Top Privacy Shrubs for Southwest Florida Homes

Looking to block out nosy neighbors or street views in Southwest Florida? Privacy shrubs are one of the smartest and most beautiful solutions for homeowners who want a living fence that thrives in our tropical climate. Unlike traditional fences that can break down in storms, a green hedge adds charm, shade, and natural screening that improves your property’s value year-round.

Below, discover the best privacy shrubs for Southwest Florida — including native, low-maintenance, and fast-growing options — plus expert tips on spacing and care to ensure your hedge grows healthy and dense.

Best Native Privacy Shrubs for Florida

Simpson’s Stopper
This Florida native is a local favorite for its fragrant white flowers and red berries that attract birds and butterflies. It’s evergreen, pest-resistant, and stays tidy with minimal pruning. Keep it at 6–8 feet as a hedge or let it grow taller for a natural screen. Plant 3 feet apart for best coverage.

Cocoplum
Cocoplum brings a lush tropical look and even produces edible fruit. It’s salt-tolerant, thrives in coastal areas, and forms a thick hedge around 4–6 feet tall when pruned. It needs little care once established. Space about 3–4 feet apart.

Wax Myrtle
A fast-growing native that creates a dense, aromatic privacy screen up to 15–20 feet tall. It adapts well to different soils and attracts birds with its berries. Plant 4–6 feet apart.

Walter’s Viburnum
Known for its dark green foliage and spring flowers, Walter’s Viburnum forms a boxwood-like hedge perfect for Florida conditions. It’s hardy in sun or shade and stays thick year-round. Space 3–5 feet apart.

Sea Grape
Ideal for coastal homes, Sea Grape has large round leaves and edible fruit. It’s salt-tolerant, wind-resistant, and grows wide — prune to keep it around 6–8 feet or taller if you like. Give them plenty of room to spread.

Popular Low-Maintenance Evergreen Privacy Shrubs

Clusia (Pitch Apple)
Clusia is prized for its thick, glossy leaves that form a solid green wall. It’s fast-growing, drought-tolerant, and needs minimal trimming once shaped. Commonly kept at 6–10 feet tall. Plant 4–5 feet apart.

Podocarpus (Japanese Yew)
This elegant shrub has narrow, deep green leaves and a neat, upright growth. It handles sun or shade and grows slowly into a beautiful hedge. Easy to prune into formal shapes. Space 3–5 feet apart.

Areca Palm
While technically a palm, it’s used like a shrub to create a tropical privacy wall. Clusters fill in quickly, offering great coverage up to 10–20 feet tall. Loves full sun and regular watering. Space clumps 3–4 feet apart.

Surinam Cherry (Eugenia)
A fast-growing shrub with glossy green leaves and red cherry-like fruit. It responds well to pruning and can form a dense hedge quickly. Plant 3–4 feet apart.

Flowering Shrubs for Privacy and Color

Hibiscus
Add tropical blooms and privacy in one! Hibiscus shrubs grow 6–10 feet tall and flower nearly all year here. Plant in full sun and prune for shape. Space 3–4 feet apart.

Oleander
Fast-growing and blooming in shades of pink, red, white, or yellow, oleander forms a tall, colorful hedge. Caution: all parts are toxic if eaten. Great for areas without pets or small kids. Space 4–6 feet apart.

Bougainvillea
A thorny vine trained along fences or trellises to create a vibrant flowering screen. Blooms year-round with minimal watering once established. Prune regularly to control spread.

Planting and Care Tips

• Spacing: Proper spacing ensures each shrub fills out fully — crowding causes patchy growth.

• Watering: Water regularly when young; most Florida-friendly shrubs become drought-tolerant once established.

• Pruning: Trim hedges to encourage thick, healthy growth from the base to the top.

• Soil: Use well-drained soil and mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Create Your Own Private Oasis

A well-planned hedge provides lasting privacy, beauty, and value. Ready to upgrade your yard? Explore our Landscape Design Services to plan the perfect hedge, or check out our Planting Services for expert installation.

Contact Precision Landscaping today to start creating a lush, private retreat right at home.