I'm in Florida's Zone 11a and I'm planning to create a privacy barrier with some edible plants. I've thought about using lemongrass, but I'm curious if there are other fast-growing options that would work well for this purpose. Any suggestions?
4 Answers
Just so you know, my zone is way colder, but I’m curious if folks are suggesting things like bananas for warmth or mango trees in your zone! I've got raspberries that aren't even starting to wake up yet! Maybe Florida’s options are more diverse.
You might want to look into Feijoa—they can make a nice hedge and provide edible fruit. Olives also work for screening, but they're not the fastest growers. Keep in mind that while they offer privacy, they may take a little while to fill out.
How about a kiwi vine or a passionfruit vine? Both are great at growing quickly and can cover some space nicely while being edible!
Lemongrass is a solid choice, but just know it might take a season to reach a good height. You might want to consider edible bunching bamboo, but make sure it's not the running type! Pineapple Guava is another option worth checking out, along with some heat-tolerant currants. If you're looking to invest a bit, low-growing citrus like kumquats could add a nice touch. For something fancy, try putting up a sturdy trellis and espalier some fruit trees or even grow passion fruit. You could start with smaller plants now and grow them for a fuller barrier later in the season!
Espaliering sounds fun! Plus, passion fruit is delicious and will definitely give you some privacy.
Yeah, lemongrass is great, but I love the idea of edible bamboo! Just be cautious about maintenance.