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Best Evergreen Shrubs For Privacy (2024 Updated)

If you're looking for a natural and aesthetically pleasing way to create privacy in your yard, consider planting evergreen shrubs. These plants have year-round foliage and can grow to be tall and dense, effectively blocking out unwanted views and noise. However, before making a purchase, there are a few factors to consider in order to ensure the success of your shrubs.

One important factor to consider is the amount of sunlight and soil conditions in your yard. Different types of evergreen shrubs thrive in different environments, so it's important to choose a variety that will do well in your specific location. Additionally, consider the mature size of the shrub and its potential growth rate. Will it eventually outgrow the space you have available? It's also important to think about maintenance and pruning requirements.

When shopping for evergreen shrubs, ask yourself what type of privacy you're looking for. Do you want something that will completely block out neighbors and street noise? Or are you looking for a partial screen to create a visually appealing boundary? Considering your specific privacy needs will help you choose the right type of shrub for your yard.

Are you tired of feeling exposed in your own backyard? Do you want a natural and low-maintenance solution for creating privacy? Evergreen shrubs may be just what you're looking for. By considering factors such as sunlight and soil conditions, growth rate, and desired level of privacy, you can find the perfect evergreen shrubs to enhance your outdoor space.

10 Best Evergreen Shrubs For Privacy

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
Ideal for creating a dense, evergreen privacy hedge.
2
The product is ideal for creating evergreen privacy hedges with 40 live plants of Podocarpus Macrophyllus Japanese Yew.
3
Ideal for creating a privacy hedge with evergreen foliage.
4
Ideal for creating a natural privacy screen or hedge with evergreen foliage.
5
This evergreen privacy hedge shrub is low maintenance and ideal for creating a natural barrier between properties or landscaping features.
6
The product is ideal for creating an evergreen privacy hedge with 15 live Ligustrum Waxleaf Privet plants.
7
The product is ideal for creating a privacy hedge with evergreen foliage and yellow tips.
8
The product is ideal for creating an evergreen privacy hedge with its unique curled leaf privet plants.
9
Ideal for creating a privacy screen with evergreen trees, particularly in areas where space is limited.
10
This product is ideal for creating a dense and evergreen privacy hedge with easy maintenance.
The product is ideal for creating evergreen privacy hedges with 40 live plants of Podocarpus Macrophyllus Japanese Yew.
Ideal for creating a privacy hedge with evergreen foliage.
Ideal for creating a natural privacy screen or hedge with evergreen foliage.
This evergreen privacy hedge shrub is low maintenance and ideal for creating a natural barrier between properties or landscaping features.
The product is ideal for creating an evergreen privacy hedge with 15 live Ligustrum Waxleaf Privet plants.
The product is ideal for creating a privacy hedge with evergreen foliage and yellow tips.
The product is ideal for creating an evergreen privacy hedge with its unique curled leaf privet plants.
Ideal for creating a privacy screen with evergreen trees, particularly in areas where space is limited.
This product is ideal for creating a dense and evergreen privacy hedge with easy maintenance.

1. Ligustrum Waxleaf Privet – 20 Live Plants – Evergreen Privacy Hedge

The upright deciduous shrub is ideal for those who want to add a pop of color to their garden. It features creamy-white fragrant flowers followed by round blue-black fruit. Its dense and bushy characteristics make it perfect for privacy screens, wind screens, hedges, and small trees. Its dark green and bright green glossy foliage has larger leaves compared to the Sinense. This fast-growing shrub will reach 8-10 feet high, making it an excellent choice for people looking for fast results. The low-maintenance evergreen needs a regular watering schedule to ensure the growth of a mature root system. Once the root system is established, occasional watering is required, except during a drought, where regular watering is needed. Pruning is advised to keep the shrub in the desired shape, and shearing is recommended 2-3 times per year. Mulching is recommended to discourage weeds, retain moisture, and maintain low temperatures. It has a compact habit with glossy foliage that can be pruned into topiary or small standard trees. This shrub is an evergreen and displays a profusion of white blooms. It is useful as a hedge, screen, or windbreak, and performs well in containers and as a topiary specimen. Due to their versatility and undemanding nature, it is widely used in home landscapes. You can plant them as hedges, foundation plants, patio trees, or in shrub borders. Grown, packaged and shipped exclusively by Florida Foliage.

Pros

  • Fast-growing shrub that reaches 8-10 feet high
  • Ideal for privacy screens, wind screens, hedges, and small trees
  • Compact habit with glossy foliage that can be pruned into topiary or small standard trees
  • Displays a profusion of white blooms
  • Useful as a hedge, screen, or windbreak and performs well in containers and as a topiary specimen
  • Low-maintenance evergreen
  • Grown, packaged and shipped exclusively by Florida Foliage

Cons

  • – Requires regular watering to establish a mature root system
  • – Needs occasional watering after the mature root system is established
  • – Pruning is necessary to keep the shrub in desired shape

2. Podocarpus Macrophyllus Japanese Yew | 40 Live Plants | Evergreen Privacy Hedge Shrub

Introducing the Podocarpus Macrophyllus, also known as the Buddhist Pine, Yew Podocarpus, or Japanese Yew. This evergreen, pyramidal garden or patio tree is a beautiful addition to any warm weather landscape. The plant has dense, upright branching and lush evergreen foliage that takes to shearing well. It is a versatile plant, used as an accent, screen, clipped hedge, or as a topiary. The compact, lustrous foliage has a growth habit of 15-20 feet tall and is needle-like and flat with dark green leaves. It is also great for tubs or as a topiary.

This low-maintenance evergreen requires a regular water schedule to ensure the growth of a mature root system. After the root system is established, occasional watering is needed, except during a drought, when watering is needed regularly. Pruning is not required, but it is recommended to shear annually to maintain the desired shape. Mulching is also recommended to prevent moisture loss, deter weeds, and moderate winter temperatures.

The Podocarpus Macrophyllus is hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 7 through 10. It is an undemanding, slow-growing tree or shrub that serves as a specimen, sheared hedge, or espalier. It is a handsome and versatile addition to any warm weather landscape. Grown, packaged, and shipped exclusively by Florida Foliage, this plant is sure to impress.

Pros

  • Dense, upright branching and lush evergreen foliage
  • Versatile plant that is great for accent, screen, clipped hedge, or as a topiary
  • Low-maintenance evergreen
  • Undemanding, slow-growing tree or shrub
  • Handsome and versatile addition to any warm weather landscape

Cons

  • – Only hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 7 through 10

3. Nellie R. Stevens Holly – 30 Live Plants – Evergreen Privacy Hedge

The Orange Red Holly is a highly desirable holly species due to its attractive appearance and vigorous growth. Its dense branches make it an excellent screen for privacy, and it produces large, bright orange-red berries without a male pollenizer. For increased berry set, it is recommended to plant a male Chinese holly (Ilex cornuta) nearby. This evergreen species can grow up to 2 to 3 ft. per year without pruning, and once it reaches the desired height, you can clip off the leader to slow down its growth and make it thicken out.

These holly trees are perfect accents for your home's corners, planting beds, or entryway. Their dark green foliage provides a great contrast to surrounding trees and shrubs. During the winter months, the red berries against the deep green foliage create a beautiful scene, and you can clip off some branches to decorate your home for the holidays. Additionally, this tree is a birdwatcher's delight, as its berries attract all kinds of wildlife.

Florida Foliage exclusively grows, packages, and ships this Orange Red Holly species. Order now to add this beautiful and useful tree to your landscape.

Pros

  • Attractive appearance with dense branches for privacy screens
  • Produces large, bright orange-red berries without a male pollenizer
  • Can grow up to 2 to 3 ft. per year without pruning

Cons

  • – Requires a male Chinese holly nearby for increased berry set

4. Nellie R. Stevens Holly | 40 Live Trees | Evergreen Privacy Screening Hedge Plants | Ilex

The Nellie R. Stevens Ilex Holly plants are an excellent addition to any garden or landscape. They are considered one of the most attractive holly varieties with dense branches and a vigorous growth habit. These holly trees are perfect for creating a tall screen for privacy or as a beautiful accent at the corners of your home, planting beds, or entryway. Their dark green foliage provides a great contrast to other trees and shrubs in your garden.

These holly trees grow up to 2 to 3 ft. per year without any pruning. Once they reach the desired height, trimming off the leader will slow them down and make them thicken out. During the winter months, their bright orange-red berries will stand out against the deep green foliage, making them a perfect choice for holiday decoration. The berries also attract all kinds of wildlife, making them a bird watcher's delight.

To ensure proper pollination and a bountiful harvest of berries, it is recommended to plant male Chinese hollies as pollenizers. Grown, packaged, and shipped exclusively by Florida Foliage, the Nellie R. Stevens Ilex Holly plants are of premium quality and are sure to thrive in your garden or landscape.

Pros

  • Attractive and vigorous growth habit
  • Produces large bright orange-red berries
  • Perfect for creating a tall screen for privacy or as a beautiful accent at the corners of your home, planting beds, or entryway
  • Dark green foliage provides a great contrast to other trees and shrubs in your garden
  • The berries attract all kinds of wildlife, making it a bird watcher's delight
  • Grown, packaged, and shipped exclusively by Florida Foliage

5. Yew Privacy Trio: Low Maintenance Evergreen Hedge

Podocarpus macrophyllus, also known as Buddhist Pine, Yew Podocarpus, or Japanese Yew, is a slow-growing, evergreen shrub or small tree that is grown, packaged, and shipped by Florida Foliage. With its attractive pyramidal shape, narrow, leathery foliage, and dense, upright branching, this plant is ideal for use as an accent, screen, clipped hedge, or formal topiary. It is also suitable for large containers or tubs, as well as for growing indoors as a houseplant.

This low-maintenance evergreen prefers regular watering until its mature root system is established. Once established, it only needs occasional watering, except during drought conditions where regular watering is necessary. Pruning is not required, but shearing once a year will help maintain its desired shape. Mulching helps to retain moisture, prevent weed growth, and moderate winter temperatures.

Hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 7 through 10, Podocarpus macrophyllus is a versatile plant that can be grown as a large shrub or screen, specimen, lawn tree, or clipped hedge. In areas where it is not winter hardy, it can be grown in containers that must be overwintered in greenhouses or bright corners of the home. Its tolerance of low light conditions also makes it suitable for growing as a houseplant, and it can often be seen in shopping malls or other low light situations.

Pros

  • Attractive pyramidal shape with dense, upright branching and narrow, leathery foliage that takes to shearing well.
  • Slow-growing and low-maintenance evergreen that is suitable for a variety of uses, including as an accent, screen, clipped hedge, or formal topiary.
  • Versatile plant that can be grown indoors as a houseplant or outdoors as a large shrub or screen, specimen, lawn tree, or clipped hedge.
  • Tolerant of low light conditions and able to grow in containers that can be overwintered in greenhouses or the home.

Cons

  • – Only hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 7 through 10, limiting its ability to grow in colder climates.
  • – Requires regular watering until its mature root system is established.
  • – May need occasional watering during drought conditions.
  • – Shearing once a year is required to maintain its desired shape.

6. Ligustrum Waxleaf Privet – 15 Live Plants – Evergreen Privacy Hedge

The Florida Foliage exclusively grows, packages, and ships this deciduous shrub that is sometimes semi-evergreen. It is known for blooming creamy-white flowers that are fragrant and followed by round blue-black fruit. This shrub's foliage is dark green and bright green with larger leaves compared to Sinense. It grows fast and reaches a height of 8-10 feet. Its dense and bushy nature makes it perfect for a privacy screen, windbreak, hedging, and small tree. It adds great color to any garden and is low-maintenance. It requires a regular water schedule until it establishes a mature root system. Once established, occasional watering is needed except during droughts when watering is necessary. Pruning is recommended 2-3 times per year to maintain the desired shape. Mulching is also recommended to prevent weeds, retain moisture, and keep temperatures low. This shrub has a compact habit with glossy foliage that responds well to pruning into topiary or small standard trees. It displays a profusion of white blooms and is useful as a hedge, screen, or windbreak. It performs well in containers and as a topiary specimen. It is evergreen and versatile, making it perfect for home landscapes. Use it as a hedge, foundation plant, patio tree, or in shrub borders. This shrub is primarily grown for its dense foliage that can provide good privacy during the summertime when people are most active in their backyards.

Pros

  • Fast-growing and reaches a height of 8-10 feet
  • Dense and bushy characteristics make it ideal for a privacy screen, windbreak, hedging, and small tree
  • Low-maintenance and responds well to pruning
  • Displays a profusion of white blooms
  • Versatile and undemanding nature makes it suitable for various uses in home landscapes
  • Evergreen and can provide good privacy during summertime
  • Performs well in containers and as a topiary specimen
  • Mulching is recommended to prevent weeds, retain moisture, and keep temperatures low
  • Compact habit with glossy foliage adds great color to any garden
  • Fruitful and blooms creamy-white, fragrant flowers

Cons

  • – Regular watering is needed until a mature root system is established
  • – Pruning is required 2-3 times per year to maintain the desired shape

7. Ligustrum Japonicum 'howardi' – 10 Live Plants – Evergreen Privacy Hedge Yellow Tip Shrub

The Howardi Golden Ligustrum is an excellent choice for a large hedge or colorful accent plant. This evergreen shrub has very dark, deep, glossy green leaves that contrast beautifully with its bright yellow new growth. It has a moderate growth rate and high disease resistance, making it a low-maintenance option for any landscape. This plant prefers full sun but can also thrive in part shade. It requires a regular water schedule until its mature root system is established, after which watering is only necessary during droughts. Pruning is recommended 2-3 times per year to maintain its desired shape. Mulching is also recommended to keep weeds at bay, retain moisture, and keep temperatures low. With an upright, broad, and bushy form, the Howardi Golden Ligustrum is a great mid-size hedge and looks equally nice as an accent planting in foundation plantings or landscape beds and islands. Its bright foliage contrasts nicely with other shrubs that have purple, red, or dark green foliage.

Pros

  • Moderate growth rate
  • High disease resistance
  • Low maintenance
  • Bright foliage contrasts nicely with other shrubs
  • Can be pruned to maintain desired shape
  • Mulching recommended to retain moisture and keep temperatures low

Cons

  • – Requires regular watering until mature root system is established

8. Ligustrum Japonicum Recurvifolium | Curled Leaf Privet | 20 Live Plants | Evergreen Privacy Hedge

The Wavy Leaf Ligustrum is a large, upright, broad-leaved evergreen shrub that is highly adaptable and easy to grow. Its lustrous dark green, wavy foliage creates a handsome small accent tree, foundation hedge, or privacy screen. This shrub is a fine addition to fragrance gardens and Xeriscape gardens with low water needs. If you're looking to create a quick privacy screen or natural or clipped hedge, the Wavy Leaf Ligustrum is an excellent choice.

This shrub can grow naturally up to 10 feet in height, but it also responds very well to shearing for hedges that can be maintained at 5 feet or more in height. It is exceptionally easy to grow in a wide range of soils provided they are well-drained. The Wavy Leaf Ligustrum prefers a moist but well-drained soil in full sun to light shade. It is highly resistant to deer, disease, heat, humidity, and insects, and is exceptionally drought tolerant when established. While no pruning is necessary, it can be pruned as a formal hedge or small tree.

The Recurve Ligustrum, Ligustrum japonicum 'Recurvifolium', is a tough and adaptable fast-growing evergreen flowering shrub, which makes an excellent hedge or attractive small tree.

Pros

  • Highly adaptable and easy to grow
  • Creates a handsome small accent tree, foundation hedge, or privacy screen
  • Excellent choice for creating a quick privacy screen or natural or clipped hedge
  • Fine addition to fragrance gardens and Xeriscape gardens with low water needs
  • Highly resistant to deer, disease, heat, humidity, and insects
  • Exceptionally drought tolerant when established

Cons

  • – None mentioned

9. Thuja Plicata 'green Giant' Arborvitae – 12 Live Quart Size Plants – Live Evergreen Privacy Tree

The Thuja Green Giant, grown, packaged, and shipped exclusively by Florida Foliage, is a rapidly-growing, broad pyramidal evergreen tree that can reach a height of 30-50 feet. It features medium to dark green foliage that is perfect for use as a decorative accent, windbreak, or privacy screen. This plant is easy to grow, adaptable, and requires a regular watering schedule to ensure the growth of a mature root system. During the first year of growth, it needs to be watered at least once per day, but once the root system is established, watering is only necessary occasionally except during a drought.

This plant prefers deep, well-drained soil but is adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions, including saturated soils. It is cold hardy in zones 5-9 and can thrive in full sun to partial shade. It is pest and disease-free and is also deer-resistant, making it ideal for country homes. When planted every 5-6 feet, the Thuja Green Giant quickly creates a dense barrier that can be clipped into the densest and greenest hedge you have ever seen or left to grow naturally into a broad, upright barrier.

With its versatility, low-maintenance, and fast growth, the Thuja Green Giant is the perfect choice for a privacy hedge or wind screen. Order now for the best large hedging plants you can grow.

Pros

  • Rapidly-growing broad pyramidal evergreen tree
  • Easy to grow and adaptable
  • Cold hardy in zones 5-9
  • Pest and disease-free
  • Deer-resistant
  • Versatile and low-maintenance
  • Creates a dense barrier quickly

Cons

  • – Needs regular watering during the first year of growth

10. Ligustrum Waxleaf Privet – 30 Live Plants – Evergreen Privacy Hedge Shrub

This deciduous shrub is an upright grower that occasionally retains some of its leaves during winter. Its creamy-white, fragrant flowers bloom in abundance followed by round blue-black fruit. The foliage is glossy, dark green and bright green with larger leaves compared to the Sinense. This fast-growing shrub can reach a height of 8-10 feet and has a dense and bushy habit, making it perfect for use as a privacy screen, windbreak, hedging, and small tree. It adds great color to any garden and has a low-maintenance requirement. To ensure the growth of a mature root system, regular watering is needed. After the root system is established, occasional watering is required, except during a drought when watering should be done regularly. Pruning is recommended and shearing it 2-3 times a year will help maintain the desired shape. Mulching is recommended to prevent weed growth, retain moisture and keep temperatures low. It has a compact habit with glossy foliage that responds well to pruning and can be shaped into topiary or small standard trees. It is evergreen and displays a profusion of white blooms. It is a useful hedge, screen or windbreak and performs well in containers and as a topiary specimen. Due to its versatility and undemanding nature, it is extensively used in home landscapes and can be planted as hedges, foundation plants, patio trees or in shrub borders. This shrub is grown, packaged and shipped exclusively by Florida Foliage.

Pros

  • Fragrant creamy-white flowers followed by round blue-black fruit
  • Dense and bushy habit makes it perfect for use as a privacy screen, windbreak, hedging, and small tree
  • Low maintenance requirement
  • Responds well to pruning and can be shaped into topiary or small standard trees
  • Displays a profusion of white blooms
  • Useful hedge, screen or windbreak and performs well in containers and as a topiary specimen
  • Grown, packaged and shipped exclusively by Florida Foliage
  • Versatile and undemanding nature makes it extensively used in home landscapes

Cons

  • – Regular watering is needed to ensure the growth of a mature root system

Best Evergreen Shrubs For Privacy FAQs

Are there any evergreen shrubs that are particularly resistant to pests and diseases that could damage privacy hedges or screens?

Yes, there are several evergreen shrubs that are particularly resistant to pests and diseases that could damage privacy hedges or screens. One of the most popular options is the boxwood shrub, which is known for its hardiness and ability to withstand a variety of environmental conditions. Another great choice is the holly shrub, which is also known for its resistance to pests and diseases. Other options include the yew, juniper, and arborvitae shrubs, all of which are excellent choices for creating a beautiful and durable privacy hedge or screen. When selecting an evergreen shrub for your landscape, it's important to consider factors such as the amount of sunlight and water the plant will receive, as well as its overall size and growth rate. By choosing a shrub that is resistant to pests and diseases and well-suited to your particular landscape, you can create a beautiful and long-lasting privacy hedge or screen.

How do you care for evergreen shrubs used for privacy purposes?

Evergreen shrubs are a popular choice for creating privacy hedges due to their year-round foliage. To care for these plants, there are a few things you need to consider. First, make sure you choose the right shrub for your climate and soil conditions. Some common evergreen shrubs used for privacy include boxwood, holly, and arborvitae.

Once you have planted your shrubs, it's important to water them regularly, especially during the first year as they establish their root systems. Make sure the soil around the shrubs stays moist but not waterlogged.

Fertilizing your evergreen shrubs is also important for maintaining their health and growth. Use a balanced fertilizer in early spring and again in late summer.

Pruning your shrubs is another key component of their care. You can shape your shrubs to your desired height and width, but be careful not to prune too much or too often, as this can damage the plant.

Finally, keep an eye out for pests and diseases that can affect your evergreen shrubs. Regular inspections and treatments as necessary can help keep your shrubs healthy and thriving for years to come.

How tall do evergreen privacy shrubs typically grow?

Evergreen privacy shrubs can vary in height depending on the species and the growing conditions. Some common evergreen shrubs used for privacy include arborvitae, boxwood, holly, and juniper. Arborvitaes can grow up to 20-30 feet tall, while boxwoods typically reach heights of 3-6 feet. Holly shrubs can grow between 6-25 feet tall, and junipers can range from 3-40 feet tall. It's important to consider the mature height of the shrub when selecting the right one for your privacy needs. Additionally, regular pruning can help maintain the desired height and shape of the shrub. Proper care and maintenance can also contribute to healthy growth and optimal privacy coverage. Overall, evergreen privacy shrubs provide an attractive and practical solution for creating privacy in your yard or landscape.

What are the best evergreen shrubs for creating a natural privacy fence?

There are several evergreen shrubs that can be used to create a natural privacy fence. One of the most popular options is the boxwood shrub. It is dense and can be shaped easily, making it perfect for creating a formal hedge. Another great option is the holly shrub, which has attractive glossy leaves and produces bright red berries in the winter. The yew shrub is also a good choice, as it is low maintenance and can be pruned to create a dense, bushy fence. Other options include the arborvitae, which grows quickly and can be trimmed into a tall, narrow hedge, and the laurel shrub, which has large, glossy leaves and can be shaped into a more relaxed, informal hedge. When selecting evergreen shrubs for a privacy fence, it's important to consider factors such as the amount of sunlight the area receives, the climate, and the desired height and width of the fence.

What are the best evergreen shrubs for creating privacy in a yard or garden?

When it comes to creating privacy in a yard or garden, evergreen shrubs are an excellent option. They provide year-round coverage and can be easily shaped and trimmed to fit any desired size or shape. Some of the best evergreen shrubs for creating privacy in a yard or garden include:

1. Boxwood – These shrubs are a classic choice for creating hedges and provide dense coverage that is easy to maintain.

2. Arborvitae – These tall evergreens are a popular choice for creating privacy screens, as they can grow up to 20 feet tall and are relatively low-maintenance.

3. Holly – With their glossy leaves and vibrant berries, holly shrubs are a beautiful option for creating privacy in a garden.

4. Yew – These shrubs are slow-growing but can eventually reach heights of up to 10 feet, making them a great option for creating tall privacy screens.

5. Juniper – These shrubs are known for their distinctive blue-green foliage and can be easily shaped into a variety of sizes and shapes to create privacy in any garden.

Ultimately, the best evergreen shrubs for creating privacy in a yard or garden will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the homeowner. It's important to consider factors such as sunlight, soil conditions, and desired height and width when choosing the perfect evergreen shrubs for your space.

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