We have a sunny deck which we'd like to make more private with evergreens in large pots. I tried this with cedars (the common ones which many people use for hedges) and they soon died. The pots I used were plastic and I wonder if the roots got too hot in the sun. Does anyone have ideas for creating privacy with plants in large pots, sort of like a "mobile hedge" where the potted plants can be moved at will? They don't have to be coniferous, but evergreen would be nice. Thanks ahead of time. - John
Consider palms. You would have to bring them in when it get too cold. But if it's too cold for the palms, then you won't be out there much either.
When considering privacy, the screen does not always have to be right at the area you want privacy in. What is the distance between the deck and whatever vantage point you want privacy from? Is this a yard, or a townhouse/condo situation? Sometimes you can put a tree or shrub in the ground at some interim point and its foliage gives you a screen even if it is not at your elbow. Perhaps if you describe the situation more or provide a photo, more ideas will be generated. If it must be potted plants on the deck itself, then plastic does get hotter than ceramic and the roots may be affected. However, ceramic is heavy and expensive. Some sun-loving deciduous shrubs like Buddleia or Vitex may tolerate hot roots better than cedars do. Maybe read up on container gardening for information of this nature.
