Looking to spruce up your garden with gorgeous, space-saving plants? Whether you’re working with a narrow yard, designing a dramatic pathway, or creating privacy without bulk, tall skinny plants bring elegance and functionality to landscapes of all sizes. Check out these tall skinny plants for landscaping in your yard.
The vertical growth habit of a narrow plant not only saves space but also adds a modern and structured aesthetic. Here’s a curated list of stunning narrow plants—from ornamental grasses to columnar shrubs—to inspire your next landscaping project for narrow spaces.
Types of Tall Skinny Plants for Landscaping
1. Rose of Sharon
The Rose of Sharon is a deciduous shrub with a tropical vibe, even in temperate climates. It grows tall and upright, offering beautiful hibiscus-like flowers in pinks, whites, and purples. The Purple Pillar is one of many types that can thrive in tight areas. These plants make excellent boundary markers when planted in a row and attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. Bonus—they’re low maintenance!
2. Japanese Holly
Who says holly is just for the holidays? Japanese Holly is a versatile evergreen shrub with small, glossy leaves that stay green all year. Its columnar varieties, such as the ‘Sky Pencil Holly‘, are tall and slim, making them perfect for tight spaces. Use them to add structure to your garden or as a natural privacy screen along your fence line.
3. Orange Rocket
If you’re craving a pop of color, consider the Orange Rocket Barberry. This plant sports vivid orange-red foliage that stands out in any landscape. Its narrow form allows it to fit beautifully in borders or accent a patio. Resistant to deer and low maintenance, it’s a solid pick for both beginner and seasoned gardeners that can add color to the front yard.
4. Italian Cypress
Nothing says regal quite like the Italian Cypress. Perfect for lining driveways, creating dramatic entrances, or standing tall as a backdrop, these towering trees are the epitome of elegance. They’re drought-tolerant, making them ideal for regions with dry climates in full sun.
5. Pyramidal Evergreen
Love the charm of evergreens but need something sleeker? Pyramidal evergreen shrubs like the Arborvitae grow tall and narrow, providing year-round greenery. They’re a good choice for creating privacy walls without crowding your yard.
6. Columnar Boxwoods
Boxwoods are classic landscaping favorites, and their columnar varieties bring a modern twist to traditional charm. With their dense, structured form, these shrubs are a good option for formal gardens, flanking walkways, or shaping topiary designs.
7. Black Dragon
If you’re looking to add a mystical vibe to your garden, the ‘Black Dragon Cryptomeria’ is your answer. With its dark, dense foliage and slender form, this evergreen conifer creates visual interest and moodiness, especially when paired with lighter green plants.
9. Japanese Anemones
For a softer touch, Japanese Anemones are a perfect choice. These tall perennials are topped with delicate white or pink flowers that sway in the breeze. They thrive in partial shade and are a great way to add a romantic feel to your landscaping.
10. Butterfly Bush
Butterfly Bushes are as functional as they are beautiful. Their tall spires of blossoms attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, contributing to a thriving backyard ecosystem. With their fragrant flowers and variety of colors, they’re hard to resist.
11. Graham Blandy
This columnar evergreen shrub is a great low-maintenance option if you’re looking for an elegant, upright plant. It’s perfect as a border or in formal gardens where height is needed without taking up horizontal space.
13. Evergreen Conifer
Evergreen conifers like the Columnar Norway Spruce are timeless choices that offer a sleek, vertical aesthetic year-round. They’re particularly effective for creating instant privacy and adding dynamic height to your garden beds.
12. Blue Cones
Add an icy touch to your garden with the unique Blue Cones Conifer. With its silvery-blue needles, this tall plant adds cool tones to your landscaping palette while maintaining a narrow and structured silhouette.
Why Choose Narrow Plants?
Tall skinny plants lend themselves beautifully to modern landscaping for several reasons:
- Space-Saving: Ideal for small yards or tight urban spaces.
- Versatility: Can be used for hedges, privacy screens, statement pieces, or even containers.
- Year-Round Interest: Evergreens and shrubs add consistent greenery while flowering plants provide seasonal color and allure.
- Low Maintenance: Many columnar plants require little pruning or upkeep, making them a gardener’s best friend.
Tall Skinny Plants for Landscaping FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about tall skinny plants for landscaping in your yard.
What plant grows tall and thin?
All of the plants mentioned in this list grow tall and thin, with a vertical growth habit. They are perfect for small spaces or where you want to add height without taking up too much room.
What shrub grows tall but not wide?
Shrubs that have a narrow, upright growth habit will grow tall but not wide. Some examples include the Sky Pencil Holly, Italian Cypress, and Japanese Holly. These plants are ideal for small spaces or creating privacy without encroaching on your yard’s horizontal space.
What is the best plant to block neighbors’ views?
Columnar plants such as Italian Cypress, Pyramidal Evergreens, and Arborvitae are great options for blocking views from neighbors. They can be planted in a row to create a natural privacy wall without taking up too much space in your yard.
Other options include the Orange Rocket Barberry or Japanese Anemones, which can also add height and visual interest while providing some coverage from neighboring properties.
What is a tall narrow evergreen for screening?
Some excellent options for tall narrow evergreens for screening include the Sky Pencil Holly, Columnar Norway Spruce, and the ‘Black Dragon Cryptomeria’. These plants offer year-round greenery, making them perfect for creating a natural privacy screen in your yard.
The Italian Cypress and Pyramidal Evergreens are also great options for this purpose. Some columnar varieties of boxwoods, such as the Graham Blandy or Blue Cones, can also be used effectively for screening due to their dense growth habit.
Tall Skinny Plants for Landscaping
When choosing tall skinny plants for landscaping projects, consider your climate zone, soil type, and specific gardening goals (privacy, aesthetics, or wildlife attraction). Pairing a mix of these tall and narrow plants with different textures and colors can create stunning layers in your garden design.
Need help deciding which tall plants are best for your outdoor space? Start incorporating these stunning tall, skinny plants into your landscaping projects and watch your garden reach new heights—literally!
