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_43.gif)
Monday - April 30, 2012
From: San Antonio, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Plant Lists, Privacy Screening, Shrubs
Title: Evergreen for privacy screen in San Antonio
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I am looking to plant native fast-growing evergreens that will provide privacy (growing taller than our fence). We live in San Antonio and the Red Tip Photinia seems to be everywhere! I heard that this is not a good choice due to a fungus that may attack it at some point. What are some good options? Thanks!ANSWER:
First of all, since our focus and expertise are with plants native to North America, we wouldn't recommend planting Photina x fraseri (Red-tip photinea) since it is a hybrid of P. glabra (from Japan) and P. serrulata (from China). Plus, it is very susceptible to leafspot fungus.
Below are some possibilities for evergreen shrubs for your fence. I am afraid that none of them could be considered fast growing
Ilex vomitoria (Yaupon) and here is more information. Growth rate is moderate to moderately fast.
Leucophyllum frutescens (Cenizo) and here is more information. Growth rate is fairly fast with adequate water.
Mahonia trifoliolata (Agarita) and here is more information. Growth rate is slow.
Guajacum angustifolium (Texas lignum-vitae) and here is more information. Growth rate unknown.
Schaefferia cuneifolia (Desert yaupon) and here are more photos and information. Growth rate is moderate.
Rhus virens (Evergreen sumac) and here are more information and photos. Growth rate is moderate to moderately fast.
Sophora secundiflora (Texas mountain laurel) and here is more information. Growth rate is slow.
You might consider using a combination of several of these to make a more interesting looking hedge.
You can search for other possibilities in both Texas-Central Recommended and Texas-South Recommended lists since Bexar County is almost on the border of the two regions. Use the NARROW YOUR SEARCH option to limit the results to size and general appearance. Once you have used the NARROW YOUR SEARCH option you can also search by "deciduous", "semi-evergreen" or "evergreen."
From the Image Gallery
More Privacy Screening Questions
Privacy screen for pool from Southlake TX
April 21, 2012 - I have a row of 7 live oaks that help block my neighbors two story house. Unfortunately, there is a gap between each tree of about 8 feet wide and 15 feet tall (from ground to the first branches/ leav...
view the full question and answer
Need a privacy screen beside a pool in Las Vegas, NV.
June 15, 2012 - Hi,
I need to plant a privacy screen fence next to the pool. There is only 4-5 feet between the wall and the pool. That leaves only about 2 feet for soil. What are my best options for non invasive r...
view the full question and answer
Fast-growing evergreens for privacy in Center, TX
March 30, 2010 - I live in East Texas and am looking for a fast growing evergreen for a privacy screen around my backyard. The area gets partial sun and the soil has a lot of clay in it.
view the full question and answer
Evergreen screen for Michigan
June 15, 2009 - Hi Mr. Smarty Pants,
I need help.
Can you please suggest some (preferably evergreen) shrubs and trees that will thrive in our backyard that will provide us some privacy from our neighbors (about ...
view the full question and answer
Boundary plants to control cats
June 06, 2006 - Is there a plant especially ANNOYING to cats that I could plant along my fence line to keep him away from the street beyond? It would have to be hardy enough for hot temps & full sun. Thanks!
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |