Not only hedges are suitable as privacy screens, but also a number of other densely growing plants and other alternatives. Here are the best alternatives for uncompromising privacy.
In a nutshell
- Hedge alternatives can be selected as summer and evergreen specimens
- Plants with high ornamental value
- frequent regular pruning required to maintain dense growth
- Alternatives to plants are significantly more expensive and complex
Table of contents
- Wisteria
- Chinese reed
- yew trees
- climbing hydrangeas
- rhododendron
- Buddleia
- gabions
- Wall
- privacy fences
- frequently asked Questions
Wisteria
Wisteria (Wisteria floribunda) is a climbing plant that is often used for tendrils on facades and pergolas. But even as a free-standing specimen, it is a real eye-catcher in combination with a trellis and represents a real alternative to regular hedges as a privacy screen.
Advantages:
- fast growing
- yellow autumn leaves
- ideal as a climbing plant on fences
- lush, decorative sea of flowers
Disadvantages:
- just summer green
- younger specimens need protection from the cold, since only older plants hardy
- frequent pruning due to rapid growth up to 10 meters
- frost sensitive buds
- all parts of the plant are toxic to humans and animals
Price: depending on age and size between 15 and 30 euros
Tip: You can also plant most of the plants in tubs as privacy screens and line them up, what is highly recommended for rented properties if the original condition is to be restored after moving out is.
Chinese reed
The Chinese reed (Miscanthus giganteus) is one of the best-known types of grass that can ideally serve as a privacy screen. An impressive growth of between 250 and 300 centimeters conjures up a light Asian flair in gardens and on balconies. The grass is also often used to demarcate and border terraces, for example.
Advantages:
- dense and fast growing
- very decorative
- robust and easy to care for
- tolerant in location
- hardy
Disadvantages:
- will without regular pruning unsightly over time
- Roots grow vigorously in good site conditions
- Root barrier recommended
- flowers only after warm summer days
- should be cut down in spring; this renders visual protection obsolete
Price: between 10 and 100 euros, depending on the type and size
yew trees
Yews (Taxus baccata) are best known as trees that can reach a height of up to 15 meters. But you are using the right ones educational cuts Also ideal as an alternative to classic hedge plants.
Advantages:
- dense and initially rapid growth (they reach two meters in a few years)
- suitable for sunny to shady locations
- evergreen, therefore also privacy protection in winter
- decorative autumn decorations for female specimens
- very cut compatible
Disadvantages:
- berries are poisonous
- older specimens grow slowly
- small planting distance of 50 centimeters to achieve dense privacy
Price: around 100 centimeters high around 30 euros; more than 150 centimeters high from about 70 euros
climbing hydrangeas
Provide a special flowering experience as a privacy screen alternative climbing hydrangeas (Hydrangea petiolaris). With good site conditions, they grow just as well in the sun as in the shade. They reach a growth height of up to six meters.
Advantages:
- lush sea of flowers during the summer months
- fragrant
- evergreen and thus also ensures privacy in winter
- urban climate festival
- insect friendly plant
- also suitable for pot planting
- grows equally well in sunny to shady locations
Disadvantages:
- must be cut regularly for dense privacy protection
- does poorly in wet soil
- does not tolerate high humidity
- Climbing aid is required
Price: between 15 and 35 euros on average
rhododendron
Among the most popular alternatives as privacy protection plants are Rhododendrons (Rhododendron impeditum). They impress with their large flowers from late spring or early summer.
Advantages:
- evergreen, therefore also privacy during the winter time
- Dwarf varieties available, which also provide privacy on small balconies
- numerous flower colors to choose from
- can be bought as a hybrid variety with growth heights of up to four meters
Disadvantages:
- high water demand
- demanding in care
- contain toxic diterpenes which may cause skin rash on contact
Price: dwarf rhododendrons under 10 euros; tall ones between 15 and 25 euros
Buddleia
For patio borders, enclosures and to protect against prying eyes from neighbors or passers-by The summer lilac (Buddleja davidii) offers passers-by a successful alternative to the classic one as a privacy screen Hedge. Decorative blooms bring rose-red or fuchsia-purple color to gardens and displays balconies. Depending on the variety, it can grow up to four meters tall.
Advantages:
- long flowering period from July to October
- Flowers pleasantly fragrant
- attracts butterflies
- as a dwarf summer lilac also suitable for small balconies
Disadvantages:
- deciduous, therefore only suitable as a privacy screen between spring and autumn
- somewhat more expensive, as four plants per square meter are required for successful privacy protection
- only deciduous, because deciduous and therefore no privacy screen for the winter months
Price: depending on the size between ten and 30 euros
gabions
Gabions are currently in high demand and offer a chic alternative to hedges. These are a kind of "boxes" made of fence-like wire mesh and filled in the middle with natural stones. They are available in different heights and widths.
Advantages:
- modern look
- easy-care
- weather resistant
- Immediate visual protection after installation, therefore no waiting times as with growing plants
Disadvantages:
- can rust
- A building permit is required for a fee
- time-consuming stone insert, so that the layering becomes opaque
Price: depending on the version with standard width between 50 and 60 euros per meter
Wall
The Wall is the most classic privacy screen that also protects against unauthorized entry at property boundaries. They are usually built from building blocks with cement or from a row of stones. That brings advantages and disadvantages in itself.
Advantages:
- Decades of durability
- professionally built, strong resilience, for example, in strong storms or floods
- gapless shade provider
- no maintenance required, such as with plants or wooden privacy fences
- simultaneous burglary protection
- offers plants sheltered location
Disadvantages:
- warm up and promote drying of soils in the immediate vicinity (possibly plant desiccations
- permanent privacy protection solution that can only be changed with a lot of effort
- depending on the height, it produces air and heat accumulation
Price: depending on the material: are the cheapest sandstone wall at around 100 euros per square meter
Tip: Don't just start building your new wall, because there are specifications from the municipalities/cities. Inquire in advance with the competent authority, because in many places a building permit must be applied for.
privacy fences
Privacy fences can be used to completely protect areas from looking into the garden. They are available in different materials and designs.
Advantages:
- take up little space due to their slim shape
- can planted behind beds to be assembled
- easy-care
- long durability, as long as attention is paid to quality and robust material
Disadvantages:
- manual skill required or extra costs by craftsmen
- not all specimens are storm resistant
Price: available from around 15 euros per fence element
frequently asked Questions
As long as you comply with local regulations, the neighbor has no say. Nevertheless, it is always advantageous to inform the neighbors about your own plans in order to prevent any problems that may arise.
There is no general answer to this because it depends on various factors. If it is not property, permanently installed/erected privacy screens such as walls, gabions and fences are not suitable. Here you should prefer plant alternatives that you can take with you when you move and when you need them. If you want a long-lasting, permanent privacy screen, the permanently installed alternatives are the best choice.
Because these are usually impermeable to air, you have to reckon with more heat in front of and behind the privacy screen in summer. Plants dry out faster, which means you have to water them more. You should also pay attention to the lighting conditions, because depending on the orientation, privacy screens cast shadows that sun-loving plants do not like.