow up to 20 feet tall and spread as wide as 20 feet. Known for their thick foliage, sweet olives originate from Asia yet do not become invasive; they thrive within USDA hardiness zones 7 through 9. Often referred to as tea olive, this adaptable variety responds well to trimming, making it ideal for hedging purposes. While preferring soil that drains efficiently, it also adapts gracefully to heavier clays or sands. Its subtle appearance combined with an erect form renders it suitable for establishing effective privacy screens.
You May Like Coral Honeysuckle
Rather than using invasive vines, encourage coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) to ascend your fences as a natural privacy screen. This partially evergreen climber can extend from 8 to 15 feet. Its vibrant red blooms not only add beauty but also attract beneficial pollinators. a flowering vine that will attract hummingbirds back to your garden repeatedly When compared to other vine varieties, this particular species is less invasive yet offers excellent coverage nonetheless. Originating from the southeast region of the U.S., it thrives within USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9 and has spread naturally into more easterly regions without causing issues.
Plant Spicebush
If you're looking for a native alternative to forsythia, consider spicebush (Lindera benzoin), a beautiful deciduous shrub native to central and eastern U.S. It grows very tall and wide, with dense growth in full sun or more spread out in shaded areas. It is a popular choice to grow as a border plant thanks to its tendency to grow into a broad, rounded shape. Spicebush is low maintenance and doubles as an important species for pollinators and various species of birds, who eat its bright red berries. This shrub can be grown in hardiness zones 5 through 9.
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