Looking for a bit of privacy in the yard? You’re probably not alone! Privacy plantings are popular for a reason: everyone, no matter if they enjoy the spotlight or not, enjoys a little privacy from time to time. If you are looking for that privacy but unsure where to start with the plant search, we’ve got you covered. We’ve compiled a list of First Editions® varieties for those looking to plant with privacy in mind and ideas on how to use them in the landscape. These plants will keep your neighbors’ eyes on your plants and not what’s happening behind the scenes!
Arborvitae is undoubtedly one of the most common plants used for privacy plantings. If you don’t already have one in your yard, you’ve most likely seen this plant in a neighbor’s yard or public garden space. You see them around for a reason! Their soft textured needles form a dense covering that makes a perfect screen for privacy. And they are evergreen, so they provide that screening no matter the season. If you’re looking to plant arborvitae in your landscape, you cannot go wrong with Technito Arborvitae®. Growing to a height of 8-10 feet and a width of 4-5 feet, this arborvitae forms into a lovely pyramid shape without tons of shaping. Rated for Zones 3-7, Technito® thrives when planted in full sun. Try planting Technito® around the perimeter of a yard for not just some added privacy but added interest.
The sheer size of these plants alone makes them an immediate go-to for privacy planting for many in warm climates. The Magic series of crapemyrtle in First Editions® is made up of eight fantastic varieties that are disease resistant, low-maintenance, and prolific bloomers! Try planting these as a hedge around a feature in your yard, like a patio or deck. Or plant just one, like Plum Magic Crapemyrtle that grows to a height of 12-14 feet and width of 8-10 feet, to provide a large covering with just one plant. Either use will provide great screening and a beautiful backdrop for your outdoor entertaining spaces. Make sure to check out the First Editions® crapemyrtle collection at our plant page for more on each variety.
If you’re looking for an evergreen privacy planting that’s not arborvitae, Japanese Holly is a must! Chubby Hubby™ Japanese Holly grows to 5-7 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide, forming an oval shape that looks gorgeous in the landscape as a hedge along a property line. On the other hand, growing to a height of 6-8 feet and width of 2-3 feet, Straight & Narrow® Japanese Holly grows how it sounds. Try planting multiple Straight & Narrow® together to form columnar hedging that is sure to wow. Rated for Zones 6-8 and thriving in full sun or part shade, these evergreens are a great warm climate privacy planting option that can be used across multiple areas in the landscape.
Ninebarks are another excellent choice for privacy hedges. If you’re looking for a striking smaller border, Little Devil™ Ninebark is for you. Growing to a height and width of 3-4 feet, Little Devil™ forms a perfect hedge for planting around a feature like a fire pit or pool without taking up too much space. If it’s multi-season interest that you’re looking for, go for Amber Jubilee™ Ninebark. New growth starts off orange, yellow, and gold in the spring and is accented by petite white flowers. In summer, the leaves are a beautiful green. And finally, in fall, the leaves age to a beautiful red purple. If it’s striking dark tones you’re hoping to add to your garden, Fireside® Ninebark is the one. The leaves on this ninebark are a deep red-purple that make a bold impact in any space. Make sure to check out our plant page to find which variety of ninebark is right for your landscape.
Who doesn’t love a good panicle hydrangea? We, for one, can’t resist, especially knowing that these plants are fantastic for providing privacy in the landscape! Take Berry White® Panicle Hydrangea for example. Growing to a height of 6-7 feet and width of 4-5 feet, when planted together along a fence line or around the perimeter of a pool, Berry White® Panicle Hydrangeas form a gorgeous hedge that not only provides privacy but multi-season interest. Check out all the panicle hydrangeas in First Editions® at our plant page for your choice of beautiful screening made up of blooms of white, pink, or raspberry red!
These five plant types are all great options to give your yard more privacy, but they are not the only plants out there that create privacy. There are tons of other great options in First Editions®! Browse through even more plants that create privacy by heading to our plant page. There you can filter for plant type, color, height, width, and hardiness zone to choose the best fit for your space. Happy planting!
