Privacy screen in the garden: Glanzmispel Devil's Dream® for the garden and terrace

From evergreen to a splash of color: What different privacy plants can do and why you shouldn't just focus on the classics when making your selection.

Which privacy plants are suitable for gardens, terraces, and other outdoor spaces - and what should you consider when making a selection?

If you want to plant a natural privacy screen, it's important to consider what exactly it should accomplish. Is it meant to block unwanted views throughout the year, or should the hedge primarily provide privacy during the outdoor season? Should the enclosure also serve as wind protection for plants and possibly even provide shade in the summer? It's also important to consider whether you want to plant the privacy screen on a balcony or a terrace, as not every shrub is suitable for this purpose. Once these questions are answered, it becomes easier to select the appropriate plants. Here you can find out which plants are suitable for your specific purpose and why it's worth looking beyond the classics.

Packshot Devils Dream with label

Summer privacy screen: Plants that shine during the outdoor season

The hornbeam grows quickly and amazes with its bright green ribbed leaves in spring and summer. It is also popular among wild bees and other insects. However, if you want to plant this birch tree as a privacy screen, you need to consider that it is not evergreen. The leaves turn brown in autumn. While some dry leaves remain on the branches, the resulting appearance is a matter of personal preference.

Additionally, the hornbeam is significantly less opaque in winter. If you want to use the plants as a privacy screen, for example, towards the neighboring property, this is not ideal. The proximity to the neighboring property is also an important factor to consider when selecting suitable privacy plants.

Devils Dream as a stem

Preventing neighbor disputes: What to consider when planting privacy screens

Preventing issues with neighbors: what to consider when planting privacy screens.

Shrubs like hydrangeas impress with their summer blooms and evergreen foliage. Over time, they can grow into impressive, dense hedges, but this can become a problem if they start encroaching on your neighbor's property. To prevent this, the bushes need to be planted at a sufficient distance from the neighboring plot. However, this can take up a significant amount of space in your own garden. Using these plants as privacy screens in containers on the terrace is not an option either, as larger varieties require ample root space. If you only want to use them for ornamental purposes, you can opt for shorter, compact hydrangea varieties.

Other options for a beautiful, privacy-shielding screen include summer-blooming lilacs and ivy. However, it's worth noting that these plants can spread vigorously and be challenging to control, which has caused more than a few neighborhood disputes.

Packshot Devils Dream Stem

Planting an evergreen privacy screen: Why classics are not always a good choice

Among the evergreen and opaque plants, the cherry laurel dominates in German gardens. It grows quickly and densely and requires low maintenance. However, it is visually quite dull. Even insects and birds are not enthralled by it because nectar and berries are of little interest to the local wildlife. Additionally, all parts of the cherry laurel are toxic, which can be a problem for children and pets.

The leaves and fruits of the privet, another popular choice for privacy plants, are also poisonous. A good choice for birds, bumblebees, and other creatures is the native yew tree, although it is equally toxic in almost all its parts. Even small amounts of its seeds can lead to heart failure.

Devils Dream as a hedge in the garden

All-rounders: Privacy plants that you don't have to compromise on anything with

As it turns out, it's not so easy to find something suitable. At least not if you want everything: privacy plants that are winter-hardy, fast-growing, family-friendly, and insect-friendly. Fortunately, there is Photinia Devil's Dream®! The Photinia is evergreen and offers a fiery red leaf fireworks display from May to June, adding splashes of color to the garden. Afterwards, the leaves transform into a shiny green, and in the fall, birds enjoy the red berries. With Photinia Devil's Dream®, you can also plant a privacy screen on the terrace, and due to its density, the Photinia also provides good wind protection for other plants.

Devils Dream hedge