10 Genius Container Plants for Privacy: Block Nosy Neighbors

7. Arborvitae: Your Perfect Privacy Partner

Container plants for privacy arranged on a wooden deck, featuring a tall coniferous tree as the centerpiece in a black rectangular planter. The dense, green needle-like foliage provides natural screening, complemented by other potted plants. The deck's patterned wooden planks and simple railing create a residential garden setting, with additional greenery and fencing visible in the background.

Let me tell you about my journey with arborvitae in containers – it’s been quite the adventure! When I first started experimenting with these gorgeous evergreens, I had no idea they’d become my go-to recommendation for privacy screening.

Why Arborvitae is a Game-Changer

I absolutely love how these natural privacy champions can transform any space into a secluded retreat. The Emerald Green variety has been my trusted companion for creating living walls in containers. What makes them special? They grow in this perfectly dense, columnar shape that gives you privacy from ground level up to about 8-12 feet – no awkward gaps or sparse spots to worry about!

Container Selection and Sizing

Here’s something I learned the hard way – container size matters more than you might think! For a healthy arborvitae, you’ll want:

A container at least 24 inches wide and deep
Excellent drainage holes (I drill extra ones myself)
A sturdy material like fiber cement or thick plastic that can handle the weight

Pro tip: Don’t skimp on container size thinking it’ll keep the plant smaller – that’ll just stress it out and make it look sad!

Care and Maintenance Tips

Taking care of containerized arborvitae is surprisingly straightforward. Here’s my tried-and-true routine:

Watering: Check the soil moisture weekly. These beauties need consistent moisture but hate wet feet
Fertilizing: I use a slow-release fertilizer in early spring and mid-summer
Pruning: Light trimming in early spring keeps them looking fresh
Winter protection is crucial – wrap them in burlap if you live in a windy area

Common Problems and Solutions

Over the years, I’ve encountered a few challenges:

Yellowing foliage: Usually means either overwatering or underwatering
Brown tips: Often from winter burn or fertilizer issues
Root binding: Prevent this by repotting every 3-4 years

The secret to avoiding most problems? Good air circulation between plants and proper spacing. I learned this after cramming too many together my first year – oops!

Best Varieties for Containers

After trying several varieties, these are my top picks:

‘Emerald Green’ – My absolute favorite for its perfect columnar shape
‘Green Giant’ – Great for taller privacy needs
‘North Pole’ – Perfect for smaller spaces and tight corners

Ready to discover another amazing privacy plant? Click next to learn about ornamental grasses – they’re not just for show! Wait until you see how these graceful beauties can create the most stunning natural screens while adding movement and texture to your outdoor space. Their swaying in the breeze is like nature’s own privacy curtain!