So, you’ve decided that you want to incorporate some privacy plants in your house or apartment’s landscape—what to do first? Consider why you want privacy plants in the first place, as this will help you choose a habit and size that can meet your needs.
With this list of privacy plants, we’ll help to provide some common options that might be suitable for your outdoor space. As always, we’re here to help with any step along the way—just get in touch with any questions you might have.
Evergreen plants are commonly a top choice for privacy plants. Why? Some grow really fast, but nearly all provide a dense way to block out wind, noise, and people. While these choices are all great, it may be advantageous to plant at least two varieties to build resilience against pests and disease.
Juniper is an excellent privacy screen—and with varieties that range from lower shrubs to taller trees, there’s a perfect option for any patio, deck, or backyard.
Juniper does require full sun and may take several years to grow enough to become an effective privacy screen. However, in the meantime, be prepared to enjoy its gorgeous silver-blue berries that will also attract wildlife like birds [1].
While its glossy, dark green leaves and bright red berries are enough of a reason to incorporate holly into your landscaping plans, it’s also a common choice for a privacy plant.
The medium grower can easily reach heights of around six feet tall, with a width nearly as large. With more than 780 evergreen species around the world [2], you’re sure to find something perfect for your needs. Just be sure that it has well-drained and slightly acidic soil.
As a dense hedge that does well with regular pruning, yew is perfect for keeping pesky neighbors at bay—particularly because it can reach heights of up to six feet tall and 16 feet wide [3]! The attractive dark green needles and red berries look great in any landscape, too.
While its growth rate isn’t as fast as some of these other privacy plants, it does provide a uniform hedge and can tolerate a range of soil and sun conditions.
Creating privacy and seclusion on your patio or balcony doesn’t have to break the bank With the right selection of low-cost, tall potted plants, you can build a beautiful living screen to block unwanted views and provide shade on a budget This comprehensive guide will provide you with everything you need to know to design your dream outdoor oasis with affordable tall container plants.
Why Use Tall Potted Plants for Privacy?
There are many benefits to using tall potted plants to create privacy on your patio compared to more expensive options like fences or permanent structures:
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Cost Effective – Potted plants are very budget-friendly compared to installing fences or screens which can cost thousands, Many fast-growing options only cost $5-$30 each
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Natural Beauty – Flowers, greenery, and height provide a soft, living backdrop instead of harsh solid screens. Plants add life with textures, movements, and even scents.
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Flexibility – Pots are portable so the layout can evolve. As plants grow or conditions change, the arrangement can be modified.
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Air Purifying – Many tall plants naturally filter air pollutants. Plants increase oxygen levels in outdoor living spaces.
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Shade – Taller varieties provide cooling shade from hot summer sun when placed strategically. This expands the seasons your patio is usable.
Best Low-Budget Container Plants for Privacy
When selecting plants, consider your climate zone, sunlight availability, growth rate, watering needs, and of course mature size. Here are 10 of the top options for affordably blocking views:
Bamboo
- Grows up to 12 feet tall
- Provides instant privacy with fast growth
- Thrives in containers and handles droughts
- Creates a modern, exotic look with dense leaves
- Dwarf cultivars available for smaller spaces
Canna Lily
- Reaches heights of 4-6 feet
- Large tropical-looking leaves and flowers
- Drought tolerant and low maintenance
- Spreads quickly to form screening
- Super budget-friendly at just $5 per plant
Arborvitae
- Evergreen for year-round coverage
- Grows 6-15 feet tall at maturity
- Slow but steady growth habit
- Handles pruning well if needed
- No frequent trimming required like hedges
Pampas Grass
- Fast growing to 6-10 feet
- Graceful plumes create visual interest
- Works well in windy areas
- Drought and salt tolerant
- Provides movement and texture
Elephant Ear
- Huge, dramatic leaves grow up to 6 feet
- Tropical, exotic look in a container
- Thrives with regular watering
- Can be grown as an annual or brought indoors
- Budget-friendly bulbs available
Privet
- Dense foliage great for privacy
- Grows quickly up to 15 feet
- Responds well to pruning into shapes
- Tolerates shade and sun
- Very low maintenance and cost effective
Holly Trees
- Evergreen leaves keep privacy year-round
- Slow growing but reaches 10 feet
- Takes well to container life
- Add beauty with red berries in fall/winter
- Budget-friendly compared to mature plants
Ficus Tree
- Grows up to 10 feet tall
- Easily pruned into tree or hedge shape
- Lush, bright foliage for tropical feel
- Does well in containers with watering
- Can be propagated from cuttings
Yucca
- Unique, spiky leaves provide privacy
- Grows up to 10 feet tall
- Thrives in pots with full sun and little water
- Adds height and modern dramatic flair
- Extremely drought tolerant
Tall Grasses
- Fast growing, affordable plants
- Excellent en masse for sound dampening
- Add movement and texture with plumes
- Choices like maiden grass, fountain grass
- Good in wind and require little care
How to Maximize Privacy with Placement
To make the most of your budget-friendly tall potted plants, use these layout tips:
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Place containers close together to mimic a hedge. Bamboo clumps or rows of canna lily work well.
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Use plant stands, shelves, or varying pot heights to create layers. Add visual interest!
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Arrange pots in zig-zag or staggered rows for better sightline coverage.
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Set larger, taller plants like arborvitae or holly trees in back and smaller pots in front.
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Angle groups of plants to create secluded, defined spaces in your patio.
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Add trellises along fences or walls and train vines to grow on them. Fast growing annual vines like beans provide quick coverage.
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Group 3-5 of the same plant together for cohesive, simple privacy panels. Repeat arrangements on opposite sides.
Caring for Tall Plants in Pots
Follow these tips to help your budget-friendly plants thrive and grow tall in containers:
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Water 1-2 times per week, more frequently in heat. Don’t let pots completely dry out.
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Use potting soil, not garden soil, to provide the drainage container plants need.
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Re-pot annually in early spring to allow adequate root room as plants grow bigger.
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Watch for staking needs, especially in windy areas. Support plants before they fall over.
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Apply a slow release fertilizer when first planting and reapply mid-summer.
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Prune strategically in spring to maximize foliage density for better coverage.
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Move pots into a protected location or indoor overwintering spot in cold climates.
Save Money with These Plant Tips
Follow these budget-friendly suggestions to create patio privacy on a budget:
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Buy young plants and let them grow over years rather than spending more on mature plants.
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Propagate your own plants from cuttings like ficus, coleus, or bamboo to get more plants for free.
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Use inexpensive DIY containers like recycled 5-gallon buckets or wooden crates. Add drainage holes.
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Choose perennial options that regrow every year rather than buying new annuals. Grasses, shrubs, vines are great choices.
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Utilize free mulch and compost to amend soil and conserve moisture reducing watering costs.
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Shop end of season plant sales to get discounted plants. Plant them right away in containers.
You don’t need an expensive renovation to create a private, relaxing patio oasis. Selecting budget-friendly tall potted plants is a smart strategy to design secluded spaces with natural beauty and flexibility. With a combination of fast-growing bamboo, tropical elephant ears, hardy evergreen trees, and care tips to maximize growth, you can build a lush backyard living area on a budget. Get creative with placements and plant stands to make the most of your plant selections. In no time, you’ll have an affordable, tranquil outdoor room filled with life!
Tall Plants for Privacy in Pots
Privet is a fast-growing shrub that includes roughly 50 species [7]. They grow upright, they grow quickly, and like boxwood, they tolerate pruning.
Variegated privet will require full sun, and all varieties will need well-draining soil in the pots. They should never be left to fully drive out. It’s also advantageous to select larger containers as privet should never outgrow its pot.
Golden Euonymus (Euonymus japonicus)
Golden euonymus shrubs bring color to your pool area—but they keep out the gaze of neighbors. It’s got dark green, leathery foliage with variegated buttercup yellow splashes. While it does flower in spring, the flowers aren’t showy and you might not even notice them.
The shrub is easy to grow and while it does require full sun, its very thick foliage is perfect as a privacy and sound hedge. Reaching heights of up to 10 feet tall, the shrub won’t require a lot of maintenance, but will need regular water until the root system is fully established [17].
Amazon Privacy Fence
FAQ
What plants to put in tall planters for privacy?
Strong Foliage – When planting for privacy, it’s important to look for plants with lush foliage. Grasses, Shrubs, and Elephant Ears are some of the best plants for long-lasting foliage.
What plants grow tall fast for a privacy?
- Fast-Growing Shrubs for Privacy.
- Buddleia (Butterfly Bush)
- Buxus (Boxwood)
- Caryopteris (Bluebeard)
- Cephalanthus (Buttonbush)
- Clethra (Summersweet)
- Daphne Plants.
- Diervilla (Bush Honeysuckle)
What potted plants are good for balcony privacy?
Plant choices
The fastest way to get privacy is to invest in advanced evergreen plants in large containers. Dense evergreens such as lilly pillies and conifers such as ‘Spartan’ juniper work well for year-round privacy and can be grown successfully in a large container.
What is the best plant to block neighbors’ views?
Emerald Arborvitae or Thuja! You can build a living wall with them, and they pretty much grow straight up rather then out. I would also recommend if you own the fence, growing Virginia creeper on it in the mean time; it grows dense and well, and has amazing fall color!