Q: I have a section of unattractive wall in my backyard visible from the patio, but replacing it isn't in the budget right now. How can I mask it using plants?
A: Covering an unattractive wall with greenery is a fantastic, budget-friendly idea. Opting for evergreen plants ensures year-round beauty and privacy.
'Fortunately, there are numerous varieties with colorful and unique foliage,' notes a gardening expert.
With over 50 years in gardening journalism, he regularly addresses reader queries and has authored multiple books on horticulture.
Evergreen Shrubs for Wall Coverage
He suggests Euonymus fortunei, an upright evergreen shrub that thrives near walls. Aucuba, or spotted laurel, grows quickly and photinia, especially the Photinia x fraseri variety with its vibrant red-tipped leaves, are excellent choices. Ceanothus, or California lilacs, showcases lovely purple-blue flowers. Brachyglottis, known as the daisy bush, adds cheerful yellow blooms against its silvery foliage.
Viburnum tinus, with its white flowers, is also effective. For a more tropical vibe, consider Fatsia japonica (available at Nature Hills), featuring large, glossy leaves.
'Many larger garden centers offer shrubs trained on trellis panels, providing instant and flexible screening,' he adds.
When selecting your plants, ensure they suit your garden's growing conditions, considering factors like sun exposure and soil type,' he advises. Be sure to check that your chosen plants aren't considered invasive in your area.
Ceanothus produces abundant purple flowers
Climbing Plants for Vertical Coverage
If your conditions permit, an evergreen flowering climber can be a great choice. Train it up a trellis affixed to your wall. This elegant composite trellis from Amazon makes for a stylish addition.
'Trachelospermum asiaticum, or its close relative T. jasminoides, are two exceptional white-flowering climbers,' he explains. 'Both bloom from mid to late summer and are quite hardy, though they might require pruning to manage their growth.'
Alternatively, consider clematis 'Avalanche', an evergreen with white flowers blooming on 10-12ft shoots. 'If this size seems overwhelming, clematis
