Hedge Fun
Local landscape professionals recommend their favorite flora for privacy and panache.
By John Roark
SOUR ORANGE
Russell Greey, landscape architect
Sour orange is an excellent choice for both traditional and modern-style homes in the Valley. The fast-growing, dense shrub boasts glossy dark leaves and thorny branches that provide an extra layer of security for perimeter walls. It is a myth that this plant attracts roof rats; vermin do not care for the tart taste of the fruit. Do to its evergreen nature, sour orange has a weekly leaf drop. Fruit collection and removal is also required.
Plant name: Sour orange (Citrus aurantium)
Elevations: Low and middle
Size: 10′-20’H by 10′-15’W
Soil: Well-drained
Light: Full sun
Water needs: Moderate
Flowers: Petite fragrant white blossoms, late winter to midspring
Arizona Rosewood
Donna Winters, landscape architect
The Arizona rosewood is an evergreen shrub that does very well in the desert’s extreme temperatures. It can be trained as either a hedge or a tree and is a favorite low-water alternative to oleander for living walls and privacy screens. Homeowners will also appreciate that there is very little cleanup, other than retrieving the small brown fruit that drop in autumn.
Plant name: Arizona rosewood
(Vauquelinia californica)
Elevations: All
Size: 12′-15’H by 10′-15’W
Soil: Well-drained
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water needs: Low
Flowers: Small white clusters in early summer
Carolina Cherry
Sal Bracale, landscape designer
Native to the Southwest, the Carolina cherry can handle the heat and requires minimal watering once established. The versatility of this evergreen shrub allows it to flourish almost anywhere in your landscape, and its dense canopy makes a picturesque privacy hedge. It can also be trimmed as a low hedge to create barriers throughout a yard or line property borders. Flowers drop, so avoid planting near swimming pools or water features.
Plant name: Carolina cherry (Prunus caroliniana ‘Compacta’)
Elevations: All
Size: 8′-10’H by 6′-8’W
Soil: Well-drained
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water needs: Minimal
Flowers: Small, white fragrant blossoms in spring
Green Hopseed
Jeremy McVicars, landscape designer
One of the fastest-growing plants in the Southwest, green hopseed delivers excellent screening in a short period of time. Its bright green leaves provide a nice counterpoint to darker foliage. While some gardeners shear it for a tailored, formal look, this plant also has a pleasing natural form. Its tropical vibe makes it an attractive accent around pools or patios.
Plant name: Green hopseed (Dodonaea viscosa)
Elevations: Low and middle
Size: 12’H by 10’W
Soil: Well-drained
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water needs: Drought-tolerant once established
Flowers: Tiny yellow-green blooms throughout the year
