Plant of the Month: Screening Shrubs

This month we’re showcasing the unsung heroes of the landscape: screening shrubs. An excellent alternative to traditional fencing, these shrubs are perfect for hiding unsightly views, reducing noise pollution and creating privacy between you and your neighbors.

Evergreens are the preferred choice for Screening Shrubs as they maintain their leaves year-round. Deciduous shrubs can be used to create interest.

Some of our Favorite Screening Shrubs

Wax Myrtle – Also known as the Southern Bayberry, these natives are fast growing, love sun or part shade, can grow in moist areas and can be limbed up into small trees. Average mature height is 8-12 feet tall.

Chindo Viburnum – Averaging 10-12 feet tall at maturity, this shrub features large, shiny leaves similar to a magnolia. Moderately drought tolerant once established and deer resistant. Prefers full sun.

Wax & Wavy Leaf Ligustrum – This dense shrub features glossy dark green leaves and clusters of tiny, fragrant white flowers in spring. It can reach 10-15 feet tall maturity. Loves full sun and is deer resistant.

Leyland Cypress – A fan favorite, the Leyland Cypress is one of the tallest evergreens used for screening, reaching an astonishing 60 feet tall at maturity. They prefer full sun and are deer resistant.

Emerald Green Arborvitae – For narrow spaces, these pyramidal evergreens reach 10-15 feet tall and 4 feet wide. They love full sun and their soft, fern-like growth is an excellent alternative to broad-leafed hollies and ligustrums.

Green Giant Arborvitae – An alternative to the Leyland Cypress, Green Giant averages 30 feet tall and 15 feet wide at maturity. While they do best in full sun, they tolerate part shade.

Liberty Holly - This upright, pyramidal holly bears dark red berries in fall/early winter. Averages 12 feet tall and 6 feet wide. It’s a moderate grower that does best in full sun.

Nellie Stevens Holly – These tried and true hollies were made for screening! It can grow up to 25 feet tall and 15 feet wide at maturity. They do best in full sun and produce a large amount of red berries in the winter.

Steeds Holly – A moderately sized, pyramidal holly with dense growth that averages 6-8 feet tall. Prefers full sun.

Camellias – Gorgeous evergreens with lush, glossy, dark green leaves that are perfect for screening. They primarily bloom in spring (Japonica Camellias) or fall (Sasanqua Camellias). They prefer locations with morning sun and afternoon shade or dappled light throughout the day. Depending on variety, Camellias can reach 6-12 feet tall at maturity.

Indica Azaleas – An excellent option for dappled shade, Indica Azaleas are a dense shrub that can reach 6-8 feet tall at maturity and blooms profusely once a year in early to mid-spring.

Encore Azaleas – Larger varieties of Encore Azaleas like Sangria and Amethyst can reach 4-5 feet tall. Encores are reblooming Azaleas that can bloom up to 3 times a year and prefer full sun.

Confederate Jasmine – While not a shrub, this evergreen vine (also known as Star Jasmine) is just as good at screening as the shrubs listed above! While you will need a support like a trellis for it to climb, it can reach 18-20 feet tall. Confederate Jasmine blooms profusely beginning in mid-spring and its white, star shaped flowers are intensely fragrant. Prefers full sun.