Best Privacy Plants (North American Home Edition)  

Spring has sprung (okay, not technically yet but it’s right around the corner)! And this year, we’re taking steps to create a private and serene outdoor space.

Reduce noise, offer a bit of separation from prying eyes, and enhance your yard with some lovely native greenery. 

Note that introducing native species to your landscaping is a good idea because these plants are already well-adapted to local climates, require less maintenance, and often provides support for local ecosystems.

Privacy Plant 1: Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)  

The Eastern Red Cedar is a hardy coniferous tree with dense, scale-like foliage and an ability to tolerate a wide range of soil conditions. Growing quickly up to 50 ft high, this tree is drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and provides food and shelter for birds and other wildlife.  

Best for: USDA zones 2-9/Canadian zone 0b-9a.  

Privacy Plant 2: American Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis) 

Another evergreen option for privacy plants, this classic, formal hedge features soft, feathery foliage and naturally grows into a dense, pyramidal shape. Low-maintenance, it is often planted in rows to create a consistent privacy screen effect.  

Best for: USDA zones 3-7/Canadian zones 3a-6a.  

Privacy Plant 3: Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) 

A native North American plant known for its exfoliating bark, springtime flowers, and dense foliage, this deciduous shrub grows up to ten feet tall. Extra thick and bushy, the Ninebark is an excellent choice for seasonal privacy plants. 

Best for: USDA zones 2-8/Canadian zones 0a-8a.  

Privacy Plant 4: Northern Bayberry (Morella pensylvanica)  

The Northern Bayberry is a hearty, sturdy, semi-evergreen shrub that thrives in both coastal and inland environments. Tolerant of challenging growing conditions like poor soil and drought, this bush features aromatic leaves, small waxy berries that attract birds, and a thick growth habit, which makes it a good option to function as a privacy barrier.

Best for: USDA zones 3-7/Canadian zones 3a-6a.  

Privacy Plant 5: American Holly (Ilex opaca)  

A beautiful broadleaf conifer that offers both privacy and a charming holiday aesthetic, American Holly is a low-growing tree that features glossy, dark green leaves with sharp edges and bright red berries in the winter, which attract songbirds. While it grows at a moderate pace, its density and vibrance lasts year-round while its spiky leaves provide a natural deterrent to unwanted pests.  

Best for: USDA zones 5-9/Canadian zones 5a-9a.  

Privacy Plant 6: Wax Myrtle (Morella cerifera)  

A fast-growing privacy screen, Wax Myrtle is a good choice for privacy plants that can grow up to five feet per year, creating a thick, fragrant barrier. As a natural fence, it thrives in poor soils and is resistant to pests and drought.

Best for: USDA zones 7-10/Canadian zones 6a-9a.  

Privacy Plant 7: Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)  

For homes with a trellis or fence structure to support growth, the Trumpet Honeysuckle is a native vine that produces tubular red or orange flowers, which attract hummingbirds and butterflies. It twines beautifully around structures to create leafy barriers during the warmer months for vertical coverage.  

Best for: USDA zones 4-9/Canadian zones 4a-9a.