Q: I’m looking for a fast-growing shrub that would grow to about 8- to 10-feet tall. I want something that would create total privacy for my yard because of a subdivision going in nearby. I live near Tucson, but my house is at about 3,500 feet in elevation. I can’t use oleanders, or some other poisonous plant, because I have a horse. What would you suggest?
A:Â One possibility would be the Arizona rosewood or Vauquelinia californica. It has a beautiful durable leaf and gets small white flowers in the spring. It generally does better in Tucson than in the Phoenix area because Tucson has higher elevations and a cooler climate. On the other hand, it might be a little slow-growing in the beginning. If you want other alternatives, check with a nursery in your area. The rosewood is native to Southern Arizona and Baja California.
For more do-it-yourself tips, go to rosieonthehouse.com. An Arizona home building and remodeling industry expert for 25 years, Rosie Romero is the host of the syndicated Saturday morning Rosie on the House radio program, heard locally from 8-11 a.m. on KNST-AM (790) in Tucson and KGVY-AM (1080) and -FM (100.7) in Green Valley. Call 888-767-4348.
