Explore Plants

Share

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Search Smarty Plants
    
 

Can't find the answer in our existing FAQs, submit a question to Mr. Smarty Plants.
Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

rate this answer
Not Yet Rated

Saturday - October 03, 2009

From: Bellville, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Privacy Screening
Title: Evergreen shrub for screen in Bellville, Texas
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

Would you please recommend a dense evergreen for a living screen in Bellville, TX (Austin County) that will receive full sun? Fast growing and a minimum height of 8' are preferred.

ANSWER:

Mr. Smarty Plants can offer recommendations for several evergreen shrubs of the size you want, but unfortunately none of them are fast-growing.  There are a couple with a medium (or moderate) growth rate and a couple listed as slow-growers.  

Ilex vomitoria (yaupon) has a moderate growth rate.

Condalia hookeri (Brazilian bluewood) has a moderate growth rate.  Here is more information.

Ebenopsis ebano (Texas ebony) meets your criteria, except that it is not fast-growing.  Here is more information

Sophora secundiflora (Texas mountain-laurel) unfortunately is noted as slow-growing. 

You could also consider Juniperus virginiana (eastern redcedar).  It can grow to 30 or 40 feet, or even more, but can also be shaped into a hedge of your desired height.

 

 

More Privacy Screening Questions

Evergreen shrub for hedge in pasture in California
August 15, 2012 - I am looking at putting in a hedge along a pasture between my neighbor and me. I was considering a podacarpus plant about every 4' for 100'. is this a fast growing, full thickness, tall evergreen bu...
view the full question and answer

Native plants for screen in Colleyville TX
March 12, 2009 - My soil is pure sand that goes down as far as I can dig. I am needing native plants to use as a screen, that grow to be 6-10 ft. tall. Also, since my plantings dry out so quickly, would it be helpfu...
view the full question and answer

Plants for pool privacy from Peachtree GA
March 20, 2012 - We currently reside in Georgia and have a pool surrounded by a fence. However, because our house is located on a hill, my neighbor on the left side can very easily still see my backyard and we can see...
view the full question and answer

Evergreen screen for newly constructed metal building
March 31, 2010 - Neighbor built a 12' tall metal building right by my gate. I want to screen it with fast-growing evergreen natives. I have lots of ashe juniper on my property, but none where I need it now! Can AJ...
view the full question and answer

Shrubs for a screen in DC
May 05, 2011 - Live in Washington DC vicinity (zones: 7-8). Looking for hardy shrubs to screen a 47 foot long picket fence and provide barrier to neighbor. It is western exposure with sun light. Ideally evergreen, d...
view the full question and answer

Smarty Plants's Facebook profile Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.

Mr. Smarty Plants wants you to be his Facebook friend. Click the Facebook icon to add yourself to Mr. Smarty Plants list of friends.

Bibliography

Field Guide to Common South Texas Shrubs (1997) Taylor, R.B., J. Rutledge, & J.G. Herrera

Search More Titles in Bibliography