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

Saturday - February 28, 2015
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Privacy Screening, Shrubs
Title: Evergreen shrub for Austin TX
Answered by: Guy Thompson
QUESTION:
I am wanting an evergreen shrub 6-8 ft tall to use as a screen in our backyard. Do you have any suggestions?ANSWER:
There are several evergreen shrubs that should fill the bill for you. The problem is that commercially available ones of that height are expensive. And most of my recommendations are rather slow growing. Among the faster growers are Leucophyllum frutescens (Cenizo), which blooms best in full sun, Rhus virens (Evergreen sumac) and Morella cerifera (Wax myrtle). Also consider Ilex vomitoria (Yaupon), Sophora secundiflora (Texas mountain laurel) and Prunus caroliniana (Cherry laurel), a staple in East Texas that should grow well in Austin. And then there is old faithful, Juniperus ashei (Ashe juniper), our fast-growing local cedar that would provide quick privacy if you don't have a probem with "cedar fever". Most of these shrubs should be available at your local nurseries. For tips on planting shrubs, read this article. This is an excellent time for planting. But don't wait much longer.
From the Image Gallery
More Privacy Screening Questions
Barrier Shrubs for North Carolina
July 11, 2015 - Need a spiny barrier shrub that will grow in North Carolina shady rain forest (4,000 feet elevation) to deter trespassers wading down a creek from climbing on a private nature path that we constructed...
view the full question and answer
Need trees to screen view of parking garage in Houston, TX.
December 29, 2011 - We live in Houston, TX with a beautiful lot except a 4 story parking garage has been built behind us. How can we screen this and the lights out of site. It looks terrible from the second story espec...
view the full question and answer
Evergreen Vine for San Antonio Trellis
November 23, 2011 - I have a new trellis at the end of my patio on which I want to grow an evergreen vine. The area is fairly shady. I had settled on Carolina Jasmine, but read that it is very toxic which is worrisome ...
view the full question and answer
Hedge to cover chain link fence
September 04, 2010 - Hi, I would like to hide 250 feet of 6' tall chain link fence on a western facing, sloped, very rocky soiled back yard I had to use a jack hammer to dig the holes. Esthetically I would like to be abl...
view the full question and answer
Need suggestions for plants to form a privacy hedge in Austin, TX.
April 14, 2011 - I live on a corner lot with the backyard facing a busy street. My lot is 4 feet lower than street level. I am looking for a privacy screen to plant along this North facing side. I have a canopy of ...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |