When space is limited but you want maximum impact, columnar plants are a landscaper’s secret weapon. These upright shrubs grow vertically rather than spreading wide, making them perfect for tight areas, creating natural privacy screens, or adding dramatic accents to any landscape. Columnar plants offer a versatile solution for both functional and aesthetic landscaping.

Popular Columnar Plants for Texas Landscapes

Here are some standout and more popular options for different size categories.

Italian Cypress

Italian Cypress is distinguished by its tall, narrow form and is often used to frame homes or buildings, adding height and timeless elegance to the landscape. Though fast-growing, they can be finicky and may require extra care to maintain their best appearance.

Taylor Juniper

Taylor Juniper has become the preferred alternative to Italian Cypress, offering the same tall, narrow look with better adaptability to our area. While they are slower growing, their resilience makes them a more reliable long-term option for adding height and elegance to the landscape

Slender Silhouette Sweetgum

Slender Silhouette Sweetgum offers the same tall, narrow look as columnar evergreens but with the added interest of seasonal change. Unlike Italian Cypress or Taylor Juniper, it is not evergreen, showcasing vibrant fall color before dropping its leaves for winter.

Japanese Yew

Japanese Yew is one of our most popular choices for hedges, valued for its dense evergreen foliage and versatility. Unlike the taller, narrow options, it grows wider, and when planted closely together, the shrubs blend to create a seamless hedge. They benefit from regular pruning to maintain a tidy, polished appearance.

Liberty Holly

Liberty Holly offers a slightly different look, featuring spiked foliage and a naturally conical shape. As an evergreen, it provides year-round structure and makes a strong statement in the landscape while maintaining a classic, upright form.

Japanese Blueberry 

Japanese Blueberry is a versatile evergreen shrub that typically reaches 6 to 8 feet tall, making it ideal for adding height and structure to a landscape. Often pruned into tree form, its dense foliage also creates a polished, full appearance and can be shaped into a neat hedge or left to grow naturally.

Columnar plants are more than just vertical accents—they’re a practical, elegant solution for modern Texas landscapes. Whether you’re designing a tight urban garden or a large commercial project, these plants help maximize space, create privacy, and add a striking visual element.

Visit Newton Nurseries today or browse our current inventory to add these stunning, tall plants to your next landscape project.