Landscaping ideas - looking for shrub privacy fence (flowers, grow, Arborvitae)

[tmr1188]

Hi Everyone,

Last season I planted the shurbs along the fence, including two laurel shrubs all the way to the left followed by arbor vitae and rhododendron (the fence continues out of the view of the photo- the photo incorporates about half of the total fence). I am looking to thicken the hedge shown. Any thoughts on some good shrubs to mix in? I was thinking some holly and hydrangeas. Maybe a golden cyprus tree of sorts as well? I will probably have to transplant at least some of those shrubs currently existing and move them closer.

I also plan to mulch the entire fence area this summer and add smaller plants and knock out roses.

Thanks in advance for your anticipated suggestions!

[need4speed2012]

Red tip photinia plants will look great and they grow fast.

[jacqueg]

I think most of what you have already are at good spacing for their mature sizes. I don't think you need to transplant them closer.

I think you should fill in with tall perennials and such, and let the shrubs already in the ground eventually shade them out as the shrubs grow. If you plant more shrubs in there, they will eventually be fighting with each other, that may not be what you want. Planting them tight eventually leads to hedge maintenance - pruning a couple times a year. Leaving them farther apart will allow for a more natural look - and less pruning.

Another thing you could do is plant a second rank about 3 feet in front of the row you have already planted. Stagger them between the spacings of the shrubs already there.

[tmr1188]

Thank you. I should add I am in Zone 6 (CT).

[Bulldogdad]

Originally Posted by need4speed2012

Red tip photinia plants will look great and they grow fast.

azoria

Let the games begin.

[no kudzu]

I'm staying out of this......(biting my tongue about the red tips).

[tmr1188]

I may swap the arborvitae for a shrub any thoughts.

[azoria]

Originally Posted by Bulldogdad

azoria

Let the games begin.

I saw it. Duly horrified. Determined to keep my mouth shut....(but now that you've invited me into the conversation...)

There is enough widespread information on the sheer chitteouzness of this plant that it's easy enough to discover why no one should ever ever plant red tip photinia ever again.

The very thought of someone putting one more of these disease ridden monstrosities in the ground makes my head swim.

Worst.plant.ever.

[no kudzu]

I think
Bulldogdad likes to stir us up about rep tips. We've had this discussion for several years here on CD. Wish he could see how horrible they are in Atlanta...at least the 2 which haven't been yanked out by disgusted homeowners. A few decades ago somebody decided red tips should be planted in every yard in Atlanta...probably somebody with a rep tip nursery.

[Bulldogdad]

I have two clients that's have red tipped standards similar to this one. One of them has seven on his property. Properly cared for they are disease free and look like they are on fire half the year. Right now they are just getting over their blooming cycle with small antique white flowers covering the entire plant.

Burn baby burn, ripped tipped inferno.....