Maybe 'China Girl' Holly will do better. How high do you want this screen?

They are ok, but I used barberries. They hate them. They dont even get near them.
Good luck
Mike

Thanks for the replies. I want a 6' screen in the area. I'ld like something I can keep at that height without constant trimming. Prefer a natural looking screen to a trimmed boxy look.

I can't really suggest an alternative, but just wanted to say that I also planted a holly hedge several years ago. If I'd known at the time how incredibly slow growing they are I would have chosen something else, still I suppose it will be worth the wait eventually.

Daniel

I'm looking for a fast-growing evergreen shrub for privacy screening. It also must be able to withstand partial shade (at least in summer).

Is the yew still an option?

Yews in partial shade work great..just remember that they need occasional trimming to maintain a nice shape.

As for as the original question about hollies for screening, you can probably forget that in these parts. As you are finding out they need some protection from the winter winds. The blues and the chinas grow really slow, so even if they liked the spot, they wouldn't give you good screening for a long time. How about arborvitae... a short version. There is one on the market in the 6-8' range. I think the variety is Smaagard or something like that. It's a pretty grower.

ohiogdnr:
thanks for the information about yews.
And given the slow growth of hollies (I just bought Blues and Chinas) I'm giving up the idea of screening.

I just discovered this garden web a few weeks ago and I feel like a kid in a candy shop. Every forum has such great information!
Thanks again.