Best Privacy Hedging for your Yard

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Ten of my favorite hedges for blocking unwanted views, creating privacy, and adding shade (in no particular order):

1. Pittosporum Tenuifolium “Silver Sheen” — It is a rapid grower which is nice as you do not need to fork out a ton of money on mature trees. It is a showy tree with beautiful light green glossy leaves, and they are great next to a pool as it does not shed a ton.

[Grows to 12–20 feet tall/Partial to Full sun/Regular water/Zones 8–11]

2. Dodonaea viscosa Purpurea “Purple Hopseed Bush” — This is a favorite for water-conscious landscaping. It loves full sun exposure and requires little watering once established. I love using this one to add a pop of color with its deep purple leaves. I would not recommend it next to a pool as it does have a leaf drop.

[Grows 10–16 feet tall/Full to Partial Sun — Drought Tolerant once established/Zones 8–11]

Huntington Beach, CA project

3. Ficus Nitida “Indian Laurel” — Stays green all year round and loves the sun! It can get quite dense, so it is a favorite for blocking wind and traffic noise. They are drought tolerant and easy to grow. I recommend installing root barrier when planting these hedges next to hardscape as they do have invasive roots. Grows quickly so you can start small, and it will fill in relatively quickly. Here it is on a beautiful design + build I did —

[Grows 10 to 30 feet tall/Full Sun/Regular Water/Zones 8–10]

4a. Podocarpus Icee Blue “Icee Blue Yellow-Wood” — These are great for adding color and require little water once established. They are a great low maintenance option as they have very few droppings which makes them great next to a pool. They also make incredible Christmas trees and can be planted after the holidays!! Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

Here we used them as focal points to add curb appeal on our Huntington Beach project, but they can also be planted together to create a hedge.

4b. Podocarpus Gracilior “African Fern Pine”— Fast Growing and do not lose their leaves. They also do not attract wildlife as their flower and fruit are insignificant. These are a classic go to for hedging. They are great for narrow planters as they do not require a ton of space which means more yard for you to enjoy!

[Grows 15–20 feet/Full to Partial Sun/ Regular Water/Zones 8,9, 13–24]

5. Prunus Caroliniana Compacta “Cherry Laurel” — This relatively low-maintenance shrub is easy to care for and is perfect for blocking out noise and unwanted views. This dense and compact shrub produces small white flowers, and black fruit (not edible for humans), with glossy dark green leaves and should be pruned after flowering. They attract bees and other pollinating insects. Drought Tolerant once established. Deer Resistant. Grows Fast. Unfortunately, toxic to Dogs/Cats.

[Grows 15–40 ft tall/ Full sun to partial shade/Zone 7–10]

6. Eugenia Myrtifolia — Eugenias have a dense, slender growth habit, making them ideal for cutting into formal hedges. They also produce edible fruits (Note: the fruit can stain walls if planted too close.) They do not have invasive roots which makes them a good option next to hardscape.

[Grows 8–20ft/Full Sun to Partial Shade/Zone 10–11]

7. Ligustrum Japonicum Texanum “Wax Leaf Privet” — They are drought tolerant and do not have deep roots. They bloom a beautiful white flower in Spring and Summer.

[Grows 10–12 feet/Full Sun/Drought Tolerant/Zones 7–10]

8. Buxus Microphylla “Boxwood” — also known as the European box, is effective in preventing rodents from feeding on plants. Hallelujah! They are slow growing and are my go-to if I’m wanting to shape the hedge or define a walkway.

[Grows 4 to 8ft/Sun to Partial Shade/Regular Water/Zone 6–9]

9. Laurus Nobilis “Bay Laurel” — I love using lollipop bay laurels when I want an open look at the trunk but privacy up top (above a wall). They are also great in pots and have aromatic leaves. They are not native to California but do well here and the leaves can be used for culinary purposes too. Toxic to dogs/cats.

[Grows 12 to 40ft — keep in a pot if you’d like to prevent from growing too tall/Sun to Partial Shade/Regular Water/Zone 8–11]

10. Alphonse Karr Bamboo or Golden Goddess — these are clumping species which mean they do not run wild like other species and are great for adding to a Zen sanctuary or tropical yard. They are drought tolerant and wonderful as a privacy screens.

[Grows 6–10 ft tall/Full to Partial Sun/Regular Water/Zone 8–11]

Other Privacy Hedges (just in case you did not get enough) include Coyote Brush, Ceanothus arboreus Owlswood Blue Island Mtn. Lilac, Island Mountain Mahogany, Manzanitas, Italian Cypress, Junipers, Indian Hawthorn, Texas Sage, Oleander, California Wax Myrtle, California Buckhorn, Yew, and Forsythia

Tip: By adding a layer of mulch around the base of your privacy hedge each year, you will help the soil retain moisture and limit the growth of weeds that will compete with your hedge for water.

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