As far as the antique roses go, nothing grows faster or gets bigger than Mutabilis. If blue mist grows in that area, it would likely do ok there, too. Jessamine also gets pretty big, pretty fast and will take some shade. What about oleanders? Although they get sometimes nipped by the cold, they get big as well and bloom all summer.

Carla

I'm with Carla. In the sunnier portions of that area, plant some antique china roses such as 'Mutabilis', 'Cramoisi Superieur', 'Ducher', 'Old Blush'. In zone 8 Texas, they are almost evergreen, and are the toughest of roses for here.

For natives, don't forget the small ornamental trees Yaupon Holly (evergreen) & Eve's Necklace (not evergreen but beautiful).

The very best provider of privacy that I have along the perimeter of my backyard is not a native, but it performs so well it must think it's a native ... 'Nellie R. Stevens' holly. I am serious, this plant is just what you need.

Randy

I've also heard good things about the Nellie R. Stevens holly. You might add loropetalum, also known by the common names "Fringe Flower" and "Chinese Witch Hazel." It's a tough, dark purple bush, very pretty.

You might also consider American wisteria. The scientific name is Wisteria frutescens, I think. It grows quickly, is gorgeous, and is not invasive like the Chinese species. If you're in DFW I can give you some cuttings.

Bamboooooo!!!!!!. You can find it growing wild all over and it will creat a privacy hedge in a hurry. It will grow in shade and in sun. Give something for that poison ivy to grow on. He won't come over if he knows what is good for him.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhPbMpYkBHA
but beside bamboo grow arbors of vines, Crossvine, confederate jasmine, asarina, aristoclia elegans, rose vine but bamboo still ranks up there. One can even cut a few on a slant to discourage the bare footed.

Bamboo would certainly do the job, but be sure to plant a clumping variety and not the more commonly seen running type. It is a nightmare because it doesn't stay where you put it and you can never get rid of it! My son has been fighting it for years just to keep it under control. He had used every means known to man to try and eliminate it and has given up.

A nice understory plant that will grow gracefully under difficult conditions and in the shade of trees is Texas buckeye.

Here is a link that might be useful: Texas buckeye

These are great suggestions and I'm writing them ALL down.

I've always loved the Mexican Buckeye but didn't know it would take shade.

While I like the look of loropetalum, sadly it won't grow here. I think it's because our soil is too shallow. We tried two and they died and my neighbor tried three and hers died. Same with buddelia and American Beauty Berry. They don't do well in our soil either. I forgot that I still have an American Beauty Berry in that 10 x 100 ft area. It's been there for 8 years and it's only 2 ft high with two branches, if that tells you anything.--They are supposed to get huge.

The roses, yaupons, and Nelly Stevens can all go in. Not sure of the bamboo. I'm just not a big bamboo fan. I've seen the running bamboo and know what a pest it can be. Crossvine, however, might be an option for the fence.

My friends who own a nursery have several Mutablis so I'll get one of those.

I plan to pack the area to the max! Thanks! :-)

For more suggestions, you can check out the following websites:

Texas Plant Information Database

Native Trees of Texas

Texas Native Shrubs

Wildflower Center

Native Ornamental Grasses

Vetiver Grass is great, non-invasive, makes a great privacy screen, can grown in any conditions, and is very pretty.

And here is a website about Texas Invasives, suggestions for plants not to grow.

BTW, I agree on the Mutabilis. I have one, and it is great! My favorite rose.

I hope this helps some.

Thanks, Ltcollins for the web sites. I especially appreciate the web site for the invasives.--Some of these plants I had no idea were invasive. I like the grass idea too.

So, now I'm officially off of work for a week and can "get" to planting after Christmas! Thanks again!

One plant I didn't see in those lists was Esperanza, and your conditions sound ideal for it. It is blooming like crazy in our Native Plant Garden here right now.

It sounds like a great garden. I would like to see some pictures when you have it in.

Janie

@ltcollins1949 The first link is 404 error. Could you update it?

This site came up when the term was googled:

Lady Bird Johnson Wild Flower Center, Texas Plant Information Database

This is an old thread, so that might b why it is pulling an error

No one mentioned pyracanthas, he won't walk through these a second time.

Just read on jlhudson seedsman site that the hardy Orange is also named

Living barbwire fence.