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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.

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Tuesday - June 16, 2015

From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Privacy Screening, Vines
Title: Native vine for a privacy fence in Austin, TX.
Answered by: Joe Marcus

QUESTION:

I have a vacant lot in Greenshores that has two 6' iron fences. Neighbor planted some sort of vine that grows up and along fence for privacy, white flowers when in bloom, I assume its Jasmine? On new opposing bare fence I would like to plant a privacy shrub/vine that is native or at least non-invasive. Drought tolerant. No irrigation on site so needs to depend on rain and drainage run-off as its in a drain easement. What can your suggest for fence row planting that is somewhat fast growing?

ANSWER:

Either Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) or Crossvine (Bignonia capreolata) will work well for the use you describe.

 

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