Screening hedge - cant decide

Montyfangirl

Hi All, I'm trying to decide on a screening hedge to run along an ugly 2 x 14m block wall at the back of our back garden. 

I'm looking at Osmanthus xburkwoodiii or Prunus Lusitanica or anything similar. Needs to grow to 2.5m tall minimum.

It will need to grow fast and to a good height to block out the neighbours behind whom have build a raised deck and now look straight into our kitchen when they are outside.

I would prefer an evergreen hedging plant that has dark green leaves too. 

I've read laurel can play havoc with allergies which is no good for us as my daughter is severely allergic.

Also was wondering if anyone has purchased Leo Ogrens "Allergy Fighting Garden" book and if it is any good? considering getting Kindle version so I can start assessing plants I am looking at.

Any suggestions gratefully appreciated.

Thanks

Welshonion

What about yew.  It is fast-growing and manageable.

Borderline

You have great choices there. I would add Viburnum Tinus in there. A very tough plant that flowers for long periods. I would class it as medium growth rate but definitely high on the list for hedging or an informal style hedge. If you can get the soil quite free draining, then Rhamnus Alaternus, the Italian Buckthorn is the sort of shrub that always looks interesting, whether loosely pruned or cut into a hedge. Berries, flowers and evergreen. Definitely a great shrub if you have the right conditions. Can tolerate high winds and very drought tolerant. In right conditions, can grow quite fast.

Redwing

14 meters is quite long. Why not go for a mixed hedge, mainly evergreen to screen. The plants as mentioned above plus holly, privet, escallonia and you could add some wild roses and hawthorn for more interest. 

Montyfangirl

I've already got a mixed hedge one side of the garden so would prefer something uniform. I think I will stick with laurel as I am not fussed on the variegated plants but thanks all for the suggestions.

I want mature ones to deal with a privacy issue, can anyone recommend any suppliers? I;ve seen some excellent priced ones on evergreenheyging.co.uk - anyone familiar with them? Thanks

treehugger80

what about attaching some wires to the wall and growing a climber up it?

Montyfangirl

I actually ordered with these guys in the end. Excellent value and amazing pre sales service. I'm sure if their plants are as good as their customer service then they will be wonderful. cant wait to have them delivered and get them in the ground now. https://www.allergyfriendlyplants.co.uk/plant-collection/