wrote:
In article ,
Jeff Layman wrote:
David in Normandy wrote:
CamRAIN wrote:

Hi, we have an issue with a neighbour who borders our rear garden, he
has a complete view of our patio and conservatory and I wish to screen
the view. Can anyone recommend potted plants/trees that will provide
year round privacy, approx 8ft tall, reasonably priced and hardy as the
wind blows between the houses. Any help appreciated.

Pyrachanthus hedging sounds ideal.

Not if you want to upset the neighbour even more. Pyracantha is a thug,
and will send long branches out into the neighbour's garden. Those
branches will have numerous sharp thorns, and require constant trimming.
Not only that, but the vast number of berries will mean that, before too
long, pyracantha will be all over the place.

Not in a pot, it won't - but it won't grow to 8', either. I never
had any problem with self-seeding.

It will soon outgrow any pot it is put in. I see that the hedging suppliers
quote 90cm plants in 3 litre pots. Repot a plant that size into a decent
sized pot (20+ l) and it will get over 8 feet within 3 years. It is
basically unsuitable for a container. This is from The Guardian a few weeks
ago:

"I have a pyracantha in an old dustbin; good drainage, compost, water
occasionally. Why do the berries fall off?

Although in theory anything can be grown in a container, as long as it's big
enough, pyracantha is a pretty poor choice. It is large, with an ungainly
habit, and I imagine it is a nightmare to keep upright. It will quickly
outgrow even your generous dustbin. With only occasional watering, the berry
problem is almost certainly down to dryness at the roots. Irregular watering
means that the plant has no idea when it is going to get its next drink.
With no access to the ground, shedding berries is one of the few things it
can do to conserve moisture and save itself. If you can plant it out, please
do, and find something more appropriate for your bin. Otherwise, at least
give it regular water. A drip hose and timer would keep it happy."

It's not often I agree with The Guardian, but if you don't like The
Guardian, try this
(http://www.angliangardener.co.uk/Any...ntainers.htm):

"Q. Can Pyracantha be grown in large pots, tubs or troughs?

A. Yes they can, but aren't usually because - they grow very large and will
outgrow even a very large tub / they have lots of large vicious thorns, tubs
and troughs are usually placed where people walk close - it will also give
major problems at repotting time too, rather you than me! / they are not
particularly "regular" in their growth habit, fine for the garden at large,
but not a good characteristic for a container plant."

And as for self-seeding, you are lucky. I got fed up trying to pull the
things up from between paviers.

It makes a good wall shrub, or a good "wild" hedge, but is really not
suitable for the OP's needs. He needs something which grows up, and only
slightly out. Maybe a non-invasive bamboo would be ok. The OP could look
here (or similar - Google is your friend) for suitable plants
http://www.hedgesdirect.co.uk.

And will thrive in a pot, without daily watering. Most bamboos will
not.

It will thrive too well in a pot, and it will also need regular watering,
even if not daily. Bamboos will do ok if not allowed to dry out, but if
grown well will need timely repotting before they get stuck in their pots.
But in general they aren't cheap to begin with. Probably best to split them
up before planting in their final containers, then they will get away to
form the wanted screen pretty quickly.

--
Jeff