Question
what is a good shrub that grows pretty tall to hide neighbors junky yard can't afford a wood fence cheap shrubs that look nice any ideas please.....

Thanks,

Answer
Hello Janet

You choice of plant will depend on whether you want a tradition (formal) hedge or an informal one, either using just one variety of plant or a mix of flowering shrubs.

First the traditional hedge - you could to worse then use Ligustrum (privet) - it is very tolerant of poor soil conditions and is also very hardy, plus it usually keeps its leaves in the winter.  They have the advantage also of growing very quickly - from 10 feet to 30 feet depending on variety, but any of them can be pruned with hedge trimmers to keep them to a convenient height and width.  Pruning also encourages the plants to thicken up, making an impenetrable barrier.

As I have indicated above, there are many varieties of this plant and a mixture of plain green and variegated leafed plants can look very attractive and many do bear flowers.

The only downside to this type of hedge is that it does need trimming a couple of times during the growing season, making sure that the bottom of the hedge is wider than the top in order to keep it clothed in leaves from top to bottom.

The informal hedge - where, strictly speaking, no trimming is necessary, can be composed of practically any shrub you like -

Pyracantha (firethorn) is popular.  Whatever the variety Pyracantha produces white flowers followed by berries (from yellow, through orange to deep red).  The berries are much loved by birds.  Again depending on variety this plant can grow from 6 feet to 15 feet!  The only trimming it will need will be to keep it to a convenient height.

Berbaris (barberry).  Because this plant has very sharp thorns it makes a really good, intruder-proof hedge!  Again there are several varieties.  Some have plain green leaves, others can be two or more colors (variagated) or even pinkish!  All have flowers is spring/summer and berries in winter.  The plant can be trimmed after it has flowered if you're not too bothered about having berries, but do wear stout (preferably leather) gloves - those thorns can hurt!!

Escallonia.  Another very popular hedging plant it will grow as high as you let it!  It tolerates salt-laden air in coastal locations and although it is reputed to be susceptible to frost, I have never had a problem in that respect - and we do get some pretty deep frosts on occasion!

Depending on variety it carries pink, red or white flowers in the summer and some varieties have aromatic leaves.  You can trim this plant immediately after flowering to keep it tidy

If you want your hedge to be very informal (and interesting) why not plant it up using all of the above plants!

Once you start looking for your hedging plants you will be surprised at what is out there - good luck - enjoy.

Gill