shrub to block noise

[maestpfl]

Thank you for posting this site. I have a feeling I will be using it often. I purchased my first home about 6 months ago in St. Petersburg, Florida. It needs a lot of loving care, including the ailing yard. Unfortunately, the front of the house faces a very busy street. I get a lot of noise from the street, and I was hoping I could plant a nice tall shrub line (preferrably blooming) in the front that would help to block some of the street noise. I know new windows would be a better solution, but I don't have the money for that right now. Any ideas for me?

[Deana]

Hi, welcome to Hometalkers!

The first thing I thought of was Oleander. I can get very tall (of course, you can trim it to the height you like), has blooms in the spring, is tough as nails (hard to kill), and is inexpensive. We have it in our backyard (in Texas) and it has done very well.

[monkeygirl38]

I looked up Oleander on the internet (I am also looking for shrubbery...). If you have outdoor animals...beware:

SIGNS: Oleander contains the toxins oleandrin and nerioside, which very similar to the toxins in foxglove (Digitalis). This is a tropical plant, but is grown as an ornamental and as a houseplant in Indiana. Apparently the plant is not palatable, but will be eaten by hungry animals. It is reported that dried or wilted leaves may be slightly more palatable than fresh leaves, and the leaves are still toxic when wilted or dried. In one report with horses, it was indicated that approximately 1/4 pound of leaves (about 30 or 40 leaves) could deliver a lethal dose to an adult horse.

Just thought I would share!

[maestpfl]

Thanks to both of you for you responses. I'm seriously looking into using the oleander. It's in the front yard, and I don't think it would ever be conducive for animals, so I think it could work. Does it require much trimming maintenance?

I also have a concern about some hibiscus plants I have growing on the west side of my house. They are terribly overgrown (they completely cover the windows in the summer), and I need to cut them back. I'm concerned, though, because all of the blossoms are on the very end of the stems. I'm afraid if I cut them back, they will never bloom again. I guess I don't have a lot of choice, but any experienced advice would be much appreciated.

P.S. I checked out the wedding pictures, and they're lovely. Congrats!