Hedges and Screens

The following plants are commonly used as hedges (3' to 6') or screens (6' and above) in Central Florida:

1. Hibiscus - Best as a 3' to 6' hedge. Most varieties are not dense enough above that height to be workable screens. Stick to the more dependable varieties to avoid significant leaf drop issues (such as President, Seminole Pink, Hedge Red, etc.)
2. Gardenia - Best as a hedge.
3. Magnolia - Southern Magnolias, especially the Little Gem, can be used as screens. However, they are costly and not suited for large screening applications. The same applies to Hollies.
4. Viburnum - Relatively inexpensive, tough and able to withstand some shade. The Awabuki variety is especially suited to use as a screen. Click here for a detailed description of our experience putting in a 100' Awabuki hedge.
5. Waxmyrtle - A tough, fast growing screen or hedge.
6. Other Choices
   • Some other alternatives for Central Florida are:
     • Bamboo
     • Bottlebrush
     • Eugenia
     • Feijoa or Pineapple Guava
     • Firebush
     • Holly
     • Natal Plum
     • Oleander
     • Pittosporum
     • Podocarpus
     • Some choices for low hedges:
       • Azalea in shady locations
       • Burford Holly
       • Downy or Star Jasmine
       • Roses (especially Knockout Roses)
       • Star or Shining Jasmine (if given winter protection)
   • You can also try a mixture of plants in the screen, such as:
     • Ligustrum or Feijoa for height and low growing shrubs or grasses in front.
     • A mixture of plants such as Hollies or Magnolias spaced 10' or 15' apart with Wax Myrtle in between.

• Cocoplum (chrysobalanus icaco), Schefflera Arboricola and Ficus are heavily used in Southern Florida as screens. However, these plants are susceptible to leaf drop in cold temperatures (less than 30 degrees), so they are not ideal sources for screens in Central Florida.

Waxmyrtle	Gardenia
Sandanqua or Sandankwa Viburnum (viburnum suspensum)	Awabuki Viburnum Hedge