The Best Plants For Screening in the UK | Expert Recommendations

Golden bamboo ( Phyllostachys aurea) is an ideal screening plant for UK gardens. It has an upright, columnar growth habit and grows to a height of 6-8 m (20-26 ft). The canes are yellow-green in colour with a reddish tinge and they turn a deep green with age. They are also covered in small bumps (nodes) which give them a very decorative appearance. Golden bamboo is very fast growing, typically reaching 1 m (3 ft) in height in the first year and 3 m (10 ft) in height after 3 years. It will tolerate both full sun and part shade and prefers moist soil but will also grow well in drier conditions.

California Lilac (Ceanothus Concha) is a deciduous shrub that grows 3 to 10feet tall and wide. It has a moderate growth rate and can be used for screening or hedging. The plant blooms in late spring to early summer with clusters of blue flowers. It does best in full sun or partial shade and is drought tolerant once established.

This plant is known for its rapid development and red leaf tips that complement its evergreen foliage. The bright red leaves of the spring and the serrated edges on new growth provide a colour spectrum ranging from bright red to evergreen. As if that weren’t enough, white flowers appear in April and release a Hawthorn-like aroma. Prune the flowers at the beginning of spring if you desire red and green leaves but don’t want the scent.

This flowering magnolia has gorgeous dark green leaves and large white blooms that emerge in the spring and persist through summer. Towards the end of autumn, fruit clusters will develop. Because this variety is evergreen, it is a fantastic option for screening as it protects all year.