What is a dense, fast growing vine or hedge for privacy?

Question

I live in Bakersfield, CA. I dont know what zone that is. I have a relatively nice small-medium size back yard... its rectangular with wooden fence panels on three sides. (my house being the 4th side). What is a good creeper/climber/vine that would cover the fence quickly, be easy to cultivate and require very little maintenance? Or rather.... for something who doesnt have green thumbs and very little landscaping knowledge.

Also would a hedge be more suitable? I want something that with spread and cover incredibly quickly.

Well also... when you say quickly... define "quick" in a time frame? Like one season or 2 yrs?

Answer 1

My gardener said Ficus....tree-like quick growing.

Answer 2

I would avoid leylandii as they soon become too tall, too thick and easily get out of hand. What about a hebe hedge? Hebes grow quickly, are evergreen, flower all summer (pink, white or purple) can withstand strong winds and grow quite dense - giving privacy. They are easy to trim to keep them to the required height as they have no nasty thorns, the butterflies like the flowers and they are not too expensive to buy. I planted a row of 12ins high hebes about 2 feet apart, 4 years ago. I now have an attractive, dense hedge which I keep trimmed to 6 feet high, covered in pink flowers and it shields us from the wind blowing across the fields beyond the garden.

Answer 3

How about a bower vine? They have awesome smelling pink blooms that hummingbirds love. Some other vines are morning glory or sweet peas if you just want some temporary color/privacy. Sweet peas also smell great but if you are going to try them, you need to plant them soon. I'd stay away from Virginia creeper as it is an invasive weed in my yard.

A hedge that I like is yew trees. They are fast growing.

Answer 4

Why not try ornamental grape vine (vitis amurensis) and there's nothing 'feral' about Virginia Creeper especially in the heat where you are. Other good climbers would be Jasminum officinale (Jessamine) & Trachelospermum jasminoides (Star Jasmine).

I don't think hedges would be quick enough for you. The lillypilly would be good if you can get it (I'm in Australia too) but it will frost serverely if not protected by building etc.

Answer 5

It sounds like your area is a 7to a 10 not really sure but here in Montana 60 miles from Yellowstone park we are a 4- there is vine called Virginia Creeper its very hardy it climbs up every thing like a weed in the fall the leaves turn crimson red and they remain that color through the winter- they get little Berry's on them which the birds eat in the winter, and if you put clematis in with them we have a purple its just beautiful! You could try other colors but this is a great vine!

Answer 6

I would never say stay away from sweet peas. That is insane. However, yes, they are annuals so you would have to replant each year; also, they tend to fade with the summer heat. They are also not for anyone who does not like to garden, as they are labour intensive.

I take it you are looking for something a little more permanent. In that case you need to look for a perennial hedge like boxwood.

Bamboo is EXTREMELY invasive and can even bring up cement after a few years!

Answer 7

Laurel Bushes, they grow like weeds. Unlike vines, and climbers they don't attach themselves. Be careful with vines, etc. they will overgrow your fence and cause the wood to rot. They are also very destructive for a homes exterior, walls. You will need to trim the vines or the weight will eventually cause the fence to collapse. I am looking outside at my VINE covered fence.
Laying on the ground!!!!!
PS sweet peas are lovely, but they are annuals and require replanting each year. Stay away from them. Azaleas, and rhododendrums are good they stay green in winter and flower in summer. and grow quickly and full

Answer 8

Use bamboo. Specific variety come for fencing and privacy. Plant these in a staggered fashion and it will cover the gaps in no time. It will later on make these gaps impassable. It is excellent for security and privacy. It is low on maintenance and grows quickly. No problem of season!

Answer 9

I dont know if you have this particular plant in the USA but here in Australia we have a hedge which we call Neighbour be gone....the botanical name is Acmena smithii (Lilly Pilly)

Answer 10

hello :)
i use sweet peas for privacy, when they grow they twine up string or poles so stretch string between the places you want to be hidden and plant the seeds or plants below the string and let them grow and keep winding them around each other and it will fill in nicely. (: