Have you ever wanted to escape the prying eyes of your neighbors while enjoying your own backyard oasis? Whether you’re gardening, hosting barbecues, or soaking in a hot tub, having a private outdoor space can make all the difference. But what if your backyard is lacking in tall fences or walls to shield you from view? Fear not! There are a variety of plants that can offer both privacy and beauty to your outdoor haven.
From tall shrubs to climbing plants, here are 7 options for creating more privacy in your backyard. Keep in mind that it’s important to select hardy plants that can survive the winters in your USDA Hardiness zone, so that they can last all year round. And if you have a compact backyard that doesn’t allow for much space, you can always start growing screening plants in large pots or planters before transferring them.
1. Create a Private Oasis in Your Backyard with Non-Invasive Bamboo Plants
Are you looking for a lush and fast-growing plant to add some much-needed privacy to your backyard? Look no further than bamboo! Not only is it one of the fastest-growing plants in the world, but non-invasive (clumping) bamboo varieties form tight clumps up to 5 inches in diameter, making it the perfect choice for backyard privacy.
Unlike invasive running bamboo, non-invasive varieties are easy to maintain and won’t take over your yard. The best type for backyard privacy is Gracilis, also known as Slender Weaver Bamboo, which won’t grow out of control and can be easily shaped to suit your style.
Bamboo plants are hardy and can thrive in sunny spots, making them ideal for borders, flower beds, and even pots. With a variety of heights available at your local gardening center, you can choose from full-grown plants up to 30 feet tall, or try your hand at growing bamboo starter plants that will flourish within a few years.
Mixing bamboo with tall grasses can also create a stunning feature in your backyard. And the best part? Bamboo won’t break the bank. Alongside some awesome products that can give your backyard a makeover, bamboo can add both beauty and privacy to your outdoor space. So why not give it a try and transform your backyard into a private oasis?
2. Create a Private Wall with Wild Boxwood Shrubs in Your Backyard
When it comes to creating a private sanctuary in your backyard, there are a variety of plants to choose from. But one that stands out for its versatility and beauty is boxwood.
Most commonly used for formal hedges, boxwood is a popular choice among gardeners for its neat and tidy appearance. But did you know that when left to grow wild, some varieties of boxwood can reach up to 20 feet tall? That’s right, this unassuming shrub can make the perfect plant for backyard privacy.
Whether you want to create a natural fence or a lush, vibrant wall, boxwood can be grown in a variety of ways to suit your needs. You can plant it in the ground and let it grow tall and bushy, or you can grow it in containers or planters and shape it into whatever form you desire.
While boxwood is mainly green, there are also varieties that come in white and gold, adding splashes of color to your backyard and making it even more visually appealing. And of course, the added bonus of using boxwood for privacy is that it prevents prying eyes from invading your personal space.
So, whether you have a small backyard or a sprawling estate, consider adding boxwood to your landscape to create a beautiful and private oasis.
3. Hydrangeas – The Colorful Way to Achieve Backyard Privacy
Hydrangeas are a perfect addition to any backyard, not only for their vibrant colors but also for their size. With some larger varieties growing up to 8 feet wide and 8 feet tall, they make an ideal hedge to encourage privacy and add a stunning focal point.
While some hydrangeas can tolerate full sun, it’s best to mix them with other shrubs or tall plants to maintain year-round privacy. However, keep in mind that some hardy types of hydrangeas may lose their leaves in the fall.
To keep your hydrangeas looking their best, it’s important to know when and how to prune and deadhead them. By following these tips and incorporating hydrangeas into your backyard design, you can enjoy both beauty and privacy in your outdoor space.
4. Enhance Your Backyard Privacy with Climbing Roses
Climbing roses are not only beautiful, but they also make the perfect privacy plant for your backyard. With their vibrant colors and sweet fragrance, they can create a picturesque and inviting space. However, to get the most out of your climbing roses, it’s important to train them to grow on horizontal or close-meshed climbing aids. These structures will help guide the roses and prevent them from growing out of control.
While climbing roses can grow up to a meter above or around the climbing aid, regular pruning will help maintain their shape and condition. It’s also important to choose a sturdy structure that can handle the weight of the climbing rose. Alternatively, you can grow climbing roses on pillars or around arches to create a breathtaking garden feature that will impress all who see it.
5. Create a Stunning Vertical Screen with Slim and Tall Cypress Trees
Looking for a natural way to add some extra privacy to your backyard? Consider planting cypress trees! These tall, slender coniferous trees are perfect for creating a lush, vertical screen that can obscure the vision in a particular spot or shield your entire private space.
One of the best things about cypress trees is that they are usually drought-tolerant, making them a low-maintenance option for those who live in drier climates. If you opt for pot-grown trees, however, you will need to water them frequently.
Regardless of how you choose to incorporate cypress trees into your yard, you can expect them to grow around 75cm per year, providing you with extra coverage and stunning greenery that you can enjoy for years to come.
6. Holly for Backyard Privacy: A Perfect Hedge Plant
Holly plants are not just for Christmas – the taller varieties are perfect for backyard privacy hedges. Once grown and pruned, they become great screens to block prying eyes. Plant experts recommend spacing holly bushes 2 feet apart for optimal growth.
Holly plants are fast-growing and evergreen, providing year-round coverage, and the berries are a food source for birds and wildlife. Just make sure to keep pets away from the berries, as they are toxic.
7. Rhododendron: A Colorful Privacy Plant for Your Backyard
Looking for a colorful and fast-growing plant to add privacy to your backyard? Look no further than the Rosebay rhododendron. These vibrant plants can grow up to 8 feet tall and wide, making them perfect for hedges or border plants.
To create a screen, simply space them 2 to 6 feet apart, depending on their estimated mature size. And with year-round blooms and evergreen foliage, they’re a low-maintenance option for any garden. Plus, they’re even deer-resistant, so you can enjoy your private space without worrying about pesky wildlife.