The Evergreen Shrub That's Perfect For Small-Space Privacy

Whether you have a large backyard or a small patch of green to call your own, often our gardens are a space for solace and privacy — but this isn't always easy to achieve. Tall fences can be expensive and may look out of place, especially if you have only a few feet of space to work with, which is why you should consider dwarf plants for your small garden space. In fact, there is one popular evergreen shrub that can offer privacy in spades without imposing on that much-needed square footage.

The dwarf podocarpus (Podocarpus macrophyllus 'Pringles'), which is a member of the Japanese yew family, can mature to around 3 to 5 feet tall and 3 to 6 feet wide, making it ideal for hedges or for layering behind low-lying fences to give them a privacy-boosting glow-up. It's clad in dense, needle-like foliage but grows slowly, giving owners time to prune it into whatever shape best suits their space.

This shrub is ideal for green thumbs who love a low-maintenance plant, as it can grow in both full sun and partial shade and can tolerate neutral to acidic soil types. It is heat- and salt-tolerant, perfect for coastal settings.

Planting your dwarf podocarpus in the right location is key to helping it thrive and helping you maximize your privacy. Best suited to USDA plant hardiness zones 8 to 11, this shrub loves a spot where it can soak up the morning sun and enjoy some relief in the afternoon shade. If you're aiming to use it as a living privacy screen, be sure to space each plant about 3 feet apart. This gives them the room they need to fill out without competing for space.

One of its biggest draws? It asks very little of you. Minimal pruning is needed to keep it tidy, whether you're after a sleek formal hedge or a more relaxed natural barrier. Its compact form makes it especially well-suited for patios, courtyards, and small urban gardens, or anywhere you want privacy without sacrificing space or style. Its evergreen nature means it will stay green and bushy all year long, making it perfect for modern urban landscapes where every square foot counts.