I have written in the past about how effective Eucalyptus trees are for use as hedges or screens. Their fast growth, willingness to be heavily pruned, and green to blue to silver foliage make them a no brainer over a Leyland Cypress, Holly, or (gasp) Bradford Pear.
Our updated garden trials continue to show Eucalyptus nicholii ‘Angus’, rubida ‘Cab Sav’, and the newest Southern Euc introduction subcrenulata ‘Ripper’ to be the best choices for tall, fast growing screens. And look no further than Eucalyptus stellulata ‘Sheila’ and neglecta ‘Big 0’ for a hedge row that will turn your neighbor’s heads.
But full garden disclosure here, there is another stunning option for a screen that I have just come to appreciate this spring in my home landscape. Patience is the key here because growth rate is much slower than Eucalyptus. See photo below of Cryptomeria and E. nicholii ‘Angus’ planted at the same time about 12 years ago.
But Cryptomeria japonica ‘Yoshino’ (40’tall) under planted with Loropetulam (any of the taller varieties) is something to behold.
The purple to red foliage with their hot pink blooms appear to reach for the cooler dark green foliage of the Cryptomeria giving you not only an effective top to bottom screen but a true focal point in your landscape.
If the Cryptomerias are a bit more screen than you would like, combine the Loropetulum with the aforementioned Eucs for a more open and airy screen and stunning focal point.
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