Are you tired of feeling like you’re living in a fishbowl? Ready to say goodbye to awkward wave-sessions with the folks next door? Whatever the reason youre looking for the best tall potted plants for privacy, I’ve got something for you.
Fortunately, there are many tall potted plants that are well-suited for creating privacy in outdoor spaces. From bamboo and hydrangeas to ornamental grasses and ferns, there are many plants that can thrive in containers and grow tall enough to provide the privacy you need.
Whether you’re looking for a lush, tropical feel or a more minimalist look, there’s a tall potted plant that can help you achieve your desired aesthetic.
Let’s dive into some of the best options for creating your own private paradise
What plants make the best privacy screen?
We will definitely get into it, but before you go on a plant shopping spree, here’s how to pick the right tall container plant.
First, consider the size of your space and the amount of sunlight it receives. Some plants require more sun than others, so it’s essential to choose the right plant species that can thrive in your specific environment.
Second, think about the level of privacy you need. If you want complete privacy, you may need to choose a taller plant that can grow up to 6 or 7 feet tall. If you only need partial privacy, you may be able to choose a shorter plant that can grow up to 3 or 4 feet tall.
Depending on the climate, some plants may lose their leaves during winter, reducing their effectiveness in providing year-round privacy. If this is the case, evergreen plants can be used to ensure privacy all year round. Their leaves remain green throughout the cold season and won’t need replacing until springtime. Additionally, evergreens are fairly low maintenance and don’t require much watering.
Third, consider the type of container you will use. The container should be large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system and provide adequate drainage. You may also want to consider using a container with wheels, so you can move the plant around as needed.
Tall potted plants are often exposed to wind, especially on balconies or decks located on higher floors. Finding plants that can withstand windy conditions is important when selecting plants for these locations. Using large planters or containers that are less likely to be moved by the wind can provide some protection.
Choosing the Best Container Plants For Privacy
You want plants that grow tall fast, are hardy enough to survive in your hardiness zone, and provide the privacy you need. Here are some options to consider:
Trees
Trees are a great option for privacy, but they can be challenging to grow in containers. If you have a large container, you can try planting a deciduous tree like a red maple or a Japanese maple. These trees provide excellent fall foliage. If you want an evergreen tree, consider a Leyland cypress tree or a skip laurel.
Shrubs
Shrubs are another excellent option for privacy in containers. Ornamental grasses like bamboo and pampas grass can grow up to 20 feet tall and provide a natural barrier. For a more traditional look, consider planting a lilac bush or a cypress bush. These bushes can provide privacy and add beauty to your outdoor space.
Ornamental Grasses
Ornamental grasses are a popular choice for privacy in containers. They are easy to grow and can add texture and interest to your outdoor space. Some of the best ornamental grasses for privacy include bamboo, pampas grass, and fountain grass. These grasses can grow up to 20 feet tall and provide a natural barrier.
Annuals
Annuals are a great option for adding privacy to your outdoor space. They are easy to grow and can provide a pop of color to your container garden. Some of the best annuals for privacy include petunias, marigolds, and impatiens. These plants can grow up to 2 feet tall and provide a natural barrier.
Perennials
Perennials are another excellent option for privacy in containers. They are easy to grow and can provide year-round interest to your outdoor space. Some of the best perennials for privacy include hostas, ferns, and daylilies. These plants can grow up to 4 feet tall and provide a natural barrier.
Top Tall Potted Plants for Privacy
Arborvitae
Arborvitae is an excellent choice for a tall potted plant that can provide privacy. Also known as the “tree of life,” Arborvitae is an evergreen that can grow up to 20 feet tall in the right conditions.
It’s easy to care for and can tolerate both sun and shade. Additionally, Arborvitae has a unique property of producing a natural insect repellent, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a low-maintenance plant that also helps keep pests away.
With its dense foliage and year-round greenery, Arborvitae can provide an attractive and practical solution to your privacy needs.
Bamboo
Bamboo is a popular choice for a tall potted plant that can provide privacy. It’s a fast-growing plant that can grow up to 30 feet tall in the right conditions, making it perfect for creating a lush, green screen.
Bamboo is also known for its strength and durability, with some species being stronger than steel. In addition, bamboo is a highly sustainable material, as it’s one of the fastest-growing plants in the world and can be harvested without killing the plant.
With its beautiful foliage and unique properties, bamboo can be an excellent choice for those looking to create a private outdoor space. However, it’s important to choose a clumping variety of bamboo, as running varieties can quickly become invasive and difficult to control.
Italian Cypress
Italian Cypress is a slender evergreen that can grow up to 20 feet tall in a pot, depending on the size of the container and its growing conditions. It’s perfect for creating a vertical screen, but note that the height of the tree in a pot may be limited by the cultural conditions you provide and your pruning skills.
To help maximize the growth potential of Italian Cypress, choose a large pot with good drainage holes and provide full sun exposure along with regular watering and fertilization. Additionally, pruning can help to shape and control the height of the tree as it grows.
Areca Palm
Theca Palm, also known as the Golden Cane Palm or Butterfly Palm, is an attractive and easy-to-care-for palm tree that can be grown in a pot. The palm’s leaves are long and narrow, with a feather-like appearance that gives it a soft and elegant look.
When planted in a pot, the palm can grow up to 8-10 feet tall, creating a lush and dense barrier that can block unwanted views or create a cozy outdoor space. The palm’s feathery fronds provide some visual screening, while its ability to purify the air can create a comfortable and healthy environment.
Additionally, the Areca Palm is a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in a variety of growing conditions, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a hassle-free privacy solution.
Boxwood
Boxwoods are evergreen shrubs with small, dense leaves that can be pruned and shaped to create a variety of forms, including hedges and topiaries. When grown in a pot, boxwoods can provide some privacy, creating a green screen that can block unwanted views or create a cozy outdoor space.
Boxwood been used for centuries in formal gardens and topiaries, and was even popularized during the Renaissance period in Europe. To grow Boxwood in a pot, it’s important to choose a container with good drainage holes and provide well-draining soil. Boxwoods prefer partial shade to full sun and regular watering, but they can tolerate some drought once established.
Pruning is necessary to maintain the desired shape and size of the plant and promote healthy growth. maintenance.
Emerald Green
Emerald Green Arborvitae is a popular evergreen shrub that can be grown in a pot to create a privacy screen. It has a dense, pyramidal form and retains its green color year-round, making it an attractive choice for those looking to add some greenery and privacy to their outdoor space.
Emerald Green Arborvitae prefers full sun exposure and well-draining soil, but it can tolerate some shade and a variety of soil conditions. When grown in a pot, it’s important to provide regular watering and fertilization to help the plant thrive.
In its natural habitat, it can grow up to 30-40 feet tall. However, when grown in a pot, its growth rate may be slower and its size may be limited by the container size. With proper care and maintenance, Emerald Green Arborvitae can be a beautiful and effective privacy solution for your outdoor space.
Juniper
Juniper is another great option for creating privacy in a pot. Dwarf junipers, such as the Blue Point Juniper or Hetzi Columnar Juniper, can be grown in a container and trained to grow into a dense, upright form that can block unwanted views or create a natural screen.
Junipers are evergreen shrubs that retain their foliage year-round, making them an attractive choice for those looking to add some greenery and privacy to their outdoor space. They are known for their hardy nature and can tolerate a variety of growing conditions, including drought and poor soil.
Junipers prefer full sun exposure, but they can tolerate some shade. Regular watering and pruning are also important to maintain the desired shape and size of the plant and promote healthy growth.
Canna Lily
Canna Lilies are large, tropical plants that produce lush foliage and bright, showy flowers. When grown in a pot, they can grow up to 6 feet or more in height and create a dense screen that can block unwanted views or create a natural enclosure.
Canna Lilies have been cultivated for their ornamental value for centuries and are believed to have been used as a food source by indigenous peoples in the Americas. Canna Lilies prefer full sun exposure and regular watering, but they can tolerate some drought once established.
Fertilization is important to promote healthy growth and flowering. Regular pruning is also necessary to maintain the desired shape and size of the plant and prevent overcrowding.
Holly
Holly is a classic choice for those looking to add privacy in a pot, as it’s an evergreen shrub that produces dense foliage and can be trained into a variety of forms. It’s also a popular choice for holiday decorations, thanks to its bright red berries and glossy green leaves.
When grown in a pot, Holly can reach up to 8-10 feet tall, creating an effective screen that can block unwanted views. Holly prefers partial shade to full sun exposure and regular watering. Fertilization is also important to promote healthy growth and regular pruning will encourage denser foliage.
Elephant Ear
Elephant Ear is a fascinating tropical plant known for its large, dramatic foliage that can add a unique touch to any outdoor space. When growing elephant ear in a pot, they can reach up to 6 feet tall and create an impressive screen that can provide some much-needed privacy.
It’s also known as taro or cocoyam and is commonly used as a food source in many tropical countries.
The plant prefers full to partial sun exposure and requires regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea is a low-maintenance plant that can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions, including hot and dry climates, making it perfect for those who don’t have much time to care for their plants. This plant is known for its vibrant and showy flowers that bloom in various colors, including pink, purple, red, and orange. When grown in a pot, Bougainvillea can grow up to 6 feet or more in height.
Bougainvillea is a vigorous grower that can quickly become too large for its pot. Therefore, it’s essential to choose a container that’s large enough to accommodate the plant’s growth and provide enough support for its weight.
Yew
Yew is a versatile plant that can be trained into various shapes and sizes, including hedges, topiaries, and bonsai trees. When grown in a pot, Yew can be easily pruned to maintain the desired shape and size.
This evergreen shrub is known for its dense foliage and can provide an effective screen. One interesting fact about Yew is that it’s one of the longest-lived trees in the world, with some specimens living for over 2,000 years! When grown in a pot, Yew can reach up to 6-10 feet tall.
Yew prefers partial shade to full sun exposure and requires regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Yew is a highly toxic plant, and all parts of the plant except for the flesh of the berries are poisonous if ingested. It’s important to keep this in mind if you have children or pets in your household.
Agave
Agave comes in many different varieties, with various colors, sizes, and shapes. Some species have sharp spines on their leaves, so it’s best to choose a variety that suits your needs. When grown in a pot, Agave can grow up to 3-4 feet tall and create a dense screen that can block unwanted views.
Agave prefers full sun exposure and requires infrequent watering, as it’s highly drought-tolerant and can store water in its thick leaves.
To grow Agave in a pot for privacy, choose a container with good drainage holes and use well-draining soil.
Big Bluestem
Big Bluestem is an excellent choice for creating a natural screen or windbreak, as it can grow up to 8 feet tall and has a dense growth habit that can block unwanted views or noise.
Big Bluestem is a warm-season grass that is native to the tallgrass prairies of North America. It’s well-adapted to a wide range of growing conditions, from dry and arid climates to wet and humid environments.
Big Bluestem is an attractive ornamental plant that can add some unique texture and interest to your outdoor space. It has blue-green stems and leaves that turn a reddish-brown color in the fall, and it produces feathery seed heads in late summer.
Butterfly Bush
Butterfly Bush comes in a variety of colors, including purple, pink, white, and yellow. Some popular cultivars include ‘Black Knight,’ ‘Pink Delight,’ and ‘Nanho Blue.’
It’s a fast-growing shrub that produces long, arching branches and fragrant flower clusters that attract butterflies and other pollinators.
Butterfly Bush is best grown in warmer climates and may not survive harsh winters. If you live in a colder climate, you can still grow Butterfly Bush as a potted plant and bring it indoors during the winter months.
Sunflowers
Sunflowers can be good potted plants for privacy, especially if you choose tall varieties like the Mammoth Russian or Titan. Sunflowers have a fast growth rate and can grow up to 10 feet tall in as little as four months under optimal conditions.
As the sunflowers grow taller, they may require staking or support to prevent them from falling over due to the weight of their large blooms. You can use stakes or trellises to provide support, or consider placing the pots against a wall or fence for support.
Euonymus
Euonymus shrubs have a dense growth habit and can be used to create a natural screen or hedge. They also make great specimen plants in the garden thanks to their colorful foliage and interesting growth habits.
There are over 150 species of Euonymus, and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from low-growing groundcovers to taller shrubs that can reach up to 15 feet tall.
Many Euonymus varieties have green leaves that turn shades of red, orange, or purple in the fall, and some produce colorful berries that last through the winter.
With proper care and attention, they can thrive and provide privacy while adding color and texture to your landscape.
Pampas Grass
Pampas grass is an ornamental grass that can be grown in pots and used to create a natural screen or hedge for privacy. Potted Pampas Grass can add height and texture to your outdoor space, and it’s an excellent option if you are looking for a low-maintenance plant that provides a lot of impact.
To grow potted Pampas Grass for privacy, choose a large container that is at least 24 inches in diameter and 18-24 inches deep. Pampas Grass has a deep root system, so it’s important to choose a container that is large enough to accommodate its roots.
You can also divide Pampas Grass every few years to keep it from becoming too crowded in its pot.
Care and Maintenance
No matter which tall potted plant you choose, you have to make sure to provide it with the right growing conditions to ensure it thrives and provides the privacy you need. A shriveled, dry or dead plant isn’t going to do anything for your privacy needs!
Watering
Watering your tall potted plants is critical to their survival. The frequency of watering depends on the plant species, pot size, and environmental conditions. Overwatering can cause root rot and other diseases, while underwatering can lead to wilting and stunted growth.
As a general rule, you should water your plants when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Use a watering can or hose with a gentle spray to avoid damaging the plant’s leaves or stem. Make sure the water drains out of the pot’s bottom to prevent waterlogging.
Growing Conditions
The growing conditions for your tall potted plants are crucial to their health and growth. Most tall plants require full sun to thrive, so place them in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Additionally, some plants, such as pampas grass, are low-maintenance and can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. However, other plants may require specific soil types, fertilizers, and pruning techniques to optimize their growth.
To ensure your plants receive the necessary nutrients, use a slow-release fertilizer or organic compost. Pruning is also essential to maintain the plant’s shape and size and prevent overcrowding.
Creating Privacy with Containers and Structures
If you’re looking to create some privacy in your outdoor space, using containers and structures can be a great solution. Here are some ways you can use containers, fences, and trellises to create a private oasis.
Using Containers
One of the easiest ways to create privacy is by using containers. You can use large pots or planters to grow tall plants that will block the view of your space. Some great options for tall potted plants include bamboo, hydrangeas, and lavender.
You can also mix and match different plants to create a lush and varied container garden.
You’ll want to choose a pot that’s large enough to accommodate the size of the plant you’re growing, and that complements the style of your outdoor space.
You can also use containers to create a barrier around your patio or deck, by placing them strategically along the edges.
Using Fences
Fences are another great way to create privacy in your outdoor space. You can choose from a variety of materials, including wood, vinyl, and metal, and select a style that complements the look of your home and landscaping.
You can also add lattice panels to your fence to create a more decorative look, and to allow plants to climb and grow.
When installing a fence for privacy, it’s important to check with your local zoning laws to make sure you’re following the rules. You’ll also want to make sure you choose a fence that’s sturdy and durable, and that will stand up to the elements.
Using Trellises
Trellises are another option for creating privacy in your outdoor space. You can use them to support climbing plants like ivy, wisteria, or climbing roses, which will grow up and over the trellis to create a natural barrier. Trellises are also a great way to add some visual interest and texture to your outdoor space.
You need consider the size and style of your space, as well as the type of plants you’ll be growing. You can choose from a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and vinyl, and select a style that complements the look of your home and landscaping.
Arranging Plants for Optimal Privacy
First and foremost, you want to choose plants that will grow tall enough to provide the privacy you desire. Consider the mature height of the plant and make sure it will be tall enough to block the view from any nearby windows or balconies.
If you are looking for a plant that will provide privacy quickly, you may want to consider flowering plants. These plants tend to grow quickly and can add a pop of color to your outdoor space. However, keep in mind that many flowering plants are annuals and will need to be replanted each year.
If you are looking for a more permanent solution, evergreens are a great choice. These plants will provide year-round privacy and are low maintenance. They also come in a variety of sizes and shapes, so you can choose the perfect plant for your space.
If your outdoor space doesn’t get a lot of sun, don’t worry. There are plenty of shade-loving plants that can provide privacy. Hostas, ferns, and hydrangeas are just a few examples of plants that thrive in shady areas.
When arranging your plants, consider the placement of each plant. You want to make sure that each plant has enough space to grow and won’t be crowded by other plants. If you are using multiple plants to create a privacy screen, make sure to space them evenly to create a cohesive look.
In addition to the placement of your plants, you may also want to consider adding some decorative elements to your outdoor space. A trellis or lattice can add height and visual interest to your privacy screen. You can also add decorative pots or planters to add some color and texture to your space.
