Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Your gift keeps resources like this database thriving!

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.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
2 ratings

Tuesday - February 08, 2011

From: Arlington, VA
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Privacy Screening
Title: Looking for shrubs to replace Photinia as a privacy screen in Arlington, VA.
Answered by: Jimmy Mills

QUESTION:

Suggestions to replace diseased red tipped photinia. Looking for hardy privacy screen type of evergreen, not too deep with height of approx. 10-12' Thank you

ANSWER:

Red Tip Photinia (Photinia xfraseri), although widely overused as a lanscape plant throughout the southern U.S., is a non-native hybrid of Asian parents that is susceptible to various fungal diseases. This Clemson University Extension website thouroughly discusses Photinia, its culture, its problems, and recommended substitutes, although several of their suggestions are non-natives. Of particular interest for your situation is the section, Mixed Screens.

The following is a list of possibilities. Clicking on the name of each plant will bring up its Native Plant Database page that contains information about the plant's characteristics and growth requirements to include soil, light, and water. Be careful to select plants whose requirements match your location.

 Ilex decidua (Possumhaw)

Rhus aromatica (Fragrant sumac)

Rhus glabra (Smooth sumac)

Morella cerifera (Wax myrtle)

Viburnum acerifolium (Mapleleaf viburnum)

Juniperus virginiana (Eastern red cedar)    you may want to consider dwarf cultivars depending on you situation.


Ilex decidua


Rhus aromatica


Rhus glabra


Morella cerifera


Viburnum acerifolium


Juniperus virginiana

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

More Privacy Screening Questions

California Vine for Privacy Screening
November 06, 2014 - I have a two story house going up behind my back yard. I would like to plant a climbing vine with non-invasive roots to provide privacy. I live in Los Angeles and the trellis would receive almost full...
view the full question and answer

Native trees for privacy screen in New Jersey
April 01, 2008 - Looking for a tree (preferably an evergreen) for a privacy hedge in Whitehouse Station, NJ. Would like a very fast growing tree that is deer resistant. Also the privacy hedge will be planted along a...
view the full question and answer

Water-Wise Privacy Hedge for California
February 22, 2016 - I would like recommendations for a privacy hedge that would grow at least 12 feet tall with non-invasive roots and hopefully water-wise in Los Angeles.
view the full question and answer

Evergreen screening plant for California
May 08, 2012 - I am looking for an evergreen plant that can be used as a screen. Maybe something wispy. Any suggestions?
view the full question and answer

Thorny shrub for deterring break-ins in southeast Texas
February 05, 2013 - Looking for a very, very, thorny three or four foot tall shrub for in front of windows to deter break-ins. Considering Rosa Rugosa rose but it is not native.
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.