I can give you a list of privacy hedges for zone 9, but most people who ask for recommendations emphasize "fast growing" because they’re in a hurry to block out views from the road or their neighbors. In this article, I will provide you with a hand-picked list of fast-growing hedges for privacy for zone 9. (Both 9a and 9b can consider this list)
In zone 9, the climate is warm thus you need to choose plants that can tolerate drought.
I will give you two different lists. One is for creating privacy hedges using native plants and another one is with other non-native plants.
If you prefer low-maintenance options, native hedge plants are a great choice.
I know that people will consider the height of the hedges so I will insert a column for the height of the hedges as well in my tables.
Note: You can get low-maintenance plants for creating fast-growing privacy hedges, but you should keep in mind that they are fast growing means you have to be active in pruning to maintain good shape and size.
Fast growing privacy hedges with native plants
| Plant Name | Height | Growth Rate | Sun Requirements | Other Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera) | 15-20 feet | Fast (3-5 feet/year) | Full sun to partial shade | Drought-tolerant once established, excellent for wildlife habitat. |
| Southern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana var. silicicola) | 30-40 feet | Moderate to Fast | Full sun | Evergreen with dense foliage, provides great windbreak and privacy. |
| Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria) | 15-25 feet | Moderate | Full sun to partial shade | Evergreen, very hardy, and produces red berries in winter. |
| American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) | 5-8 feet | Fast | Full sun to partial shade | Known for its purple berries, great for wildlife and low-maintenance hedges. |
| Simpson's Stopper (Myrcianthes fragrans) | 15-20 feet | Moderate to Fast | Full sun to partial shade | Fragrant flowers, attracts birds and pollinators, drought-tolerant once established. |
| Florida Privet (Forestiera segregata) | 8-15 feet | Fast | Full sun | Dense foliage and drought-tolerant, ideal for hedges and wildlife. |
The above picture is a Wax Myrtle Hedge.
Other plants to create hedges for privacy in Zone 9
| Plant Name | Height | Growth Rate | Sun Requirements | Other Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Podocarpus (Podocarpus macrophyllus) | 20-40 feet | Moderate to Fast | Full sun to partial shade | Dense foliage, low-maintenance, and ideal for formal hedges. |
| Italian Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) | 40-60 feet | Fast | Full sun | Slender and upright growth, great for vertical privacy screening. |
| Bamboo (Clumping varieties) | 15-25 feet (depending on species) | Very Fast (3-5 feet/year) | Full sun to partial shade | Non-invasive clumping varieties create a quick, natural screen. |
| Japanese Privet (Ligustrum japonicum) | 6-12 feet | Fast | Full sun to partial shade | Glossy leaves, easily shaped into dense, formal hedges. |
| Nellie R. Stevens Holly (Ilex x 'Nellie R. Stevens') | 15-25 feet | Fast | Full sun to partial shade | Evergreen, produces red berries, great for privacy year-round. |
| Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) | 10-20 feet | Fast (3 feet/year) | Full sun to partial shade | Thick, glossy foliage, tolerates a wide range of soils, ideal for hedging. |
| Viburnum (Viburnum odoratissimum) | 10-20 feet | Fast | Full sun to partial shade | Dense growth, fragrant flowers in spring, adaptable hedge plant. |
This is a podocarpus hedge.
Flowering hedges for privacy
Not all the hedges produce beautiful flowers. If you want flowers along with your purpose you can choose these:
- Simpson’s Stopper: It will give you small white flowers and it smells good. You can expect flowering from spring to summer.
- Viburnum: It produces small clusters of white flowers and they are fragrant flowers. It will bloom only in spring.
If you want to make your hedges a perfect match for your specific landscaping style, then you can contact me, I will suggest you best plants, and don't worry it's free.
A Question that I received from a reader on privacy hedge suggestion:
I have received a question from the gardening community and he is asking for suggestions on this:
"I need suggestions on a good privacy hedge. My neighbor makes me uncomfortable so I'd like something that grows fast if possible. I live in 9b on the Lake Wales Ridge, the spot is dry, sandy, gets full sun in summer and some of the area gets shade in the winter."
And he also mentioned that he does not like vines.
Here's my answer for you:
Saltbush, Wax Myrtle, Firebush, Cocoplum, Florida Privet... all fast growers.
If I need to choose any two of these, I would go for: Wax Myrtle and Florida Privet.
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