Almost 6 years ago we planted three Nishiki willow bushes along our very moist back fence to screen us from the neighbors. They were supposed to grow to 4' x 6' or something -- in normal soil. In our soil they took off and within 2 years were screening beautifully. After 4 years I started wanting to actually cut them back a bit. They have topped out at 12' high but continue to grow outward and can get quite dense. I thin a bit every year so that the plants in front of them can get a little sun! Very hardy and lovely and fast-growing. Might be the plant for you! Google: Salix integra ÂHakuro Nishiki for images, but remember you will only see small specimens. If I had to do it over again I would plant them a good 6-8 feet apart and at least 6' from the fence. Good luck!

I don't have any experience with bamboo but I believe there are some types that are very aggressive spreaders and some that are not. There used to be a nursery in Arkansas that specializes in bamboo. I wonder if it's still there. If you decide to go with vines, the native coral honeysuckle (lonicera sempervirens) would attract a few hummingbirds and butterflies for you to watch from your sunroom. There are several named cultivars of that same species. 'Major Wheeler' is supposed to be one of the best bloomers so I will leave a link for that one below. It wouldn't have the same wonderful fragrance of Japanese Honeysuckle but it won't be nearly as invasive either. It has a VERY long bloom time. I'm fairly certain lonicera sempervirens would create a screen must faster than most shrubs, stay the size you want, and do well with a few hours of afternoon sun like you mentioned. Vines tend to extend a ways above their support and then just grow back down on themselves. For instance, if you wanted your screen to be about eight feet tall, you might want five foot supports; taller supports for a taller screen. That was a really rough guesstimate so you'll want to get some more opinions. Gardenweb has a Vines Forum or you might try asking in the Perennials forum since it has a lot of visitors. Here is a link that might be useful: 'Major Wheeler'

If speed is of the essence I would consider installing a chain trellis (my latest name for it) which is like a privacy fence, but is not a fence. It requires the installation of 10' posts every 8' or so. (2 1/2' buried in the ground.) For a 100' run that would be 13 posts. (If you've ever installed one post in concrete, you know how easy of a job it is.) Finials or decorative cuts of some sort at the top of the posts -- and painting -- make them look attractive. A pair of stout hooks are installed at the top of each post from which sturdy (like porch swing) chain is run connecting post to post, in swag fashion. From the chain, twine is dropped at 1' intervals and attached to short wood stakes driven into the ground. All of this is a support for vines to grow on. A solid screen can be achieved in 6 to eight weeks with annual vines such as morning glory or moonflower. Simultaneously, perennial vines (which start and grow slower) are installed. Within a reasonable period, they "take off" and provide permanent cover. In some cases it is an advantage to have vines over a hedge if a tidy appearance is desired; the vines only grow where support is provided and tend to look as if a clipped hedge. It could be a disadvantage if height greater than 7' is wanted since the support will never become taller than it was originally. One feature of this structure that I enjoy is that during a windy period, continuous waves form in the foliage and add a mesmerizing element of movement. In the picture, you are looking at first year annual vines (moonflower) ... picture taken about 8 weeks after planting seed. If none of that works for you, consider a hedge of tea olive (for great smell) or Camellia (for great looks). (Verify that they will grow well where you are.) Either one could be clipped. They may not be the FASTEST growing shrubs, but I would consider them fast enough. As well I would counsel to develop some patience about it. The need for speed frequently means sacrificing quality over the long term.

There are several running varieties that would grow in that canopy and be thick enough for a barrier. Many of the Pseudosasa do best in about half shade. Also look into the Semiarundinarias. At Avery Island, there is a lengthy grove of Arrow bamboo that has areas that get no direct sunlight and it is all very dense, but then the parts that get sunlight may be feeding the parts that don't. I have an unknown running variety here along the creek at my house that will NOT grow out into the direct sunlight, but it does extremely well under the canopy of the thick woods. It reaches about 12 to 15 feet in height. My sun intensity here, and the warmer climate, is different than yours so your results will differ. All bamboos will grow in dappled sunlight and many in even complete shade but with bright light, but they will usually be thinner and may grow a bit taller in less direct sunlight.