I'm looking for advice on what type of Bougainvillea would work best for providing privacy in my backyard. We have a view fence right next to a public walking path, and ideally, we need a plant that can grow to about 6 feet tall. I know there are different varieties of Bougainvillea out there, and I'm specifically interested in the shrub type that can develop into a larger bush. We live in a desert climate in the Phoenix area, where summer temperatures can reach up to 110°F, so I'm also curious if there are other drought-resistant plants that would offer good privacy as well. Thanks in advance for any recommendations!
2 Answers
While Bougainvilleas can be pretty, they can also be thorny and tricky to manage. For a good privacy hedge in the Phoenix area, I recommend the Hop Bush (Dodonaea viscosa). It's native, fast-growing, and copes well with various conditions. It's evergreen too and can reach about 12 feet! Perfect for blocking out views.
If you're considering other options, I highly suggest Oleander. It grows quickly to around 4 feet but can reach up to 15-20 feet when pruned correctly, making it super dense as a privacy screen. Just a heads up though; it is toxic, so be cautious if you have pets or kids around!
Thanks for the warning! I'll definitely keep that in mind about the toxicity.