Shrubs, Before I Knew Better

Red Tip Photinias

Two red-tips along the fence before they died. Also, a feathery bamboo muhley, which I moved later, and a very young abelia hanging over the path

One of the first things I planted along the fence soon after I bought the house (pre-prayer garden) were several Red-Tip Photinias. I chose them because my sister had them as a tall and beautiful privacy hedge between her and the neighbors; but they are prone to a fungal disease and not recommended, which I didn't know. Every one of mine died. I wouldn't have planted them if I'd known better.

Here's the wax myrtle by the gate. It grew taller and spread out more, but it only provided wispy shade at it's best.

Wax Myrtles

Red Tips were replaced by Wax Myrtles, a recommended large Texas shrub. I planted one by the gate and two along the back fence, pruning lower growth so they would be more like trees. They grew about 15 ft tall but weren't as full and leafy as I'd seen others, I don't know why. I tried pruning to encourage new growth to no avail. They lasted several years, but after a really severe freeze they died.

Boxwoods & Dwarf Euonymus

Evergreens that would provide structure and year-round greenery were a priority for me. Around 2015 I planted six Winter Gem Boxwoods as a border around the patio, and two dwarf Euonymus as an entrance to the left back corner, a future seating area. Later, I planted two more of the same variety Boxwoods on either side of the gate entrance. These evergreens held up for years through heat and ice with minimal maintenance. I clipped erratic shoots and dead wood to keep them their natural shape. Just a few months ago, I dug up the boxwoods. After ten years they were woody and had grown larger than I wanted. I had thought Winter Gems would stay smaller. I could have cut them to the ground and let them grow back, but decided to try something else. Right now, the two Euonymous are looking ragged and I'm thinking of either cutting them way back or replacing with Yaupon.

Boxwoods after 10 years, they look good in this picture but they were crowding the edge of the pool and obstructed the view when sitting in the pool.They might suit your purposes perfectly.

Winter Gem Boxwoods soon after I planted 1 gallon containers around the patio.