Tropical Best Privacy Plants and Hedges for Florida
Top Privacy Plants for NE Florida
1. Clusia Small Leaf — $21.99
Clusia guttifera is Florida's premium privacy hedge. Its dense, leathery leaves create an impenetrable screen that blocks wind, noise, and prying eyes. Salt-tolerant (perfect for coastal properties), drought-tolerant once established, and virtually pest-free. Plant 3 feet apart for a solid hedge in 12-18 months.
2. Podocarpus Maki — $34.99
Podocarpus is the classic formal evergreen hedge for Florida. Its fine-textured, dark green foliage creates an elegant, structured appearance. Cold-hardy to 15°F and performs well in full sun or part shade. Plant 3 feet apart and prune to desired height.
3. Viburnum Odoratissimum — $27.99
Sweet Viburnum is the fastest-growing privacy hedge in Florida. It can add 2-3 feet per year and produces fragrant white flowers in spring. Plant 4 feet apart for a quick screen. Cold-hardy to 10°F and tolerates most Florida soils.
4. Eugenia Topiary — $44.99
Eugenia is available in sculpted cone, spiral, and 3-ball topiary forms. Use at entryways and focal points paired with Viburnum or Podocarpus as the main hedge body. Dense foliage provides excellent screening.
5. Arboricola — $26.99
Arboricola (Schefflera) creates a lush, tropical-looking hedge with its umbrella-shaped leaf clusters. Available in Gold Capella (variegated) and solid green varieties. Perfect for informal hedges in part shade to full sun.
6. Loropetalum Ruby Red — $34.99
For a colorful privacy screen, Loropetalum provides year-round burgundy-purple foliage with pink fringe flowers in spring. Creates a stunning contrast against green landscapes. Cold-hardy to 0°F.
How to Plant a Privacy Hedge
- Measure your fence line and divide by 3 (for most species) to determine plant count
- Dig a trench 12 inches wider and 2 inches deeper than the root balls
- Space plants evenly and backfill with native soil mixed with compost
- Water daily for the first 2 weeks, then every other day for 2 months
- Fertilize quarterly with a balanced slow-release fertilizer
- Prune to shape after the first growth flush (usually 3-4 months after planting)
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