Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Tuesday - November 24, 2009
From: Oceanside, CA
Region: California
Topic: Privacy Screening
Title: Privacy screen for pool in California
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Hi, We have new neighbors overlooking our pool and peering into our house. We want to put up a privacy screen along our back fence that runs the length of the pool, but the border running along the pool is only 2 feet wide. Is there something we can plant that will grow tall but won't be invasive to our pool? The planting area is about 2-3 feet from our pool. We were thinking of a trumpet vine. Is that invasive and do you have any other suggestions? Are there any tree-like privacy screens that aren't invasive? (I do not like junipers) Thank you very much!ANSWER:
Mr. Smarty Plants wouldn't recommend Campsis radicans (trumpet creeper) since it isn't native to Southern California. There are records of it from Northern California, but not in your area. There are other vines native native to your area, but few are evergreen—I am assuming you want something evergreen. There are, however, evergreen trees/shrubs that aren't junipers. Shrubs/trees have the disadvantage of being wider than your 2 foot area, but most can be pruned to fit the space available. Here are some recommendations:
EVERGREEN TREES/SHRUBS:
Arctostaphylos densiflora (vine hill manzanita) is evergreen. Here are more photos.
Cercocarpus montanus (alderleaf mountain mahogany) is semi-evergreen.
Lyonothamnus floribundus ssp. aspleniifolius (Catalina ironwood) evergreen and here are photos.
Prunus ilicifolia (hollyleaf cherry) is evergreen and here are photos. This one makes a good narrow pruned screen.
Heteromeles arbutifolia (toyon) is evergreen.
Garrya elliptica (wavyleaf silktassel) is evergreen and here are photos and more information.
Malosma laurina (laurel sumac) is evergreen and here are photos.
Morella californica (California wax myrtle) is evergreen and here are photos.
Dendromecon harfordii (Harford's tree poppy) is evergreen and here are more photos and information.
Malacothamnus fasciculatus (Mendocino bushmallow) is evergreen and here are photos and more information.
Simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) is semi-evergreen.
VINES:
Calystegia macrostegia (California morning glory) should remain evergreen with adequate summer water.
Clematis lasiantha (pipestem clematis) is deciduous.
Clematis ligusticifolia (western white clematis) is deciduous.
Keckiella cordifolia (heartleaf keckiella) should be evergreen in San Diego County. Here are photos.
Lonicera hispidula (pink honeysuckle) is deciduous. Here are more photos and information.
Vitis californica (California wild grape) is deciduous. Here are photos and information about Roger's Red cultivar.
Here are a few photos from our Image Gallery:
More Privacy Screening Questions
Year-round privacy screen of evergreen plants.
November 02, 2010 - We need a year-round privacy screen of evergreen plants.
view the full question and answer
Fence Vines for Austin, TX
August 31, 2013 - Hi, What are the best high density vine plants for coverage on chain link fence in Austin, TX?
Thank you
view the full question and answer
Need drought resistant screen at Lake Whitney, Texas
April 14, 2009 - Need drought tolerant shrub for use as screen at Lake Whitney. Will have to survive with little watering.
view the full question and answer
Need Fast-Growing Screening Shrub for Arlington, TX
March 16, 2011 - What fast growing shrub/tree could be planted along side a fence to provide additional privacy? We have a pool in our backyard and the view behind our house is less than enjoyable. We would like to ...
view the full question and answer
Dog Friendly Privacy Hedge for Long Island
April 14, 2013 - Can you please advise me of some plants for a privacy hedge that are non-toxic to dogs and that would thrive on Long Island, NY? I am looking for a hedge to grow to about 6-8 ft.
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |