What Tall and Fast Growing Hedge Is Best for Arizona?

The Cold Zones

• Cold mountainous areas from 6,000 to 8,000 feet comprise climate zone 1, characterized by snow, frozen soil and subzero winter temperatures. One of the best choices for this zone is the evergreen "Pyramidal" arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis "Pyramidalis"). It is deer resistant, a North American Native selection and resistant to pests and diseases. Trees quickly reach 12 to 25 feet tall and 3 to 6 feet wide in USDA zones 3 through 8. Climate zone 2 extends from 4,000 to 6,000 feet and encompasses high plateaus. For this zone, native "Carolina Safire" Arizona cypress (Cupressus glabra "Carolina Safire") has evergreen bright blue foliage, with young trees growing 6 feet a year in USDA zones 7 through 9. A winner because of its fast growth and adaptation as an Arizona native, this showy color variant takes full sun, is drought-tolerant and tolerates a variety of soils.

High Altitude Desert

• Arizona climate zone 3 is high altitude desert from 3,500 to 5,000 feet. Last spring frost dates occur between the end of March and April 10. Heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica), with its lacy texture, white spring bloom and red fall and winter berries and red fall foliage, grows quickly to 6 or 8 feet tall in USDA zones 6 through 9. Its advantages are year-round garden interest, drought tolerance, low maintenance and attractiveness to birds. Invasive in some areas of the country, heavenly bamboo also sports several cultivars suitable for hedges.

Hard Frosts, Mild Winters

• Extending from altitudes of 2,000 to 4,000 feet, Arizona climate zone 4 contains mid-altitude desert. Generally mild winters can contain occasional hard freezes and summers are hot. The practically bulletproof Texas rain sage (Leucophyllum frutescens) grows quickly to 6 feet tall and thrives on heat and aridity in USDA zones 7 through 10. Silvery leaves complement the showy, fragrant, lavender flowers. Its only drawback is susceptibility to Texas root rot if it doesn't have well-draining soil. It needs minimal pruning, no fertilizing and little supplemental water once established.

Hot Summers, Few Freezes

• The subtropical low desert areas have generally mild winters, although occasional hard freezes below 20 degrees Fahrenheit occur. Choice tall-growing hedge plants are available for low desert use, but many of them have moderate to slow growth. One of the best for fast growth is cape honeysuckle (Tecomaria capensis), hardy in USDA zones 9 through 11. The scrambling evergreen shrub can reach 10 feet tall and 5 feet wide. Dense growth of dark green foliage provides a good privacy screen and contrast for the clusters of tubular, bright orange flowers that appear in fall and winter, attracting hummingbirds. Prune cape honeysuckle in spring to keep it to the desired size.