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Try Growing These Plants To Keep Your Patio Space Private
By LIBBY THOMPSON
When you can't build a fence around your patio, adding plants such as elephant ear, bougainvillea, and California lilac can add luxury and privacy to the space.
These three plant types work because of their size, lush leaves, and ability to spread. Choose one or more that can easily work in your space's climate and size.
Bougainvillea is a showy plant that is hardy in USDA zones 9a, 10a, and 10b. This vine enjoys plenty of heat, full sun, well-drained soil, and trellises to direct its leaves.
Elephant ear prefers tropical climates with temperatures above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Their leaves can grow to three feet long and two feet wide, making a perfect privacy screen.
If you live in a cooler climate, grow bougainvillea and elephant ear in pots that you can move indoors during winter, as both plants can thrive in containers.
Lilac shrubs are low-maintenance options for cool climates. They can provide beauty and privacy, emitting a sweet scent as they attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Lilacs prefer full sun or partial shade and are hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8, tolerating sub-zero temperatures and drought. Trim to keep the plant ideally shaped for your patio.