Screening plants

I'd like to create a screen and would like some suggestions as to what to use. My preference is copper beech but I'm very impatient and would like something that can produce an attractive screen within a couple of years. I live within two miles of the sea and conditions can be very dry and windy.

Can anyone suggest what I can use?

 

Willow or hazel whips might be a possibility, on dry soils you will need to water them for the first year and then keep your eye open from then on.

Alternatively perhaps bamboo might be worth looking at-it can be invasive so you will need to choose your variety carefully, and having never grown bamboo myself I can`t really advise thoroughly on bamboo-maybe some of our tropical gardeners can do so.


But, I would remain with your first choice personally were I in the same boat-because I too think beech is beautiful.

 

" I'm very impatient and would like something that can produce an attractive screen within a couple of years."

Impatience for a hedge is pretty much only down to how much you can afford :D I've planted a copper beech hedge with 4-5' plants, and they were about £5 each - say 4 / metre. You could buy fully-formed hedge for £200 / M :(

Cooper beech is slower then green beech (and Leylandii <Spit!> will be much faster)

Lombardi poplars <Spit again!!> (if you need something really tall) are quick. Mine are at least 60' and have been in about 20 years.

 

Russian Vine could be good for you, I just found this quote about it...

"Russian vine flowers from July to October in white. The plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Attention: The plant needs a support structure, on which to grow"

and this from another site...

"Very fast growing climber , up to 6m in one season. White flowers from August through to first frosts. Cut back when required. Excellent for growing over fences, walls, arbors, pergolas, trellises and stakes."

You could have that for your screen for a couple of years on some trellis with the copper Beach growing up at its base. Instant screening, with long term benefits. :D

Steve...

 

linlin,

please state:
required height
why you need the ecreening
aspect
shade
budget
length of screening

otherwise you could try looking at:
Viburnum tinus
Acacia
Eucalyptus
Fuschia magallencia

 

Eleagnus does well by the sea and is evergreen, fairly fast growing and comes in different leaf colours too.

 

Steve, Russian Vine is such a beast that the Beech would never take, and once you`ve got it it`s virtually impossible to get rid of. Linlin, Phyllostachys makes a good, 3m high screen. If you want an informal hedge, then the likes of Griselinia, Escallonia, Tamarisk and Eleagnus, are reliable.:gnthb:

 

We have an Escallonia macrantha hedge that is just under 3 metres tall that works really well - we are by the sea, the ground drains fast and dries out and we catch a gale every so often. Great plant