Best Plants for Side of House for Privacy and Beauty

Author

Reads 270

Moody indoor scene featuring a person in shadow with plants and blue lighting.
Credit: pexels.com, Moody indoor scene featuring a person in shadow with plants and blue lighting.

If you're looking to boost the beauty and privacy of your side of the house, consider adding some lush greenery.

For a natural screen, try planting a row of tall shrubs like the Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata) which can grow up to 10 feet tall.

These shrubs are not only a great deterrent for nosy neighbors but also provide year-round interest with their glossy leaves and small white flowers.

Their dense foliage also makes them an excellent choice for blocking out unwanted views.

Some other options for a beautiful and private side yard include the Boxwood Topiary (Buxus sempervirens) which can be shaped into a variety of forms.

Best Plants for Side of House

Choosing plants for the side of your house can be a bit tricky, but it's essential to consider your needs for privacy. If you're looking for a solution that will block the view of your neighbors, you should ask yourself a few questions, like the ones mentioned in "Things to Consider When Choosing Plants for Privacy". This will help you narrow down your options.

Some great options for plants that can provide a natural screen include those that grow quickly and densely, like bamboo or arborvitae. These plants can grow up to 3 feet per year and can be pruned to maintain a desired height.

See what others are reading: Will Medicare Help Pay for a Walk in Shower

Flowering Plants

Credit: youtube.com, Low Maintenance and Easy Shrubs to Grow Around Your Home!

Flowering Plants are a great choice for the side of your house, especially if you want to add some color and vibrancy to the area.

The Azalea, for example, is a low-maintenance flowering plant that can thrive in partial shade and requires minimal watering.

They can grow up to 3 feet tall and produce showy, funnel-shaped flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white.

The Lavender plant, on the other hand, is a drought-tolerant option that can handle full sun and requires minimal watering.

It's a great choice for a hot and sunny spot on the side of your house, and its fragrance is a bonus.

The Honeysuckle plant is another option that can tolerate partial shade and requires minimal watering.

However, keep in mind that it can be invasive in some areas, so be sure to check with your local nursery or gardening expert before planting.

Recommended read: House Plant Watering System

Plant Privacy

Planting the right plants for privacy is crucial for a peaceful outdoor space. There are a few questions you should ask yourself when choosing plants for your garden for the sole purpose of providing privacy.

Credit: youtube.com, Top 10 Beautiful Trees for Privacy Screens! |UPDATED|

You'll want to consider the mature size of the plants, as some can grow quite large and provide more effective screening than others. A good rule of thumb is to choose plants that will grow at least 6 feet tall to block the view of your neighbors.

Think about the climate and soil conditions in your area, as this will help you narrow down your plant options. Some plants are more drought-tolerant than others, and some prefer well-drained soil.

You should also consider the maintenance requirements of the plants, as some may need regular pruning to keep them looking their best. This can be a hassle if you're short on time or not fond of gardening.

Ultimately, choosing the right plants for privacy will depend on your specific needs and preferences. By considering these factors, you can create a beautiful and private outdoor space that you'll enjoy for years to come.

For more insights, see: Grow House for Plants

Acacia

Acacia is a great option for the side of your house, and I've found that Acacia cognata 'Mini Cog' is perfect for close to the house or pathways.

Credit: youtube.com, The Garden Gurus - New Release Plants: The Acacia Dazzler

This variety has deep green, soft cascading foliage that's its main attraction, and it grows to around a metre tall with a metre spread.

It does best in soils that hold moisture, so if you have sandy soils around the house, it's not the best choice.

Acacia cognata 'Green Mist' is a good alternative for those with sandy soils.

Acacia cognata's can be pruned whenever needed to keep them looking their best.

I've tried pruning mine a few times and it's always responded well.

For more insights, see: Green Home Renovation

Key Considerations

Choosing the right plants for the side of your house can be a bit overwhelming, but there are a few key considerations to keep in mind.

First, consider the purpose of the plants - are you looking for a hedge to block out noise or create a sense of seclusion, or do you want to add some greenery to your outdoor space?

Before selecting plants, ask yourself if you're choosing them for privacy, and if so, ask yourself a few questions, such as what type of climate you live in and how much sunlight the area receives.

Credit: youtube.com, 10 Shade-Loving Perennials That Bloom Nonstop 🌸 (Must-Haves for Every Garden!)

You should also think about the mature size of the plants, as some can grow quite large and may require regular pruning to keep them under control.

Consider the amount of maintenance you're willing and able to do, as some plants require more care than others.

The type of soil and drainage in the area is also crucial, as some plants prefer well-draining soil while others can tolerate wet conditions.

Ultimately, the right plants for your side of the house will depend on your specific needs and circumstances.

You might enjoy: House Plants without Soil

Specific Plant Options

If you're looking for specific plants that thrive in the side of house location, consider the English Ivy, which can tolerate a range of light conditions and requires minimal maintenance.

The Boston Ivy is another excellent option, as it can grow up to 8 feet tall and has a moderate growth rate, making it perfect for larger spaces.

For a more compact option, the Creeping Jenny is a great choice, with its bright yellow flowers blooming in the spring and its ability to thrive in partial shade.

Expand your knowledge: Ivy House Plants

Trachelospermum

Credit: youtube.com, Marshalls' Plant of the Month: Trachelospermum Jasminoides

Trachelospermum is a versatile and low-maintenance option for your garden. It's an evergreen climber that can be used as a ground cover, and it's not fussy about light or soil conditions.

Trachelospermum jasminoides tricolour is a personal favourite, used as a small shrub. In temperate climates, it becomes a small bush shrub, whereas in the tropics it grows as a trailing climber.

To incorporate Trachelospermum into your garden, consider pruning it whenever necessary. Trachelospermums aren't picky about light or soil conditions, making them a great choice for a variety of garden settings.

Here are some key facts to keep in mind when working with Trachelospermum:

  • Light: Trachelospermum can thrive in a variety of light conditions.
  • Soil: Trachelospermum is adaptable to different soil types.
  • Maintenance: Trachelospermum requires light pruning whenever necessary.

Shrubs and Trees

If you're looking for shrubs and trees that provide year-long privacy, consider the Horstmann's Silberlocke Korean Fir. It's a slow grower, but within 10 years, it'll grow into a beautiful, 10-foot-tall, 6-foot-wide screen.

This Korean Fir does best in climates with cool summers, all-day sun to part shade, and moist but well-draining soil. For a more compact option, espalier trees are a great choice. They take up little room but can provide foliage, flowers, and fruit.

Credit: youtube.com, 10 Shrubs & Trees You Can Plant Close to The House 🌲🌳 | Foundation Plants 👍👌

Espalier trees like apples, pears, apricots, and peaches can be trained in a variety of ways, including fan, cordon, and espalier styles. They're perfect for narrow borders and can thrive in a range of conditions.

The cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) is another great option for providing year-long privacy. It's an evergreen, dense, wide-spreading shrub that grows 10 to 20 feet tall and is relatively drought-tolerant.

Here are some key characteristics of the shrubs and trees mentioned:

  • Horstmann's Silberlocke Korean Fir: 10-foot-tall, 6-foot-wide screen, zones 5 to 7
  • Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus): 10 to 20 feet tall, zones 6 to 8
  • Apple, Pear, Apricot, and Peach trees: espalier styles, narrow borders

Specific Plant Options

If you're looking for specific plant options for your garden, there are many great choices to consider.

For a low-maintenance option, consider the Nandina domestica, also known as sacred bamboo. It requires almost zero maintenance and provides interest year-round with its constantly changing foliage colors.

If you're looking for a flowering hedge, consider the Sparkler Arrowwood Viburnum, which combines glossy green leaves with delicate white flowers and produces berries that attract birds.

Evergreen options are great for year-round coverage, and the Emerald Colonnade Holly is a good choice, growing up to 12 feet tall and forming a high border around your yard.

Take a look at this: Home Ac Unit Maintenance

Credit: youtube.com, Sustainable Plant Options | Ask the Arboretum Experts

The Japanese quince is a stunning, easy-to-grow shrub that can be trained against a wall or fence, providing spring blossom, foliage, and autumn fruits.

For a living fence or windbreak, consider the Moonglow Juniper, with its dazzling silvery-blue, soft, feathery foliage and tall growth habit of between 15 and 20 feet.

Here are some specific plant options to consider:

The Blue Arrow Juniper is another great option, with its cool blue foliage and ability to survive in temperatures as low as -30 degrees F.

Check this out: Blue House Plants

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best thing to put around the foundation of a house?

For a durable and water-repellent solution, place stones, rocks, or gravel around your house foundation. This versatile material is both aesthetically pleasing and effective at directing water away from your home.

Lou Tarchiani

Senior Writer

Lou Tarchiani is a passionate writer, avid traveler, and animal lover. She has a diverse background, having worked in fields ranging from marketing to education. Her travels have taken her to over 20 countries, where she has immersed herself in local cultures and gained unique perspectives on the world.

Love What You Read? Stay Updated!

Join our community for insights, tips, and more.