The Best Tropical Privacy Plants for Tampa Bay, Florida

European Fan Palm (Chamaerops humilis)

• The European fan palm (Chamaerops humilis) grows to heights between 5 and 15 feet and spread 6 to 15 feet across. This fast-growing palm produces yellow flowers in the summer. The leaves are triangular and spread in the shape of a fan. The foliage colors range from a dark, blue-green to a grey-yellow color. The tree prefers full-sun but tolerates lower light levels. European fan palms have a high tolerance for drought and do not require large amounts of water. European fan palms have a clumping habit. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection through Florida Yards.org notes that relative to other palms, the European fan palm requires very little maintenance. It is hardy in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 8 to11. European fan palms grow in containers or as in-ground plants. In larger yards, plant several for increased privacy.

Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica)

• Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) is an evergreen producing edible fruit. Loquats reach heights of 20 to 30 feet. They exhibit a rounding growing habit and grow at a moderate pace. They extend as far as 35 feet across at maturity. Use the espalier technique to tie the branches so that they grow in a specific pattern. Loquats produce large leaves that are roughly 10 inches long. According to the Floridata website, the flowers are white, "deliciously scented" and "furry looking." The flowers grow in terminal clusters in late fall. The fruit develops in spring. They do not require large amounts of water. Once established, they have an average ability to tolerate drought. Loquat needs full sunlight. Loquats are hardy in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 8 to 11. Loquat fruit and flowers typically do not survive temperatures less than 28 degrees F, although the plant itself should withstand temperatures closer to 10 and 15 degrees F.

Tea Olive (Osmanthus fragrans)

• Tea olive (Osmanthus fragrans) is a shrub or hedge that produces highly fragrant flowers. Other common names for the tea olive are fragrant olive, sweet olive and sweet osmanthus. Tea olives grow slowly to between 15 and 30 feet high. They spread as much as 15 to 20 feet wide. They have a very low tolerance for salt. Tea olives prefer full sunlight to a partial shade. Its leaves are oval with a leather-like texture. In spring, the plant produces small, white flowers in clusters. The flowers may continue appearing sporadically through the summer and fall. Tea olives will grow in containers, placing them in-ground for a privacy screen. Tea olive plants are hardy in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 8 to 10.