Southern Living Plant Collection
Bigfoot Cleyera
Best low-maintenance choice for homeowners seeking quick, year-round privacy screening.
The Bigfoot Cleyera is a fast-growing, dense evergreen shrub that offers year-round visual interest with its glossy leaves. New growth emerges a light green, maturing to darker shades and developing attractive bronze-red tones in the fall. Its upright habit makes it ideal for creating privacy hedges or filling garden spaces. This shrub thrives in USDA hardiness zones 7-10, tolerating full sun to partial shade. It is also heat-loving and drought-tolerant, making it a low-maintenance choice for adding color and screening to your landscape.
$24.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
860
/ 2637
#860 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
-39%
Below average
USDA Hardiness Zones
710
/ -
Who it's for
- Homeowners seeking dense, year-round privacy screens
- Gardeners wanting low-maintenance, ornamental evergreen foliage
- Residents in hot, humid climates needing resilient landscaping
Who should skip it
- Owners of small gardens or tight foundation spaces
- Gardeners living in regions with harsh, prolonged winters
- People preferring to avoid chemical pest management
Performance breakdown
Screening Efficacy
Dense, upright growth creates an effective, high-reaching privacy barrier quickly.
Climate Resilience
Thrives in intense heat and survives dry spells with minimal intervention.
Maintenance Ease
Naturally disease-resistant foliage requires very little upkeep for year-round beauty.
Growth Velocity
Rapid development makes this an ideal choice for establishing landscape structure.
Visual Versatility
Glossy leaves shift through seasonal color palettes for constant garden interest.
Site Adaptability
Performs reliably across a wide range of sun and shade conditions.
Key Specs
USDA Hardiness Zones
7-10
Light Exposure
Partial Shade to Full Sun
Mature Height
15-20 Feet
Mature Spread
5-6 Feet
Growth Rate
Fast
Habit
Upright
Watering Needs
Medium
Soil Type Preference
Well-Drained
Features
- Fast-growing evergreen for quick screening
- Glossy foliage with seasonal color change
- Ideal for hedges and privacy screens
- Drought and heat tolerant
- Low maintenance requirements
- Upright growth habit
- Disease and pest resistant
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise the Bigfoot Cleyera for its exceptional performance as a fast-growing evergreen privacy screen. Reviewers consistently highlight the plant's dense, glossy foliage and its rapid establishment, making it an effective solution for immediate coverage. Plants frequently arrive healthy and larger than anticipated, contributing to high initial satisfaction. Its resilience and attractive deep green color maintain appeal throughout the year. While the premium cost is noted, most buyers feel the superior quality and low maintenance once established justify the investment. This variety successfully delivers a durable, high-impact landscape solution, earning strong recommendations.
Know before you buy
As a fast-growing evergreen, this shrub is designed for quick results. While exact speed depends on your local climate and soil conditions, you can expect a significant increase in height and density each season compared to slower-growing hedge varieties.
Yes, the Bigfoot Cleyera is container-friendly. However, keep in mind its mature height of 15-20 feet; you will need a large, sturdy pot and consistent watering to support its growth over time.
Since the Bigfoot Cleyera has a mature spread of 5-6 feet, you should space them about 4 to 5 feet apart if you want them to grow together into a solid, dense privacy screen.
It is considered a low-maintenance shrub. Once established, it is drought and heat tolerant, requiring only occasional pruning to maintain your desired shape or height.
No, this variety is rated for USDA hardiness zones 7-10. It is not cold-hardy enough for zone 6 and would likely suffer damage or fail to thrive during winter months.
Yes, the Bigfoot Cleyera offers seasonal interest. New growth starts as a light green, matures to a deep, glossy dark green, and develops attractive bronze-red tones during the fall.
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