The warm, humid weather in South Florida makes it hard to choose the best hedges for landscaping. In South Florida, hedges have to deal with high temperatures, high humidity, coastal winds, sandy soils, and dry spells. The good news is that many shrubs that grow quickly do well in these conditions and make great hedges.
When choosing the right hedges, it’s important to consider factors like mature size, growth rate, maintenance needs, and desired look. Formal hedges have a neat, geometric shape and require frequent clipping. Informal hedges have a more natural look with plants kept at a consistent size but not sheared into a rigid form.
Here are some of the top picks for hedges in South Florida:
Podocarpus
Podocarpus is increasingly popular as a hedge in South Florida. This evergreen tree has dense foliage on upright stems, providing excellent screening and privacy. The ‘Maki’ cultivar only reaches 6-8 feet tall, perfect for formal hedges. Podocarpus has non-invasive roots and good wind resistance. It’s relatively low maintenance but may need occasional magnesium supplements in South Florida’s alkaline soils.
Eugenia
Also called Surinam cherry, Eugenia makes a fast-growing, dense hedge to about 6 feet tall. It has small creamy flowers and red berries. Eugenia works well for hedges in full sun or light shade. It’s not fussy about soil as long as it drains well. Little pruning is needed to maintain its compact shape.
Clusia
Clusia is a great choice for coastal areas because it can handle both salt and drought once it’s established. A thick, full hedge grows quickly and can be kept at 5 to 10 feet tall. The waxy evergreen leaves give good density year-round. Clusia thrives in poor, sandy, or rocky soil. Cutting back new growth 1-2 times a year is the most important thing it needs to keep up.
Viburnum
Several viburnum species make nice informal hedges in South Florida. Their red fall berries and white spring flowers make the seasons more interesting. Popular choices include Sandankwa viburnum and Laurustinus. Viburnums grow 4-10 feet tall depending on variety. Most tolerate sun or partial shade. Prune as needed to maintain size and shape.
Walter’s Viburnum
Walter’s viburnum comes from South Florida and grows quickly into a big bush or small tree. It has pretty white flowers in the spring and lots of blue-black berries in the fall. Walter’s viburnum can be kept between 10 and 15 feet tall to use as a hedge or screen. As long as it doesn’t get too wet, it does well in full sun or shade.
Simpson Stopper
Simpson stopper is a Florida native shrub that makes an attractive informal hedge. Growing 10-15 feet tall, it has eye-catching peeling bark and fragrant white flowers. The related Spanish stopper and Marlberry are other good native choices. Stoppers require little trimming to maintain their naturally neat forms.
Cocoplum
Cocoplum is a subtropical native shrub often seen clipped into formal hedges around 3-4 feet tall. However, it has larger, stiff leaves better suited to an informal hedge at its mature size of 8-15 feet tall. Cocoplum performs well in coastal areas and flowers reliably in spring. Little pruning is needed beyond shaping.
Natal Plum
Natal plum is an underutilized option for hedges in South Florida. It’s a tough, salt tolerant shrub that withstands heat, drought, and poor soil. The spiny branches form a dense thicket ideal for security and privacy. Natal plum grows 5-10 feet tall and can be trimmed into geometric shapes or left looser. It has fragrant white flowers and edible fruits.
Whatever your needs, South Florida offers many hedge plants adapted to the regional climate. Consult a local nursery or extension office for recommendations suited to your specific conditions. Proper plant selection and care will lead to thriving hedges that provide privacy, screening, and aesthetic appeal.
Privacy Hedge Plants for South Florida – Chart
The most important factor is the max height. Depending upon the size of your property and your specific requirements, you can choose the plants.
You should also consider the environment of the area. Is the area getting enough sunlight? If yes then go for sunloving hedges.
Do not worry, I will separate the charts so that you can make your decision wisely.
- Sun Loving Privacy Hedges
- Shade Loving Hedges
- Flowering Privacy Hedges
- Fast-Growing Privacy Hedges
Lets start one by one!
Sun Loving Privacy Hedge Plants
| Plant Name | Maximum Height | Flowering | Maintenance Difficulty | Drought Tolerance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cocoplum | 15 ft | Yes | Low | High |
| Podocarpus | 40-50 ft | No | Moderate (due to pests) | Moderate |
| Clusia | 25 ft | No | Low | High |
| Hibiscus | 8-15 ft | Yes | High | Low |
| Japanese Privet | 10-12 ft | Yes | Moderate | Moderate |
| Areca Palm | 20-30 ft | No | Moderate | Low |
| Orange Jasmine | 10-12 ft | Yes | Moderate | Moderate |
| Sea Grape | 30-50 ft | No | Low | High |
| Silver Buttonwood | 15-20 ft | No | Low | High |
| Firebush | 8-12 ft | Yes | Moderate | Moderate |
| Simpson’s Stopper | 15-20 ft | Yes | Low | High |
| Fiddlewood | 15-25 ft | Yes | Low | Moderate |
| Carolina Cherry Laurel | 20-30 ft | No | Low | Moderate |
| Indian Laurel | 20-30 ft | No | Low | High |
On a first look at my charts, you may be wondering: a few of the plants are not suitable for privacy screens. But believe me, if you know how to prune, all of them can be good choices for your South Florida property as privacy screens.
I didn’t add Panama Rose to the chart above because I already wrote an article about it. You can have a look at this: Panama Rose as Hedge.
- Panama Rose is a good choice for a privacy hedge, and it does well in both full sun and some shade.
The above is of Indian laurel. If you prune it properly it can be a beautiful privacy screen for your South Florida garden.
Low Maintenance Outdoor Plants in Florida: Three Varieties to Create Privacy
FAQ
What makes the best hedge in South Florida?
Clusia is a fast-growing hedge plant that thrives in warm, sunny climates like South Florida. They are very low maintenance, and although they love a lot of water, they are very drought tolerant. Clusia makes great privacy hedges because they grow very thick and wide and grow very tall.
What is the fastest growing privacy hedge in Florida?
Fast-Growing Privacy Plants for FloridaFlorida Native Sea Grapes. Florida Native Wax Myrtle. Areca Palms at Rockledge Gardens. Clusias make great privacy hedges!Wamin Bamboo. Podocarpus. Beautiful Hibiscus flower. Oleander flowers.
What grows faster, Clusia or Podocarpus?
Podocarpus is slower growing than clusia, but they’re popular plants to create a hedge, often seen as hedges in high-end Orlando neighborhoods.
What is the best hedge to block neighbors?
Comments SectionArborvitae: This evergreen shrub is a popular choice for privacy hedges due to its dense foliage and fast growth rate. Leyland Cypress: Another fast-growing evergreen, Leyland cypress can grow up to 70 feet tall, making it a great choice for blocking out tall buildings or large structures.
Which hedge plants are best for North Florida?
Florida privet is one of our favorite hedge plants for North Florida. You can grow it as a hedge or a small tree. If you give it the right conditions, it will grow dense and lush, giving your garden more privacy. Here is a list of our favorite hedge plants for North Florida.
Can you grow a hedge in Florida?
However, finding the best plants to grow as a hedge in Florida is challenging. Florida’s unique climate means that hedge plants should tolerate humidity, full sunlight, coastal air, and periods of drought. You can choose from a lot of different hedges in Florida, which is good news.
What is a good hedge plant for privacy in Florida?
Some examples of hedge plants for privacy in Florida are English laurel, Florida boxwood, Leyland cypress, clusia, and cape jasmine – all have dense evergreen foliage and rapid growth and are perfect for growing as a hedge.
How do I choose a hedge plant for my Florida home?
You are somewhat spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing a hedge plant for your Florida home. From eye-catching shrubs with delicate blossoms to functional and hardy boxwoods, the Florida climate is conducive to a wide range of hedge plants, ideal for borders, landscaping and wildlife attraction.
Are hedge plants native to Florida?
There are a number of hedge plants native to Florida, whether that be in the Northern panhandle of the state or the way down to the sub-tropical tip, including the Keys. Among these are the Clusia, the Arborvitae, and the aptly named Florida Privet.
Why are hedge plants important in Florida?
Florida hedge plants can create structure, privacy and noise insulation for you, as well as provide important habitat, food supply and shelter for a diverse range of wildlife. In fact, as our woodlands are depleted, more and more species are adapting by finding homes in and around hedges.