I am building large planter boxes to grow a green privacy screen in my backyard. It is a partial shade area. Can you recommend an evergreen
I am building large planter boxes to grow a green privacy screen in my backyard. It is a partial shade area. Can you recommend an evergreen plant that will grow at least 6 feet tall and tolerate living in a planter in partial shade.
Answer
Lynn, The English yew is a very tough plant that can endure many adverse conditions including drought (once estalished) and some freezing temperatures. Some cultivars that are upright and grow fairly quickly are Citation, Hicksii, Capitata, Viridis, and Stoveken. Call around to various nurseries in the spring for supply. The box should be at least twice the size of the root ball, and with neutral (not acid) soil for yews. Keep them well watered the first year, but not soaked as soaked soil promotes root rot. Also mulching the plants well the first year on top of and beside the boxes will help to allow the plants become adjusted to their new home.