Native Plants

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Saturday - October 03, 2009

From: Bellville, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Privacy Screening
Title: Evergreen shrub for screen in Bellville, Texas
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

Would you please recommend a dense evergreen for a living screen in Bellville, TX (Austin County) that will receive full sun? Fast growing and a minimum height of 8' are preferred.

ANSWER:

Mr. Smarty Plants can offer recommendations for several evergreen shrubs of the size you want, but unfortunately none of them are fast-growing. There are a couple with a medium (or moderate) growth rate and a couple listed as slow-growers.

Ilex vomitoria (yaupon) has a moderate growth rate.

Condalia hookeri (Brazilian bluewood) has a moderate growth rate. Here is more information.

Ebenopsis ebano (Texas ebony) meets your criteria, except that it is not fast-growing. Here is more information.

Sophora secundiflora (Texas mountain-laurel) unfortunately is noted as slow-growing.

You could also consider Juniperus virginiana (eastern redcedar). It can grow to 30 or 40 feet, or even more, but can also be shaped into a hedge of your desired height.