Tall shrubs over 5 feet for privacy screening

Tall Shrubs

Big privacy shrubs that fill space fast.

Tall shrubs create instant presence—whether you want a living fence, a softer alternative to wood panels, or a strong evergreen backbone that makes everything else look intentional. This collection focuses on shrubs that typically grow over 6 feet, making them ideal for privacy, wind buffering, and vertical structure in Bay Area landscapes.

Skip to results list

Active filters:

130 items
Column grid
Column grid

Filter

Active filters:

  • Emerald Colonnade Holly

    Emerald Colonnade Holly

  • Marjorie Channon Kohuhu

    Marjorie Channon Kohuhu

  • Red Chinese Fringe Flower

    Red Chinese Fringe Flower

  • Single Red Hibiscus

    Single Red Hibiscus

  • Tom Knudsen Camellia

    Tom Knudsen Camellia

  • Kanjiro Camellia

    Kanjiro Camellia

  • Common Myrtle

    Common Myrtle

  • Winter Sun Hybrid Mahonia

    Winter Sun Hybrid Mahonia

  • Green Beauty Boxwood

    Green Beauty Boxwood

  • Mountain Fire Japanese Andromeda

    Mountain Fire Japanese Andromeda

  • Vestito Rosso Camellia

    Vestito Rosso Camellia

  • Chinese Fringe Flower

    Chinese Fringe Flower

  • Nana Pomegranate

    Nana Pomegranate

  • Japanese Mock Orange

    Japanese Mock Orange

  • Honey Bush

    Honey Bush

  • Hel Strybing New Zealand Tea Tree

    Hel Strybing New Zealand Tea Tree

  • Lavender Starflower

    Lavender Starflower

  • Moonlight Grevillea

    Moonlight Grevillea

  • Summer Snowflake Double-File Viburnum

    Summer Snowflake Double-File Viburnum

  • Australian Brush Cherry

    Australian Brush Cherry

  • Leatherleaf Coffeeberry

    Leatherleaf Coffeeberry

  • Variegated Italian Buckthorn

    Variegated Italian Buckthorn

  • Darwinii Barberry

    Darwinii Barberry

  • Speckled Japanese Aralia

    Speckled Japanese Aralia

Frequently asked questions

What height counts as a tall shrub?
In this collection, tall shrubs are varieties that typically grow over 5 feet at maturity under normal landscape conditions.

How far apart should I plant tall shrubs for privacy?
It depends on the mature width of the variety. A common approach is spacing so plants lightly touch at maturity rather than overlapping heavily.

How long does it take to get a full screen?
Many shrubs look noticeably fuller after the first growing season once established. Faster growers fill in sooner, while moderate growers often look cleaner long-term.

Do tall shrubs need regular pruning?
Some do, especially faster-growing types. Others keep a naturally tidy shape with minimal trimming. Pruning needs vary by variety and your desired look.

Are tall shrubs good for windy areas?
Yes. Many tall shrubs reduce wind and create a calmer microclimate, which can also protect more delicate plants nearby.

Can I grow tall shrubs in containers?
Some varieties can work in large containers, but most tall shrubs perform best in the ground where roots can expand and stay evenly moist.

Do tall shrubs work in Bay Area gardens?
Yes. With the right match for sun exposure and watering, tall shrubs are a reliable choice for Bay Area landscapes.