Creating privacy hedges in Ocala and North Central Florida involves choosing plants suited to local climate, soil, and maintenance requirements. Discover the best privacy hedge plants to enhance your landscape‘s beauty, functionality, and privacy.
1. Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria)
Growth Rate: Moderate
Mature Size: 15–25 ft tall/wide
Features: Native evergreen shrub, drought-tolerant, spring blooms, wildlife-attracting berries. Ideal for Ocala landscapes.
2. Podocarpus (Podocarpus macrophyllus)
Growth Rate: Moderate
Mature Size: Maintained 6–15 ft; natural growth up to 50 ft
Features: Dense, dark green foliage, versatile shaping, minimal maintenance, adaptable to various soils. Perfect for structured privacy screens.
3. Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera)
Growth Rate: Fast
Mature Size: 10–15 ft tall/wide
Features: Native, fragrant foliage, rapid growth, pest-resistant. Excellent choice for quick-growing privacy hedges.
4. Simpson’s Stopper (Myrcianthes fragrans)
Growth Rate: Moderate to Fast
Mature Size: Up to 20 ft tall
Features: Fragrant white flowers, butterfly-attracting, drought-tolerant, vibrant seasonal berries. Ideal for a Florida-friendly landscape.
5. Florida Privet (Forestiera segregata)
- Growth Rate: Fast
- Mature Size: 10–15 ft tall
- Features: Dense foliage, adaptable, easy shaping. Great native choice for customizable privacy barriers.
6. American Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis)
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Mature Size: Maintained shorter or naturally 40–60 ft tall
- Features: Dense evergreen foliage, thrives in full sun, well-drained soil. Best for structured, tall privacy screens.
7. Ligustrum (Ligustrum japonicum)
Growth Rate: Fast
Mature Size: 8–12 ft tall/wide
Features: Glossy leaves, fragrant flowers, easily shaped, drought-resistant once established. Popular hedge plant in Ocala.
8. Dwarf Clusia (Clusia guttifera)
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Mature Size: 6–10 ft tall/wide
- Features: Thick, leathery leaves, salt and drought-tolerant. Ideal for varied Florida landscapes and coastal areas.
9. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
Growth Rate: Fast
Mature Size: 15–20 ft tall
Features: Tropical aesthetics, feathery fronds, prefers well-drained soils. Excellent for lush, tropical privacy screens.
10. Cherry Laurel (Prunus caroliniana)
Growth Rate: Fast
Mature Size: 20–30 ft tall
Features: Glossy green foliage, fragrant spring blooms, adaptable to diverse soils. Provides dense, elegant privacy hedges.
Tips for Planting Privacy Hedges in Ocala, FL:
Soil and Sunlight: Match plants to your landscape’s soil and sunlight conditions.
Maintenance: Regular pruning ensures optimal height, density, and appearance.
Spacing: Appropriate spacing promotes healthy growth and maximizes privacy.
Selecting the right privacy hedge plants for Ocala and North Central Florida ensures attractive, long-lasting results that enhance your property’s privacy, beauty, and value. For professional help selecting and installing the perfect privacy hedge, contact Keith’s Lawn Care today at 352-239-3363