SELECTING PLANTS FOR

SCREENS AND HEDGES

EM089E
 SELECTING PLANTS
FOR SCREENS AND
HEDGES
Table of Contents
Part 1: Planning a Living Screen or Hedge.. 3
Benefits of Living Screens and Hedges........ 3
Planning, Design, and Development........... 4
Space Requirements............................ 4
Formal or Informal.............................. 4
Deciduous or Evergreen....................... 5 By
Plant Texture...................................... 5 Charles A. Brun, Regional Horticulture Specialist, College of Agricultural,
Human, and Natural Resource Sciences; and Paula Dinius, Urban
Wildfire Defensible Space.................... 5 Horticulturist, WSU Chelan County.
Winter Hardiness Zones....................... 5
Published: June 2015
Avoid Invasive Plants........................... 6
Native Plants...................................... 6
Part 2: Plant Choices................................. 6
Dwarf Conifers as Hedges.......................... 6 Abstract
Medium Height Conifers for Use as Screens This publication discusses the many benefits of installing screens and hedges
and Hedges.............................................. 7 in the home landscape. It also provides information on how to plan layouts,
Tall Conifers for Use as Screens including spacing issues, types of design, and the best plant choices for
and Hedges.............................................. 9 creating healthy and effective screens and hedges.
Shorter Broadleaf Evergreens
for Hedges...............................................10
Medium Height Broadleaf Evergreens
for Screens and Hedges............................11
Tall Broadleaf Evergreens for Screens
and Hedges.............................................12
Shorter Deciduous Shrubs for Hedges.......13
Medium Height Deciduous Shrubs for
Screens and Hedges.................................14
Tall Deciduous Trees and Shrubs for
Screens and Hedges.................................15
References...............................................16
Further Reading and Resources.................17
Pollinator Resources...........................17
 WSU EXTENSION • SELECTING PLANTS FOR SCREENS AND HEDGES

Part 1: Planning a Living

Screen or Hedge
“Screens and hedges are [closely spaced]
linear strips of vegetation that perform
a variety of valuable functions in urban
environments” (McPherson 1988).

Benefits of Live Screens Figure 1. Emerald

Green arborvitae
and Hedges (Thuja occidentalis
‘Smaragd’) grows to
In designing a landscape, consider 15 ft in height and 3
the need for privacy or blocking the ft in width, making it
view of an undesirable vista (Figure 1). a very popular hedge
As an alternative to a wall built with plant for screening.
wood, plastic lumber, or brick, one Photo by Charles
can utilize a range of different plants Brun, WSU
to build a living screen or hedge
desired. For example, if the objective
that will provide years of service. Benefits of Living
is to buffer cold winter winds, an
Using trees and shrubs for screens
evergreen windbreak would be at Screens & Hedges
and hedges can provide additional a 90-degree angle to the prevailing
benefits, such as reducing noise, • Provide privacy
winter wind.
blocking wind or dust, conserving • Screen unsightly elements
energy, and improving water and air Windbreaks work by building up large
quality. They can also define a space, quantities of air on the windward • Buffer against wind
create habitat for beneficial wildlife, side of a windbreak, causing the air to • Noise and odor abatement
and beautify the landscape (Vaughan rise up and over or around the ends.
2013). • Dust reduction
The greatest protection is provided
within 2–10 times the height of the • Improve water and air quality
To design a screen for noise control tallest tree or shrub and over an
from moderate speed traffic (<40 • Energy conservation
uninterrupted distance of 10 times
mph) in neighborhoods, plant a the height (Wright and Stuhr 2002). • Wildlife habitat
row of trees or shrubs with the near The density of the row at maturity • Increase species diversity
edge of the buffer within 20 to 50 should be at least 60 percent. Density
ft of the center of the nearest traffic can be estimated by the proportion of • Beautify the landscape
lane (Bassuk 2009). The height will solid area to open area (Straight and
be determined by line-of-sight safety NRCS Conservation Practice Standards, 2010
Brandle 2007).
issues for vehicle and pedestrian
traffic, overhead utility lines, Living screens and hedges can 2009). For example, if the tallest plant
and local ordinances. Strive for a conserve energy and improve in the row is 10 ft, the planting row
minimum density of 60 percent at water and air quality. With proper should be placed 20 to 40 ft from
plant maturity. Density is the solid planting of trees and shrubs, home the structure, at a right angle to the
area presented by foliage and woody energy costs can be significantly prevailing winter wind.
parts of the plant. The width of the reduced, with actual savings between
row should be 20 ft, minimum, to 15 and 25 percent (Dwyer et al. 1992; Water and air quality are
effectively reduce noise levels, and Kuhns 2012; Strine 2004). Provide improved through natural plant
twice as long as the distance from summer shade by placing deciduous filtering systems that screens and
the noise source (NRCS 2011). When trees on the south, southwest, and hedges provide. Plant leaves exchange
choosing plant material, consider west side of the house for maximum atmospheric gases and trap particulate
tolerance to dust particle deposition, cooling effects. When leaves fall in matter, thereby appreciably reducing
salt spray, and vehicle emissions winter, the trees will let the winter the amount of air pollutants. Tree
(Bassuk 2009). sun in. In winter, an evergreen buffer and shrub canopies intercept rainfall
planted perpendicular to the wind will by catching and slowing rain before
Tree and shrub plantings for wind provide protection from cold winter it hits the ground. This reduces soil
or dust buffers should be oriented winds. Locate the planting row at a erosion and runoff volume flowing
as close to perpendicular to the distance 2 to 4 times the height of the into waterways (Nowak 2006).
prevailing wind as possible for the tallest tree upwind from the building
time of year protection is most for effective draft protection (Bassuk Living screens and hedges can provide

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 WSU EXTENSION • SELECTING PLANTS FOR SCREENS AND HEDGES

habitat for pollinators and other or informal publication, which focuses on plant
beneficial wildlife. All wildlife design; the choices. The mature height and width
needs food, water, and shelter to need for listed reflect the generally recognized
survive. Screens and hedges can deciduous size of plants grown in the northern
In this publication
provide one or more of these basic or evergreen temperate zone of the United States.
a bee icon can be
needs. plants; the These data came from university
found in the plant
section to identify aesthetics of references (Bassuk 2009; Breen 2015;
Choose trees and shrubs that will Brun 2015; Brand 2015; Detweiler
pollinator-friendly plant texture;
provide year-round nectar, pollen, or 2006; Kuhns 2015; and Love 2009).
species. and, in areas
fruit resources for food. Pollinators
prone to
include birds, butterflies, bees, and Formal or Informal
wildfire, the need for defensible space.
beetles (Webb 2011), so planting
flowers in a variety of sizes, shapes, Choosing a formal or informal
Space Requirements hedge or screen depends on the site
and colors is important. Use at least
three different plant species, each with characteristics and personal choice.
During the planning and design
consecutive bloom times throughout Consider the maintenance level, space
phase, it is important to know the
the season. available (which allows plants to take
square footage of the planting area.
their natural form) and the overall
Additional pollinator-friendly flowers Measurements of the planting site
aesthetics desired. An informal hedge
can be planted in the landscape to should be considered not only to
can be left to grow naturally or it can
supplement habitat needs (Figure 2). ensure adequate plant root soil be selectively pruned using thinning
Many of our native bee pollinators volume, but also to ensure enough and heading cuts to maintain desired
are ground nesting, so part of the soil available width and height for height and width (Figure 3). With
should be accessible and undisturbed. mature plant clearance. Be aware of formal hedges, start with a young
For other wildlife, such as birds, overhead utility lines, street visibility, plant to build the structure of the
consider branch density, thorns, and sidewalk clearance, and property line hedge and continue to prune on a
evergreens for shelter, nesting, and boundaries. This information will regular basis. When building the
overwintering sites (Vaughan et al. guide plant selection, the number of structure, prune the top of the hedge
2013). plants needed, and their spacing. One narrower than the base to ensure
of the biggest design mistakes made good light penetration. Otherwise,
Planning, Design, and is planting species that are too large the lower limbs will de-foliate,
Development for the designated area (Mason 2013). thus reducing the desired privacy.
Select plant material based on mature Flowering hedges should be pruned
It is important to plan the layout of size, with consideration of formal or after the blooms have dropped.
a screen or hedge before installation. informal hedge type. Frequent shearing of flowering hedges
Once trees or shrubs are planted and often results in a reduction of flower
begin growing, it can be difficult to The height, width, form, and salient bud formation over time (Gilman
make changes. Factors to consider characteristics of 80 different species 2005). There are many pictorial guides
include the available space on the that could be used for screens and to pruning formal hedges available
property; whether it will be a formal hedges are described in Part 2 of this (Gilman 2010).
Figure 3. With
its fine texture
and numerous
sharp thorns,
William Penn
barberry (Berberis
gladwynesis) can
be left to grow
naturally or
sheared to form
an impregnable
hedge. It grows to
5 ft in height and
width; hardy to
Zone 5.
Figure 2. European honey bee (Apis mellifera) is a Photo by Charles
key pollinator for the landscape. Photo by Charles Brun, WSU
Brun, WSU

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 WSU EXTENSION • SELECTING PLANTS FOR SCREENS AND HEDGES

Figure 4. On larger by creating a defensible space. The

parcels, a row term defensible space refers to the
of Hogan cedars area between homes and other
(Thuja plicata structures where fuel sources, such as
‘Hogan’) will woody vegetation, has been cleared
provide year-round or modified to reduce the spread
screening and of a fire or, at least, slow it down.
noise reduction. For more information, refer to Fire-
This western red Resistant Plants for Home Landscapes
cedar cultivar
(Detweiler 2006) at http://ir.library.
grows to 40 ft in
oregonstate.edu/xmlui/bitstream/
height, 20 ft in
width, and is hardy handle/1957/20921/%2apnw590.pdf.
to Zone 5.
Living screens and hedges can be
Photo by Charles
Brun, WSU
considered a green fence (Figure 5)
when suitable plant material is used
and properly located in the landscape.
In areas prone to wildfire, a screen or
hedge should be placed at least 30 ft
Deciduous or Evergreen attract attention from the play of light away from the home, and it should
and dark contrasts, such as oak leaf not be connected to any flammable
For a screen or hedge to be effective, hydrangea. Medium textures have attachments near the house, such as
it must be designed around the a smooth, simple leaf shape, and wooden fences or decks. The screen
specific function it is to perform. If moderately spaced branching, such as or hedge should be surrounded by
the objective is to provide privacy or viburnum. Fine textures have small fuel breaks in the form of lawns,
block an intrusive view, year-round leaves and thin, intricately branched driveways, sidewalks, or retaining
screening is necessary. Broadleaf twigs such as arborvitae. From an walls (Firewise Communities Program
Evergreen or conifer plants (Figure 4) aesthetic perspective, a landscape can 2014).
should be used in this case, selecting appear larger if fine-textured plants are
species for site tolerance. For example, used as background hedge or screen Winter Hardiness Zones
a broadleaf evergreen species may material and medium- and coarse-
have sufficient cold hardiness, but textured plants are placed in front Plant hardiness zones help define the
suffer from winter leaf burn in regions (Hansen 2013). optimum growing climates for all
with cold winter temperatures. In ornamentals. One can use their postal
winter when the ground freezes, roots Wildfire Defensible Space zip code to look up hardiness zones
cannot take up water. On sunny or (Hardiness Zones 2014). There are six
windy winter days, plants lose water In many areas of the Pacific winter hardiness zones in Washington
through their leaves and if the water Northwest, wildfire is a natural State (Table 1). Refer to Figure 6 for a
cannot be replaced as quickly as it component of our landscape. In pictorial guide to the plant hardiness
is lost, leaf burn can result (Maleike many cases homes can be protected zones in Washington State.
2014). An evergreen conifer species
tolerant to winter desiccation may
be more appropriate. Deciduous
plants may be more effective when
only seasonal performance is needed,
such as acting as privacy screens
or reducing summer solar heat.
A combination of evergreen and
Figure 5. A
deciduous plants can be effective, if solid row of
space allows. David viburnum
(Viburnum davidii)
Plant Texture will grow to 5 ft in
height and width
Plant texture is the visual perception and is hardy to
of the size, shape, spacing, and color Zone 7. Its thick
of leaves and twigs. Texture can be leathery leaves
fine to coarse, heavy to light, and make it drought
dense to thin. Coarse textures tend tolerant. Photo by
to be bold, with large leaves that Charles Brun, WSU

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 WSU EXTENSION • SELECTING PLANTS FOR SCREENS AND HEDGES

Table 1. Plant hardiness zones across

Washington State.
Zone 4 -30 0F to -20 0F
Zone 5 -20 0F to -10 0F
Zone 6 -10 0F to 0 0F
Zone 7 0 0F to 10 0F
Zone 8 10 0F to 20 0F
Zone 9 20 0F to 30 0F

Avoid Invasive Plants

This publication does not include
plants from any portion of the United
States that are found in the USDA’s
Introduced, Invasive, or Noxious
Plants Floristic Area database (NRCS
2014). Introduced plants may become
invasive as they lack co-evolved
competitors and natural enemies to
control their populations.

Native plants Figure 6. USDA Plant hardiness zones. (Hardiness Zones 2014).
This publication does note native
plants that could be considered as
screens or hedges. A native plant is
defined as one that occurred naturally
in a particular region at the time when
the first European settlers arrived in
North America, and which was not
a result of direct or indirect human
influence. Oregon grape (Figure 7) is
a native plant that can be used as a
screen throughout the state, though Figure 7. Oregon
it has a ragged habit and generally is Grape (Mahonia
not sheared. It is hardy to Zone 5. The aquifolium) can
cultivar Compacta matures at 3 ft in serve as a native
height and has a finer texture than the screen, growing
native species (Rhodus 2015). Because 3–10 ft tall.
of its dense habit, it can be sheared Part 2: Plant Choices for foliage, which is very effective at
into a hedge. providing visual interest during the
Screens and Hedges
winter months when herbaceous
Native plants are generally adaptable perennials have gone dormant. In
because they evolved with competing Dwarf Conifers as Hedges
the genus Picea (spruce), look for
species, predators, and diseases over The smaller dwarf conifers can be a wide selection of globe-shaped
many thousands of years. Thus they effectively used in the contemporary dwarfs that feature extremely dense
are considered to be in ecological residential landscapes as they add foliage arranged in trim shapes. In
balance in the region where they interesting texture, diversity of the genus Tsuga (hemlock), look for
were first found. There are guides form, and coloration to the garden shade-loving selections.
to the use of native plants for areas (Relf 2015). There are a number
west of the Cascades Mountains of different genera to choose from In general, dwarf conifers are
(McMahan 2008; Leigh 2005), as well (Table 2). Within each genus, note considered free from disease pests
as the arid regions on the east side of the diverse number of cultivars. (Pscheidt 2015), and they do not
the state (Detweiler 2008). Refer to In the genus Chamaecyparis (false require any annual pruning. In areas
other publications on native plants cypress), look for cultivars with west of the Cascades, they will all
under Further Reading. predominately yellow-colored grow very well and fill out their

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 WSU EXTENSION • SELECTING PLANTS FOR SCREENS AND HEDGES

allotted space, while in areas east Avoid using them as foundation Medium Height Conifers for Use
of the Cascades, high temperatures shrubs in areas prone to wildfires. as Screens and Hedges
can affect their growth. West of the While many of the dwarf conifers may
Cascades they are all considered not be readily available at local garden Conifers that mature to heights of
drought tolerant, winter hardy, and centers, they can be mail-ordered as less than 10 ft are very functional as
insensitive to soil fertility levels. In small plants (one gallon containers). a screen or hedge; many mature at
eastern Washington, variegated and A web search using a plant’s genus shoulder height (Fare 2009). They are
golden foliage may burn in hot, sunny especially useful in urban areas as they
will yield a plethora of cultivars.
areas. do not overwhelm the yard, or block
Landscape contractors should be
the view of distant landscapes.
With their lower heights, dwarf able to provide the dwarf conifers as
conifers could be used to line a well, as they have access to wholesale All of the selections shown in Table
walkway leading up to a home’s grower suppliers, who do not sell 3 have dense canopies that extend
entrance (Russ and Polomski 1999). directly to retail customers. to the ground. They could be used

Table 2. Conifers Under 4 ft in Height at Maturity

Figure 8. Abies balsamea ‘Nana’ Figure 9. Abies nordmanniana ‘Golden Figure 10. Abies procera ‘Glauca’ Figure 11. Chamaecyparis pisifera
Spreader’ ‘Golden Mop’
Dwarf balsam fir Blue Prostrate noble fir
Golden Spreader Golden Mop threadleaf
Zone 3 Width: 3 ft Zone 5 Width: 4 ft
Nordmann fir false cypress
Prostrate version of native
Dense globose form; light
Zone 4 Width: 5 ft Noble fir; steely-blue foliage; Zone 4 Width: 4–5 ft
green new growth contrasts Dwarf spreader to 4 ft; soft, soft textured needles; shear A ground-hugging mounder;
with dark green older foliage; bright yellow winter foliage; any upright shoots to maintain mop-like stringy foliage stays
can take shade. greener in summer; best in full form. golden yellow; best in full sun.
sun; best not sheared.

Figure 12. Picea pungens Figure 13. Thuja occidentalis ‘Danica’ Figure 14. Thujopsis dolobrata ‘Nana’ Figure 15. Tsuga heterophylla
‘Glauca Globosa’ ‘Thorsens Weeping’
Danica arborvitae False Hiba cedar
Globe blue spruce Thorsens Weeping hemlock
Zone 3 Width: 4 ft Zone 6 Width: 5 ft
Zone 2 Width: 6 ft A slow-growing, dense, Spreading bun shape; green Zone 6 Width: 3 ft
Beautiful silver blue prickly globular foundation shrub; and white needles; tolerates Mounding habit if staked,
needles; needs full sun; widely bright green foliage in vertical light summer shade and dry otherwise, forming a prostrate
adaptable, very drought sprays; shear as desired. sites; best unsheared. groundcover; soft green
tolerant. foliage; can take shade if
needed in hot climates.

Photos 8-15 by Charles Brun, WSU

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 WSU EXTENSION • SELECTING PLANTS FOR SCREENS AND HEDGES

as alternatives to the conventional conifers are especially well suited to foliage, and does not grow to the
6-ft-tall fence that is often used formal gardens, serving as specimen mature height of the more commonly
between adjacent yards. The selections or focal plants (Walton 2008), they planted Emerald Green arborvitae.
listed in this category are hardy for can be arranged in rows for screening. Both of the pines listed here are
areas east of the Cascades and are Both of the junipers listed will grow winter hardy for all of Washington.
considered drought tolerant. well without any maintenance For a bright winter accent plant, look
pruning and have been found to shed for Louie eastern white pine, which
The Montgomery blue spruce would snow better than the taller arborvitaes features soft, feathery needles. For
be especially useful with its sharp, in western Washington. shady yards, consider Moon Frost
prickly foliage that could serve to keep hemlock whose white spring growth
intruders out. When a very narrow Where there is more space, the dwarf sets it apart from other shade-tolerant
screen is desired, consider columnar Aurea Nana oriental arborvitae would species. Keep in mind that in eastern
conifers, such as Compressa or Gold be highly appropriate as it forms a Washington variegated and golden
Cone junipers. While columnar very dense wall of soft yellow-green foliage may burn in hot, sunny areas.

Table 3. Conifers Under 5 ft to 10 ft in Height at Maturity

Figure 19. Picea pungens

‘Montgomery’
Montgomery blue spruce
Zone 3 Width: 8 ft
Figure 16. Juniperus communis Figure 17. Juniperus communis Figure 18. Picea glauca
Conic wedge shape to 10 ft;
‘Compressa’ ‘Gold Cone’ ‘Sander’s Blue’
silvery-blue, sharp needles;
Compressa juniper Gold Cone juniper Sander’s Blue spruce drought tolerant; do not shear.
Zone 2 Width: 1 ft Zone 2 Width: 3 ft Zone 3 Width: 5 ft
Tapered candle form; blue- Barrel-shaped habit; soft, Pyramidal form; dense foliage
green, awl-shaped needles, golden foliage; set multiple with slate-blue to green
accent specimen plant; could plants in a row for screening. coloration; best not sheared.
be set close in rows.

Figure 23. Tsuga canadensis

‘Moon Frost’
Moon Frost hemlock
Zone 3 Width: 3 ft
Figure 20. Pinus strobus Figure 21. Pinus parviflora Figure 22. Thuja orientalis
Excellent mounding habit;
‘Louie’ ‘Ogon Janome’ ‘Aurea Nana’
beautiful white new growth
Louie Eastern white pine Dragon’s Eye white pine Dwarf Oriental arborvitae over older green; best not
Zone 3 Width: 7 ft Zone 5 Width: 6 ft Zone 5 Width: 5 ft sheared.
Upright, dense form to 10 ft; Compact form; blue-green Tidy pointed globe shape;
bright yellow fall foliage; best needles with bands of yellow; bright golden foliage; set plants
in acidic sites, best not sheared. needs partial shade in hot 3 ft apart for a hedge; often
areas. not sheared.
Photos 16-18 and 20-23 by Charles Brun, WSU; Photo 19 by Paula Dinius, WSU Chelan County

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 WSU EXTENSION • SELECTING PLANTS FOR SCREENS AND HEDGES

Tall Conifers for Use as Screens ranging in height and width to fit these workhorses will prove their merit
and Hedges many screen designs. They come in as year-round evergreens. If desired,
a variety of colors from bright green some can be sheared, such as Emerald
The tall conifer selections shown in (Smaragd arborvitae and Incense green arborvitae and Skyrocket juniper.
Table 4 can be used very effectively as cedar), to blues (Colorado blue spruce, Caution should be taken not to cut
screens. They provide dense, intricate Vanderwolf’s Pyramid pine, Arizona into the interior dead zone of conifers
branching and fine leaves (needles) cypress). Branch characteristics can be because they will not fill out with new
that can block out unsightly views found from upright (Incense cedar) to
green growth (McConnell 1998). A
and undesired light exposure, both weeping (Weeping white spruce) forms
screen planted with tall conifers can be
summer solar radiation and urban that provide aesthetic appeal.
a useful backdrop for other plants to
light pollution. Tall conifers block cold
winter winds, capture air pollutants, It is important to remember the mature create a beautiful landscape. Wildlife
and can reduce noise significantly. size of these plants, as many can grow find that conifers provide good shelter
quite large, potentially 50 ft or more and protection from predators and
The selection is vast, with cultivars (Cox 2005). Where space is available, harsh environmental conditions.
Table 4. Conifers Over 10 ft at Maturity

Figure 24. Calocedrus decurrens Figure 25. Chamaecyparis Figure 26. Cupressus glabra Figure 27. Juniperus scopulorum
nootkatensis ‘Blue Ice’ ‘Skyrocket’
Incense cedar
Weeping Alaska cedar Blue Ice Arizona cypress Skyrocket juniper
Zone 5 Width: 15 ft
Upright conical shape to 75 ft; Zone 4 Width: 12 ft Zone 5 Width: 12 ft Zone 3 Width: 2 ft
dense canopy; aromatic green Ascending to 60 ft; horizontal Grows to 30 ft; drought A drought Rocky Mountain
foliage; furrowed bark; no branches; scale-like, blue-green tolerant; powdery-blue foliage; juniper cultivar; matures at 14 ft;
winter browning. foliage; best west of Cascades. do not shear; best west of the minimize shearing; blue-green
WA state native WA state native Cascades. foliage. WA state native

Figure 28. Picea glauca ‘Pendula’ Figure 29. Picea pungens var. glauca Figure 30. Pinus flexilis ‘Vanderwolf’s Figure 31. Thuja occidentalis
Pyramid’ ‘Smaragd’
Weeping white spruce Colorado blue spruce
Vanderwolf’s Pyramid pine Emerald Green arborvitae
Zone 2 Width: 8 ft Zone 3 Width: 15 ft
Rocketship form may reach 40 Stately pyramidal growth Zone 2 Width: 15 ft Zone 2 Width: 3–5 ft
ft; weeping, prickly needles; habit; excellent cold hardiness; Soft, silvery, blue-green Very common; allow to grow
striking accent; no shearing. silvery-blue foliage; great on needles; grows to 30 ft; full 8–20 ft tall; shear as needed;
the east side. sun; do not shear. WA state do not top; set plants 4 ft apart
native in rows.
Photos 24-31 by Charles Brun, WSU

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 WSU EXTENSION • SELECTING PLANTS FOR SCREENS AND HEDGES

Shorter Broadleaf Evergreens between sidewalk and street curb). leucothoe, Sutherland Hebe, Fragrant
for Hedges For alternatives that circumvent Sweetbox, and Taunton’s hybrid yew
the maintenance and pest issues will all perform well. For flowering
Low-growing evergreen shrub associated with boxwood, consider hedges, gardeners should consider
selections (Table 5) are very popular as the fine texture offered by Sutherland Grosso lavender, Girard’s Rainbow
foundation plants that can either be Hebe, which should not be sheared, leucothoe, or Orchid rockrose. In
left to develop on their own or sheared and Grosso lavender, which can be order to attract a plethora of nectar-
into formal hedges (Klett 2011), in sheared as it ages. With the exception seeking pollinators in early July,
contrast to the low-growing conifers of Sutherland Hebe and the Orchid plant a row of lavender from the vast
(Table 2) that are best not sheared. rockrose, all of the selections are selection of cultivars available. For a
largely winter hardy for most of barrier shrub, the Warty barberry is an
Most of the selections shown in Table Washington State. excellent choice as it has very spiny
5 are suitable for pathways leading foliage. The Goshiki Holly Osmanthus
up to the entrance of a home, or Gardeners with shaded sites will find can serve as an alternative for English
as fillers in a boulevard strip (area that Warty barberry, Girard’s Rainbow Holly for Christmas greenery.
Table 5. Broadleaf Evergreens Under 4 ft at Maturity

Figure 32. Berberis verruculosa Figure 33. Cistus purpureus Figure 34. Hebe pinguifolia Figure 35. Lavandula intermedia
‘Sutherlandii’ ‘Grosso’
Warty barberry Orchid rockrose
Sutherland Hebe Grosso lavender
Zone (5) 6 Width: 5 ft Zone 7 Width: 4 ft
Arching habit; branches are Rounded form, 1-in.-long, Zone 7 Width: 4 ft Zone 5 Width: 4 ft
very stiff; foliage glossy dark narrow leaves; dull grey above, Rounded form, dense habits This popular herbal shrub
green and spiny; 3-part spines lighter below; 2–3 in. flowers, with small silver-green leaves, features summer flowers used
cover the stems; rod shaped, pink with 5 red spots; yellow small white summer flowers; for perfumes and sachets;
very small fruit in the fall; stamens; typically not sheared. typically not sheared; drought grows to 3 ft; often used to line
very drought tolerant. Can be tolerant. a pathway; best sheared in the
sheared as desired. spring.

Figure 36. Leucothoe fontanesiana Figure 37. Osmanthus heterophyllus Figure 38. Sarcococca confusa Figure 39. Taxus × media ‘Tauntonii’
‘Girard’s Rainbow’ ‘Goshiki’ Fragrant Sweetbox Taunton’s hybrid yew
Girard’s Rainbow Goshiki Holly Osmanthus Zone (6) 7 Width: 4 ft Zone 5 Width 6 ft
leucothoe Zone 6 Width: 4 ft Widely used in the floral A foundation shrub with dark
Zone 4 Width: 6 ft Goshiki Holly features glossy market for its very fragrant green foliage; a spreading
A leucothoe cultivar with green variegated leaves with white winter flowers and habit; resistance to winter burn;
early season white, pink, and splashes of pink and orange lustrous green leaves; dense good summer heat tolerance;
coppery foliage; matures to that lack spines; fragrant spring habit; spreads by underground can withstand full shade. Shear
green with streaks of cream; flowers, can be sheared to form shoots; shiny black berries if as desired.
fragrant, urn- shaped flowers. a hedge. not sheared; can take shade.
Do not shear.

Photos 33-39 by Charles Brun, WSU

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 WSU EXTENSION • SELECTING PLANTS FOR SCREENS AND HEDGES

Medium Height Broadleaf lack any serious pest issues. All of the The Mexican orange and Delavay
Evergreens for Screens and selections feature small leaves that will Osmanthus both work well in the
block views through their canopies. shade. Finally, the Japanese pieris
Hedges
All of them offer interesting colors makes a wonderful addition in any
The medium height evergreens listed that provide nice contrasts to the garden as it offers a multitude of
in Table 6 represent the best plant traditional evergreen hedges. colors as the season progresses. To
material for arranging into hedges, ensure a bountiful supply of flowers,
The Blueblossom and Delavay
which can be used to divide yards Osmanthus make very attractive limit the amount of pruning, or prune
from one another. They can be hedges, which pollinators will according to flowering time. Prune
informal or sheared, as desired. Other greatly enjoy when the flowers are plants that flower in the spring on last
than the Blueblossom, Sundance in full bloom. The Meserve hybrid year’s wood after flowering display.
Mexican orange, and Escallonia, hollies and the Ebbinge’s silverberry For plants that flower in the summer
they are all generally winter hardy offer vigorous growth that can be on new wood, prune in late winter
in many areas of Washington and easily sheared into dense hedges. (Gilman 2005).

Table 6. Broadleaf Evergreens 6 ft to 10 ft at Maturity

Figure 40. Ceanothus thyrsiflorus Figure 41. Choisya ternata ‘Sundance’ Figure 42. Elaeagnus ebbingei ‘Gilt Figure 43. Escallonia langleyensis
Edge’ ‘Pride of Donard’
Blueblossom Sundance Mexican
orange Ebbinge’s silverberry Pride of Donard
Zone 7 Width: 6 ft
Escallonia
Vigorous growth; bright shiny Zone 8 Width: 6 ft Zone (6) 7 Width: 6 ft
2-in. green leaves; spike-like, Mounding form; chartreuse Dense habit; 2–4-in.-long Zone 7 Width: 6 ft
blue flower cluster from May golden foliage arranged in leaves with ruffled margins; Arching stems; narrow dark
through June; a great hedge whorls; citrus smelling, white variegated green/yellow green leaves; scarlet flowers
plant; takes well to shearing. spring flowers; likes part shade. foliage; excellent hedge plant; spring through summer; can be
WA state native shear as needed. hedged.

Figure 44. Ilex meserveae Figure 45. Ilex x meserveae Figure 46. Osmanthus delavayi Figure 47. Pieris japonica
‘Blue Girl’ ‘Heckenstar’ Delavay Osmanthus Japanese Pieris
Blue Girl meserve Castle Wall blue Zone 7 Width: 8 ft Zone 5 Width: 6 ft
holly holly Sweet April flower fragrance Upright habit; narrow, elliptical
Zone 5 Width: 8 ft Zone 5 Width: 4 ft (peach fruit scent) and dark leaves arranged in whorls;
Bright red stems bear blue- Columnar blue-green holly green leathery leaves. Tea Olive spring growth red; summer
green foliage; bright red fruit is ideal for narrow privacy makes a great shade- tolerant growth green; white urn-
on female plants; needs male hedging; grows 2 in. per year; evergreen mound. It looks best shaped flowers.
plant for pollination; good for takes well to shearing. not sheared and may produce
hedging; shear in winter. small blue-black berries.

Photos 40-44 and 46-47 by Charles Brun, WSU; Photo 45 by Paula Dinius, WSU Chelan County

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 WSU EXTENSION • SELECTING PLANTS FOR SCREENS AND HEDGES

Tall Broadleaf Evergreens for plant selection and form because it in order to reduce the incidence of
Screens and Hedges will be hard to shear an evergreen fungal leaf spot.
shrub that is over 10 ft in height,
The plants listed in Table 7 have been unless a stepladder is used to stand When space is at a premium, consider
proven to grow vigorously throughout alongside the hedge. the Japanese plum yew, which can
Washington State. However, not all be sheared to stay narrow. To attract
are hardy in the colder regions of In order to attract songbirds to a home pollinators, Zanzibar variegated
the state. Most broadleaf evergreen garden, consider plants that provide California lilac, Pacific wax myrtle,
shrubs do best west of the Cascades. In food, shelter, and protection, such Pacific rhododendron, and mountain
eastern Washington, consider species as the female Altaclara holly, Pacific laurel are good choices (Webb 2011).
hardiness and tolerance to winter leaf wax myrtle, or Burkwood viburnum. The Altaclara holly is popular in
burn. For shadier sites, consider the Europe as it is not invasive and does
Japanese plum yew, mountain laurel, not have the spiny leaves of English
These plants form tall, dense screens or Burkwood viburnum. The Fraser holly. It is available from mail-order
that can be left either natural or photinia is popular with its early supply houses. Plant both a male and
sheared to a desired height and width. season red leaves, but it does require a female if one desires beautiful red
If a formal look is desired, consider good air circulation and a sunny site berries in the fall.

Table 7. Broadleaf Evergreens over 10 ft at Maturity

Figure 48. Cephalotaxus harringtonia Figure 49. Ceanothus thyrsiflorus Figure 50. Ilex x altaclerensis Figure 51. Kalmia latifolia
‘Fastigiata’ ‘Lawsoniana’
Zanzibar California Mountain laurel
Upright Japanese plum yew lilac Lawsoniana Altaclara Zone 4 Width: 15 ft
holly
Zone 5 Width: 7 ft Zone 8 Width: 10 ft Open form with age; leaves
Columnar habit; erect Greenish-yellow leaves Zone 7 Width: 10 ft 2.5–5 in. long and elliptical;
branches; dark green 2-in.- blotched with green centers; Pyramidal habit; untoothed flowers 5-sided; red or pink
long needles with sharp tips; profuse light blue flowers in leaves with yellow centers and bloom; sun to full shade;
can take full shade. the spring that are attractive to green margins; female plants prefers acidic sites. WA state
pollinators. with red berries. Takes well to native
shearing.

Figure 52. Rhododendron Figure 53. Myrica californica Figure 54. Photinia fraseri Figure 55. Viburnum burkwoodii
macrophyllum Pacific wax myrtle Fraser Photinia Burkwood viburnum
Pacific rhododendron Zone 7 Width: 20 ft Zone 7 Width: 15 ft Zone 5 Width: 5 ft
Zone 6 Width: 15 ft An extremely vigorous shrub Very vigorous upright habit; Forms a rounded mound to 10
Rounded habit; large, oblong that could exceed 30 ft at brilliant red new growth fades ft; 2.5-in. white flower heads
leaves; large rose-purple flower maturity; 4-in.-long, narrow to glossy green; white flowers in April (often called snowball
clusters in late spring/summer; leaves; yellow flowers produce in umbels; no fruit; ensure viburnum); black berries in fall;
acid soil loving; shade tolerant; purple berries for the birds. WA good sunlight and air exposure, partial shade; can be sheared.
Washington State flower. WA state native hedge plant.
state native

Photo 48 by John Ruter, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org; Photos 49–55 by Charles Brun, WSU

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 WSU EXTENSION • SELECTING PLANTS FOR SCREENS AND HEDGES

Shorter Deciduous Shrubs for 2011). If low shrubs are used in this next year’s flower buds begin to form
Hedges way, care must be taken to ensure at this time. Plants with flowers that
plant sun and shade requirements are bloom after June can be pruned in
The lower-growing deciduous shrubs met. For example, Goldfinger shrubby late winter, before growth starts.
listed in Table 8 are often used for cinquefoil requires full sun, therefore, These plants flower on current-year
lining walkways and feature seasonal if used at the base of taller plants, the wood.
interest. Many produce attractive low growers must be oriented toward
flowers and fruits, as well as bold fall a southern exposure. If full sun is not Plants with unique form are best left
color, such as the black chokeberry possible, the selection should include unsheared, although many species
and American cranberry bush. plants with shade and part-shade tol- will tolerate shearing. Snow Mound
erance, such as the black chokecherry, spirea is such a plant. Shearing it
Shorter deciduous shrubs are best Caucasian daphne, or sweetspire. can be done to create a more formal
when densely planted to facilitate structure, but in doing so will reduce
hedgerow closure. These smaller When flowers or fruit are desired flowering and restrict the fluid motion
shrubs can also be planted at the base and pruning is needed, prune of the arching stems. For more infor-
of taller trees or shrubs to increase according to season of bloom. If mation on hedge pruning, see An Illus-
hedge density, which can provide a flowering occurs before June, prune trated Guide to Pruning (Gilman 2006)
noise buffer or wildlife habitat (NRCS immediately after flowering because in Further Reading.

Table 8. Broadleaf Deciduous Under 4 ft at Maturity

Figure 56. Aronia melanocarpa Figure 57. Cornus sericea ‘Kelseyi’ Figure 58. Daphne caucasica Figure 59. Fothergilla gardenii
Black chokeberry Kelsey dogwood Caucasian daphne Dwarf Fothergilla
Zone 3 Width: 5 ft Zone 2 Width: 3 ft Zone 4 Width: 5 ft Zone 5 Width: 4 ft
A sucker-forming shrub; Globe shaped; oblong leaves; Globe shape to 4 in.; small pale Mounding shape; bluish-green
serrated, glossy green summer white flat-topped flower green leaves; fragrant white foliage all summer; green-white
leaves turn red in the fall; white clusters; fall foliage bronze- flowers in June; sporadically bottle-bush-like flowers in
flowers yield pea-sized, glossy purple. later; shade loving. April–May; red fall foliage.
black berries in the fall.

Figure 60. Hydrangea serrata Figure 61. Itea virginica Figure 62. Potentilla fruticosa Figure 63. Spiraea nipponica
‘Bluebird’ ‘Goldfinger’ ‘Snow Mound’
Sweetspire
Bluebird lacecap Goldfinger shrubby Snow Mound spirea
Zone 5 Width: 6 ft
hydrangea cinquefoil
A round ball shrub with 3–6 in. Zone 4 Width: 4 ft
Zone 6 Width: 4 ft white drooping flower clusters Zone 3 Width: 4 ft Arching stems on this round
Rounded form; sea-blue, sterile in June; likes partial shade; Dense, rounded shrub bearing ball shrub; 1-in.-diameter white
florets surround a cluster of rich red leaf color in fall; pollinator bright yellow flowers all flowers smother the branches
blue, fertile flowers; reddish fall friendly. summer long; very drought in the spring; multiple plants
foliage. tolerant; no pests; best in full for hedge.
sun. WA state native

Photos 56–63 by Charles Brun, WSU

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 WSU EXTENSION • SELECTING PLANTS FOR SCREENS AND HEDGES

Medium Height Deciduous characteristics appropriate to a blocking distant vistas.

Shrubs for Screens and Hedges location. For example, a plant with a
natural fountain shape, like Natchez It may be necessary to occasionally
Deciduous shrubs of medium height mockorange, will need more room rejuvenate the plant. To do so, remove
are versatile due to the wide variety of to spread if maintained in its natural dead, damaged, or diseased branches,
plant characteristics in this category. form, rather than as a hedge pruned to in addition to wayward (too long)
Table 9 lists some commonly used and a formal shape. and crossover branches, suckers, and
widely available choices hardy to most sprouts. For plants such as red twig
regions in Washington State. They can All the selections listed here are highly dogwood, cutting back all stems to 9
be lightly sheared for a more formal attractive to native pollinators. The inches from the ground can stimulate
look or left to natural form, depending chokeberry, beautyberry, and red twig new, bright red twig growth, providing
on the space available and landscape dogwood all produce berries that are year-round interest. Some species
design. attractive to wildlife. The moderate respond better than others to pruning,
size of plants in this category make so know your plant. See Further
Careful plant selection is crucial them good screens for privacy and Reading for An Illustrated Guide to
to ensure proper size, form, and for hiding unsightly areas, without Pruning (Gillman 2006).

Table 9. Broadleaf Deciduous 5 ft to 10 ft at Maturity

Figure 64. Aronia arbutifolia Figure 65. Callicarpa bodinieri Figure 66. Cornus alba Figure 67. Cornus sericea
‘Brilliantissima’ ‘Elegantissima’
Bodinier beautyberry Red twig dogwood
Brilliant Red Variegated dogwood
Zone 6 Width: 6 ft Zone 3 Width: 12 ft
chokeberry Upright, bushy form; ovate Zone 3 Width: 6 ft Fast- growing thicket shape to
Zone 5 Width: 8 ft leaves 2.5–5 in. long; purple Mounding habit to 6 ft; striking 10 ft; green summer foliage
Sucker-forming, round; elliptic flowers give rise to small purple bicolor foliage; could be gives rise to reddish purple in
leaves; green morphing to red; berries in the fall. sheared for a hedge if desired. the fall; lovely red twigs in the
bright red fruit lasts into winter. winter; white fruits attract song
birds; generally not sheared.
WA state native

Figure 68. Enkianthus campanulatas Figure 69. Philadelphus virginalis Figure 70. Ribes sanguineum Figure 71. Viburnum trilobum
‘Natchez’
Redvein Enkianthus Red flowering American cranberry
Natchez flowering currant bush
Zone 4 Width: 6 ft
mock orange
Upright narrow form; leaves Zone 5 Width: 5 ft Zone 2 Width: 6 ft
at ends of branches; green in Zone 4 Width: 8 ft Northwest native to 10 ft; Slender upright form; 3-lobed
summer turning to red in fall; Fast growing to 8 ft; upright upright habit bearing 3-in.- leaves; green in summer; red
egg-shaped fruit. fountain shape; 2-in. fragrant long, white or pink flower in fall; white flowers yield red
white flowers in the spring clusters; red fall berries for the berries.
cover the bush; mass plant for birds; best not sheared.
screening.

Photos 64–71 by Charles Brun, WSU

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 WSU EXTENSION • SELECTING PLANTS FOR SCREENS AND HEDGES

Tall Deciduous Trees and Shrubs well in most areas of Washington a dense hedge slowly overtime.
for Screens and Hedges State. These plants possess varying Extreme cuts after plants have
characteristics for assorted uses. For grown too large can cause stress and
Tall deciduous plants make excellent example, the hornbeam, European become problematic. When shearing,
screens and hedges for large filbert, and beech have been used be sure to leave the bottom of the
properties. They can be planted as hedges for centuries throughout plant slightly wider than the top,
in groups or combined with other Europe for just such landscape so sun can reach the entire plant.
species, like conifers. For these large- elements. The Star magnolia has Otherwise, the lower portion of the
growing plants, spacing is important beautiful spring blooms and can take hedge will become bare and woody.
at planting timing. Plants left to grow light shearing. The Staghorn sumac For natural form plants like lilacs,
in natural form should be spaced should not be sheared. occasional removal of old large stems
farther apart than those that will be will encourage strong new growth.
formally pruned. If a formal look is desired for any More information on pruning can
of these selections, it is best to start be found in the Further Reading
Table 10 lists plants that will do structural pruning early and develop section.

Table 10. Broadleaf Deciduous over 10 ft at Maturity

Figure 72. Carpinus betulus Figure 73. Corylus avellana Figure 74. Fagus sylvatica ‘Purple Figure 75. Magnolia liliiflora
‘Frans Fontaine’ Fountain’
European filbert Lily magnolia
European hornbeam European purple beech
Zone 4 Width: 12 ft Zone 5 Width: 15 ft
Zone 4 Width: 8 ft Fast-growing shrub/tree from Zone 4 Width: 15 ft Sprawling, multi-stemmed;
Columnar shape to 40 ft; 12–20 ft tall and wide; suckers Growing to 25 ft in height, this green foliage; purple-white
summer green foliage; golden profusely, making a dense purple-leafed spire makes a spring flowers stand erect and
yellow in fall; multiple plants hedge; trees bear tasty edible great accent species; multiple appear before leaves.
for hedging; takes to shearing. hazelnuts in October. plants would make a hedge.

Figure 76. Magnolia stellata Figure 77. Rhus typhina Figure 78. Staphylea trifolia Figure 79. Syringa vulgaris
‘Royal Star’ Staghorn sumac American bladdernut Common lilac
Star magnolia Zone 3 Width: 20 ft Zone 3 Width: 15 ft Zone 3 Width: 10 ft
Zone 5 Width: 12 ft Open-spreading habit; velvety Fast-growing, suckering shrub Vigorous shrub 1 to 5 ft;
Dense, oval shrub/ small tree stems bear compound leaves with compound 3-part leaves; irregular shape; spring flowers
to 20 ft. Early spring fragrant that are dark green in summer, bell-shaped, showy white in multiple colors with good
white flowers; dense foliage; yellow-orange in the fall. flowers in April and May; fruit fragrance; many cultivars; best
mass plant for hedges; no WA state native 1 to 2 in. long, egg-shaped in full sun; mass plant for a
shearing. capsules in the fall. hedge; best not sheared.

Photos 72–79 by Charles Brun, WSU

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 WSU EXTENSION • SELECTING PLANTS FOR SCREENS AND HEDGES

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Copyright 2015 Washington State University

Cover image is the Emerald Green arborvitae (also Figure 31), photo by Charles Brun.

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Extension programs and policies are consistent with federal and state laws and regulations on nondiscrimination regarding race, sex, religion,
age, color, creed, and national or ethnic origin; physical, mental, or sensory disability; marital status or sexual orientation; and status as a
Vietnam-era or disabled veteran. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local WSU Extension office. Trade names have been
used to simplify information; no endorsement is intended. Published June 2015.

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