The following is a sampling of shrubbery that would be appropriate in a broken screen. Because many of these plants are deciduous, they are not suitable for opaque and semi-opaque screens. (Note: Many of the evergreen shrubs described in planting lists B-14 and B-15 are also suitable for broken screens.)
(1) Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii). Height: three (3) to five (5) feet; spread: three (3) to five (5) feet. This extremely common deciduous shrub is considered to be one of the toughest members of the barberry family. It survives drought, poor soils, exposure and the worst city conditions. With its many thorns, the Japanese barberry is often used as an impenetrable barrier, but it is attractive enough to stand alone as a specimen plant. It requires no special maintenance and, when planted singly, needs no pruning.
(2) Fringe-tree (Chionanthus virginicus). Height: ten (10) to thirty (30) feet; spread: eight (8) to ten (10) feet. The fringe-tree is known for its profusion of beautiful flowers. It is considered to be one of the most striking native American shrubs. It is relatively difficult to transplant, but once established, it does well in cities as it endures heavy smoke and dust. The mature fringe-tree's only drawback is that its leaves appear rather late in spring.
