Texas Privacy Screen Plant Profiles

Spartan Juniper

Juniperus chinensis 'Spartan'

Mature height

15–20 ft

Mature width

3–5 ft

Privacy spacing

4 ft (planning default). Planning default for privacy hedge screening.

Growth

Moderate to fast

One of our favorite privacy plants for narrow spaces, pool areas, and formal evergreen screens. Fast-growing, upright, hardy, and cleaner around pools because it does not drop broad leaves.

Nellie R. Stevens Holly

Ilex × 'Nellie R. Stevens'

Mature height

15–25 ft

Mature width

8–12 ft

Privacy spacing

6 ft (planning default). Planning default for privacy hedge screening.

Growth

Moderate

A go-to thick evergreen hedge for strong privacy. Dense, dependable, and well-suited for customers who want a classic privacy screen.

Red Tip Photinia

Photinia × fraseri

Mature height

10–15 ft

Mature width

8–10 ft

Privacy spacing

6 ft (planning default). Planning default; confirm suitability during final review.

Growth

Fast

A fast, thick hedge option that can create strong screening, but it should be used thoughtfully because of disease concerns in some conditions.

Red Tip Photinia can create a fast, dense hedge, but it is more disease-sensitive than some alternatives. We recommend reviewing spacing, airflow, and site conditions before choosing it.

Eagleston Holly

Ilex × 'Eagleston'

Mature height

18–25 ft

Mature width

8–12 ft

Privacy spacing

7 ft (planning default). Planning default for privacy hedge screening.

Growth

Moderate

A polished, formal holly for tighter spaces, entries, and cleaner hedge or tree forms where a refined look is important.

Little Gem Magnolia

Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem'

Mature height

20–25 ft

Mature width

10–15 ft

Privacy spacing

8 ft (planning default). Planning default for privacy hedge screening.

Growth

Slow to moderate

A long-term premium screen with glossy evergreen leaves and white flowers. Slower from smaller sizes, but beautiful and dependable over time.

Slower from smaller sizes; allow time and space for a premium flowering screen.

Eastern Red Cedar

Juniperus virginiana

Mature height

30–40 ft

Mature width

10–20 ft

Privacy spacing

8 ft (planning default). Planning default for acreage and perimeter screening.

Growth

Moderate to fast

Great for larger lots, rural edges, and quick coverage where there is room to grow. Tough, evergreen, and best with space.

Needs space; not ideal for tight suburban beds.

Arizona Cypress

Hesperocyparis arizonica (Cupressus arizonica)

Mature height

30–40 ft

Mature width

12–20 ft

Privacy spacing

10 ft (planning default). Planning default for larger-lot screening.

Growth

Moderate to fast

A fast-growing large-lot screen with blue-green color. Best where customers want something different and have room for a wider, taller screen.

Requires space; confirm fit for smaller suburban layouts.

Savannah Holly

Ilex × 'Savannah'

Mature height

20–30 ft

Mature width

10–15 ft

Privacy spacing

7 ft (planning default). Planning default for privacy hedge screening.

Growth

Moderate

A classic upright holly form for formal screens and tighter areas. Good where customers want structure without a very wide hedge.

Teddy Bear Magnolia

Magnolia grandiflora 'Teddy Bear'

Mature height

15–20 ft

Mature width

8–10 ft

Privacy spacing

6 ft (planning default). Planning default for privacy hedge screening.

Growth

Slow to moderate

A compact flowering magnolia option with glossy leaves and a refined look. Best for premium screens where long-term appearance matters.

Less hedge-like and slower than common holly options.

Blue Point Juniper

Juniperus chinensis 'Blue Point'

Mature height

12–15 ft

Mature width

6–8 ft

Privacy spacing

6 ft (planning default). Planning default for privacy hedge screening.

Growth

Moderate

A narrow evergreen option for formal screens, pool areas, and tight planting beds. Upright, clean-looking, and structured.

Wax Myrtle

Morella cerifera (Myrica cerifera)

Mature height

15–20 ft

Mature width

10–15 ft

Privacy spacing

6 ft (planning default). Planning default for privacy hedge screening.

Growth

Fast

A fast, natural-looking evergreen screen for informal privacy. Good for softer, less formal screening where space allows.

Dwarf Burford Holly

Ilex cornuta 'Dwarf Burford'

Mature height

6–10 ft

Mature width

6–8 ft

Privacy spacing

4 ft (planning default). Planning default for privacy hedge screening.

Growth

Slow to moderate

A compact, durable evergreen hedge for lower screens, side yards, and smaller spaces where full-height privacy is not required.