Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
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.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_00.gif)
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
Privacy screen for pool in Round Rock, TX
February 09, 2009 - We have a pool in our backyard and neighbors quite close on both sides. There is only a cedar fence between yards and we are desperate for some privacy! We are looking for a fast grower that will gr...
view the full question and answer
Trees and shrubs in Wisconsin
July 30, 2009 - I live in Hudson, WI, just across the border from Minn/St Paul and would like to create a privacy screen between my front yard and my neighbors yard. Right now it's full sun, but I want to plant a c...
view the full question and answer
Native evergreen for privacy screen
May 15, 2008 - I want to incorporate a tree in my landscaping near my house (10-15 feet) for privacy, what are the best trees that don't shed their leaves and have nice flowers and their roots wont destroy my found...
view the full question and answer
Privacy screen from Temecula CA
May 04, 2013 - I live in Temecula and need a fast growing tree by our pool that is good to block neighbors house.
view the full question and answer
Trees for privacy screen
August 08, 2012 - Hello, We'd like to plant a privacy screen to hide our view of an adjacent apartment complex. Ideally the trees or other plantings might be a native species, and preferably they would eventually rea...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |