Seeking more privacy in your garden? Colourful shrubs could be the solution for you.
There are plenty of ways to block out neighbours, from building a fence and installing a pergola to positioning screening planters. But one of the prettiest options is to plant colourful shrubs, which provide a natural screen while adding seasonal interest.
Shrubs are an easy way to brighten up your outdoor space. Softer than a fence and cheaper than an expensive installation, they’re perfect for creating beautiful spaces that feel secluded.
That's why we've asked experts for their recommendations on what shrubs to plant for a private – but colourful – garden. Here's what they had to say...
1. Pyracantha
'Pyracantha is useful because it grows thickly, is usually evergreen, and adds flowers and berries, which makes a plain boundary feel much less harsh,' says Paul Hooper, plant buyer at British Garden Centres.
Pyracantha, which produces orange, red or yellow berries, is great for providing colour in the autumn and winter months. They also produce white blossoms in the spring, creating a pretty seasonal variety for your garden.
2. Photinia
For an added burst of vivid red, Paul recommends photonia. 'Photinia is a strong choice because the new leaves come through bright red before turning green, so it gives you privacy and colour at the same time,' he says.
Katie Cromwell, Founder and Director of No. 86 Estate Agency, agrees: 'It is evergreen, grows quickly and responds well to clipping if you want to keep it at a specific height,' she says.
3. Escallonia
Katie picked out escallonia as one of the 'most underrated privacy shrubs available'. 'It grows quickly into a dense, evergreen screen with abundant small flowers in pink, red or white through summer and into autumn,' she says.
'It is particularly effective for coastal and urban gardens as it tolerates pollution and exposed conditions well.'
4. Buddleia
For a quick win, both Paul and Katie recommended growing buddleia. 'Buddleia grows rapidly, reaches significant height in a single season and produces long, fragrant flower spikes in purple, pink or white that are genuinely stunning in summer,' says Katie.
'Buddleia is a good option if you want something that looks lively in summer, since it flowers freely and grows quickly, although it won’t keep its leaves all year,' adds Paul.
5. Roses
For a classic shrub that always pleases come summertime, Katie recommends roses. 'A flowering shrub rose or climbing rose trained along a trellis or fence provides both privacy and one of the most beautiful garden displays available in summer,' says Katie.
'Varieties like Rosa 'Gertrude Jekyll' or 'Munstead Wood' are dense enough to provide meaningful screening and produce an exceptional display,' she says.
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