5

I'm interested in finding plants that make good hedges, but that have translucent leaves so as to let light through. I'm interested in plants that can create privacy without blocking all the light.

The reason I want the extra light is to allow for more sun in the garden (and to attract more pollinators—they like light).

What do you think would best handle this scenario?

(It's a bonus if they're edible, medicinal, or otherwise multipurpose.)

For landscaping purposes, I guess it doesn't really have to be a hedge of plants, if you can think of something else that could work.

Brōtsyorfuzthrāx
  • 18,694
  • 6
  • 30
  • 70

1 Answers1

6

I would choose a climbing plant. Many of them can be pruned, to that you create some holes. I think it is better to have strong sun on few places (sun moves), then translucent leaves.

Maybe some rose (if you take wild types, you get edible fruits, and they are usually strong and climbing). On plus side: they make also a physical barrier (with spikes), but many climbing species should work.

The most translucent leaves that I remember now are, by the way, also climbing: wine grape and clematis. The advantage of such climbing trees, is that you can have a single (or few) layer of leaves. But much light is absorbed.

Note: rose leaves are persistent, so very dark and zero translucence, but you get privacy also on winter. Translucent leaves tend to be short lived, so no privacy in winter (and grape wine is late to grow on early spring), but maybe you will use winter shields on other plants, which give you enough privacy.

Giacomo Catenazzi
  • 14,822
  • 3
  • 21
  • 44