Discover 10 Plants to Hide Air Conditioner Units - Plus Two Smart Landscaping Strategies

This helpful guide makes it easy to create a screen that works - beautifully!

Air conditioning units might be necessary for comfort, but they’re definitely not a highlight of your outdoor space. Big, boxy, and industrial-looking, these units are usually placed in highly visible spots along the side of your home or just off the patio - right where you don’t want them.

It’s a common instinct to want to hide outside ac units, and the good news is, you absolutely can! And without interfering with how they function. The key is to be thoughtful about plant selection and placement, especially if you’re new to gardening or planning your outdoor space.

As someone who works in the landscaping and gardening industry, I’ve helped plenty of homeowners solve the problem of how to hide outside AC units in a way that’s both attractive and practical.

There are a few different landscaping strategies that work well, and in this article, I’ll walk you through two of the most effective approaches. After that, I’ll also share a list of plants not to use - because unfortunately, some popular choices can end up making things worse in the long run.

First, we’ll look at the classic approach: using a low fence or screen to block the view, and then softening the look by planting in front of it. This gives you the freedom to use smaller, low-maintenance plants while still achieving full coverage.

Then, we’ll talk about a more naturalistic option - using upright, tidy evergreens shrubs as living walls. These types of plants to hide the air conditioner can blend beautifully into your overall landscape while doing the job of year-round screening.

Whatever strategy you choose, it’s essential to remember that air conditioning units need space to function properly. Always leave at least 2 feet of clearance on all sides, and bump that up to 3+ feet if your plants are taller than the AC unit itself.

Make sure technicians can access the air conditioning unit easily for maintenance, and never let dogs near it - dog urine is highly corrosive and can seriously damage the equipment.

Surrounding the base of the AC unit with gravel or river stones is another smart design move. It helps with drainage, keeps the area looking neat, and prevents muddy splashes caused by rain.

Before you start digging to plant anything near your AC unit, always have your utilities marked - it's a crucial safety step that helps to avoid damaging underground lines. In most areas, there’s a free service you can call to come out and mark gas, electric, water, and other underground lines for you.

Ready to start planning? Let’s dive into the two best approaches and take a look at 10 of my top recommended plants to hide an outside AC unit in a way that’s attractive, low-maintenance, and beginner-friendly.

And be sure to keep reading all the way to the bottom of the article for an important list of what not to plant near your AC unit, so you can avoid common mistakes and keep your system running smoothly!

Hide Outside AC Unit: Strategy 1

Low Fence + Softening Plants

One of the most effective and beginner-friendly strategies to hide an outside AC unit is to combine a low fence with thoughtfully chosen plants. This approach gives you structure right away and instantly blocks the harsh lines of the unit itself.

landscape design drawing plan diagram showing how to hide ac unit with plants and fence

The plants in front soften the look of the fence, helping the whole setup blend more naturally into your landscape. The key is choosing the right type of fencing - something that allows for plenty of airflow, like a slatted screen or a lattice panel. Avoid using solid walls or tall barriers; ideally, the fence should be at or just slightly taller than the AC unit. This ensures proper ventilation while still doing the job of concealing.

Make sure the fencing material you choose is durable and weather-resistant so it stays neat and attractive over time. Pressure-treated wood, composite, or powder-coated metal are all good long-lasting options. It’s critical to allow at least 2 feet of space around the entire unit - HVAC systems need room to breathe.

And no matter what, always leave at least one full side open or with easy gate access so maintenance crews can get to the unit when needed. This design strategy is easy to adapt to different spaces and makes a big visual impact when done thoughtfully.

To soften the fence and complete the look, let’s take a look at five great plants to hide air conditioner units. These plants are tidy, well-behaved, and provide seasonal interest or evergreen structure, depending on your preferences. Together with the right fence, they can transform an unsightly outdoor AC unit into a clean, well-integrated part of your garden.

Autumn Majesty™ Encore® Azalea

Rhododendron Hybrid ‘Roblezd’

Zones: 6 - 10

Light: Full sun to part shade

closeup of purple azalea flower and green leaves — **Autumn Majesty™ Encore azalea is a compact evergreen beauty that helps hide your outside AC unit while adding vibrant seasonal color.** Image courtesy of Plant Development Services Inc. via National Garden Bureau.

Autumn Majesty™ Encore Azalea is one of the best plants to hide AC unit setups when combined with fencing, for gardeners who live in zones 6 through 10. Don’t know your gardening zone? Look it up on the USDA’s Plant Hardiness Zone Map.

This compact, evergreen shrub has a naturally rounded shape that stays tidy and won’t overwhelm the space or grow into your air conditioning unit. It’s the perfect height to sit in front of a low lattice or slatted screen, helping to soften hard lines and create a polished look.

With its evergreen foliage, it provides year-round structure, while the vibrant, semi-double ruffled purple blooms bring a welcome pop of color in spring - reblooming again in flushes all the way until frost.

This compact plant is a great choice for small-space designs, offering a big visual payoff while creating a tidy, attractive screen.

Ruby Slippers Oakleaf Hydrangea

Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Ruby Slippers’

Zones: 5 - 9

Light: Full sun to part shade

closeup of ruby slippers oakleaf hydrangea light pink flowers and green leaves against brown brick building — **Ruby Slippers oakleaf hydrangea is one of the best plants to hide an ac unit, with an irregular shape that’s perfect for softening fencing.**

With its upright yet irregular shape, this native shrub is a top pick to hide the outside AC unit and soften fences while bringing beauty to the landscape year-round.

Native to the Southeastern United States, and hardy in zones 5 through 9, the Ruby Slippers Oakleaf hydrangea grows 3-4 feet tall and spreads 4-5 feet wide, thriving in full sun to part shade.

From late spring through summer, showy white flower clusters bloom and gradually shift to pink and then a rich ruby red. Come fall, the foliage turns a brilliant scarlet red, and in winter, the cinnamon-colored exfoliating bark takes center stage.

A favorite among native plant enthusiasts, this shrub offers evolving interest in every season! Read The Vibrant Ruby Slippers Oakleaf Hydrangea to learn more about this four season shrub.

Dwarf Fothergilla

Fothergilla gardenii

Zones: 5 - 8

Light: Full sun to part shade

mass planting of fothergilla in bloom alongside sidewalk with utilities and street visible in background and cherry laurels and bare tree — **In spring, dwarf fothergilla bursts into fragrant bloom. Dense, light green foliage makes it an excellent plant to hide the outdoor AC unit.**

The dwarf fothergilla shrub is a standout choice for hiding the air conditioner, especially when paired with fencing. Its naturally dense, mounded shape and moderate size (2-4 feet tall and wide) make it ideal for creating a soft, natural screen that won’t overwhelm small spaces.

Native to the Southeastern United States and hardy in zones 5 to 8, it thrives in full sun to part shade and brings multi-season beauty to the landscape. In spring, dwarf fothergilla puts on a stunning display of fragrant white bottlebrush flowers that attract early spring pollinators and bring visual interest to a garden just waking up.

Dense, attractive light green foliage covers the plant all summer long, culminating in a spectacular fall display of leaves turning brilliant shades of red, orange, and purple.

For those wanting more height, consider planting Fothergilla major 'Mount Airy,' a larger variety that grows 5-6 feet tall and wide. And for those seeking color, there is the ‘Blue Mist’ cultivar, which offers a unique twist with its attractive blue-toned leaves.

Whether you’re going for a low hedge or a layered look in front of a fence, dwarf fothergilla offers texture, fragrance, and color, making it a smart and stylish option when choosing plants to hide an AC unit.

closeup of red fothergilla fall leaves with yellow veining — **Fiery red fall foliage makes fothergilla one of the most eye-catching plants to hide an AC unit.**

Sweet & Lo™ Sweet Box

Sarcococca hookeriana 'Purplerij1'

Zones: 5 - 9

Light: Part shade to full shade

sweatbox shrub growing in a garden bed with tall shade trees in background — **With glossy evergreen leaves and fragrant spring flowers, Sweet & Lo™ sweet box is one of the best shade-loving plants to hide an AC unit.** Image courtesy of Proven Winners, provenwinners.com.

If you're looking to hide an outside AC unit in a shady spot, Sweet & Lo™ sweet box is up to the task. This compact evergreen shrub thrives in full to part shade, making it a rare and reliable solution for those tricky low-light areas where many plants struggle.

Growing 18-26 inches tall and 2-3 feet wide, it tucks neatly in front of fencing to create a soft, polished screen around your AC unit without blocking airflow or overwhelming the space.

In late winter to early spring, Sweet & Lo™ sweet box blooms with clusters of slender, two-toned flowers in shades of hot pink and white. Their jasmine-like fragrance drifts through the garden and attracts early-season pollinators when little else is blooming.

Its glossy, dark green foliage stays lush year-round, giving your shade garden structure and beauty throughout all four seasons. When you're trying to hide an outside AC unit on the shady side of your house, this sweet-scented shrub is a quiet powerhouse.

First Editions® Firedance™ Red Twig Dogwood

Cornus sericea 'Bailadeline'

Zones: 2 - 7

Light: Full sun to part shade

closeup of red twig dogwood flower and green leaves — **Creamy white flowers and fresh green leaves make Firedance™ red twig dogwood a beautiful choice to hide outside AC units.** Image courtesy of Bailey Nurseries.

Firedance™ red twig dogwood is a multi-season standout that makes it an excellent choice to hide an outdoor AC unit, especially when used alongside fencing.

Hardy in zones 2-7 and adaptable to full sun or part shade, this shrub grows in a tidy, mounded form reaching 3-4 feet tall and 4-5 feet wide. Its natural shape softens the lines of fencing and mechanical units, creating a seamless transition between hardscape and landscape.

Firedance™ red twig dogwood truly offers four seasons of interest: creamy white flower clusters bloom against fresh green leaves in spring, followed by bluish-white berries that attract birds and wildlife in the summer. In fall, its foliage transforms into rich reds and purples, while fiery bright red stems light up the winter landscape, keeping your garden landscape vibrant all year long!

Tough, beautiful, and beneficial to pollinators and birds alike, Firedance™ red twig dogwood truly has it all. For homeowners seeking plants to hide an AC unit that have both beauty and ecological value, this compact red twig dogwood is a top-tier choice.

closeup of red and green leaves of dogwood shrub — **A colorful way to hide the AC unit: Firedance™ red twig dogwood’s vibrant foliage changes from green to brilliant red and purple in autumn.** Image courtesy of Bailey Nurseries.

Hide Outside AC Unit: Strategy 2

Evergreen Shrubs = Living Wall

If you’re looking for a more naturalistic way to hide the outside AC unit, evergreen shrubs can be an elegant and effective solution. These upright, tidy plants act as living walls, providing year-round screening that blends seamlessly into your landscape design.

landscape design plant drawing diagram showing how to hide ac unit with evergreen plants

Unlike deciduous shrubs, these plants hold onto their leaves year-round, so they maintain coverage through every season. Many of the options on our list are columnar or narrow, making them ideal for tight spaces - but it’s still important to leave enough clearance around your unit so it can run efficiently.

This strategy is especially appealing if you want a low-maintenance, low-mess option that adds greenery and structure throughout all four seasons. Keep in mind, though, while some varieties grow quickly, others can take their time to fill in.

If you need instant coverage - say, you’re prepping for a backyard wedding or special event - you might be better off starting with fencing. But in many cases, these evergreen plants to hide AC unit components can be used alone or paired with a fence for a layered, polished look.

Just remember to keep watering plants well into the fall, since evergreens are prone to damage from drying winter winds. Read “How to Water Your Plants: The Ultimate Guide” for some useful tips on watering.

Now, let’s take a look at five evergreen shrubs that work beautifully as a living fence - or planted in front of one - to hide your AC unit and enhance your landscape. Use these ideas as inspiration and tailor them to fit your yard’s layout, your personal style, and your site conditions.

Squeeze Box® Inkberry Holly

Ilex glabra 'SMNIGLA'

Zones: 5 - 9

Light: Full sun to part shade

tall narrow boxwood evergreen plant growing in outside landscape near other evergreens — **Squeeze Box® inkberry holly is a tall, narrow evergreen that’s perfect for tight spaces. This native evergreen plant will hide an AC unit year-round.** Image courtesy of Spring Meadow Nursery Inc. via Proven Winners, provenwinners.com.

When it comes to tall, narrow plants to hide an AC unit, Squeeze Box® inkberry holly checks all the right boxes. New to garden centers in 2024, this upright, pyramidal evergreen is exactly what gardeners and landscape designers have been missing in the native plant world.

Growing up to 6 feet tall yet staying just 2-3 feet wide, it’s perfect for creating a slim screen in tight spaces - especially when used conceal an AC unit without compromising airflow. Best of all, it provides year-round coverage with lush, deep green foliage that doesn’t drop in wintertime.

Squeeze Box® thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers consistently moist soil, so regular watering is a must - especially during hot spells! As a male cultivar of the North American native holly Ilex glabra, it won’t produce berries, but its tiny spring flowers attract bees and will help to pollinate female inkberry holly varieties like Gem Box® and Strongbox®.

Inkberry hollies are rarely bothered by deer, making this a tough, low-maintenance alternative to arborvitae. For those seeking native, deer-resistant plants to hide an AC unit with style and structure, Squeeze Box® is a truly standout selection.

Glow Stick® Japanese Holly

Ilex crenata 'NCIC2'

Zones: 5 - 9

Light: Full sun to part shade

tall narrow evergreen japanese holly plants with gold leaves growing in outdoor landscape with grass and mulch — **Glow Stick® Japanese Holly is a tall narrow plant to hide the ac unit.** Image courtesy of Spring Meadow Nursery Inc. via Proven Winners, provenwinners.com.

Glow Stick™ holly is an exciting new option for gardeners looking for ultra-slim plants to hide an AC unit without taking up much space. Hardy in zones 5-9, this standout evergreen grows just 12 inches wide yet will grow 4 to 6 feet tall, making it ideal for creating an upright living screen in tight areas.

When spaced 12 inches apart on center, these narrow shrubs form a solid visual barrier that’s perfect for hiding the air conditioner. Its bright yellow-green foliage adds bold contrast in the landscape and provides year-round coverage with very little maintenance.

If you’re not a fan of its golden green hue, consider swapping with the darker green Sky Pencil holly (Ilex crenata ‘Sky Pencil’) for a more traditional look. But for those who want to make a color statement, Glow Stick™ is both practical and eye-catching. It’s new to garden centers this year, so it may take a little work to find it until it becomes more widely available.

For homeowners seeking narrow, low-maintenance plants to hide an AC unit, this fresh holly variety is a clever and stylish solution!

Manhattan Euonymus

Euonymus kiautschovicus 'Manhattan'

Zones: 5 - 8 (may not be evergreen in zones 5 & 6 during very cold winters)

Light: Full sun to part shade

row of evergreen Manhattan euonymus plants with dormant grasses in front and utility wires, tall trees, houses and blue sky in background — **Manhattan euonymus is a landscaper favorite, with dense, glossy foliage that makes it an ideal evergreen plant to hide the AC unit.**

Manhattan euonymus is a fast-growing, low-maintenance shrub that works beautifully to hide the air conditioner. With a dense, mounded form reaching 4-6 feet tall and 3-5 feet wide, it provides reliable coverage without taking over your space.

Its glossy green leaves create a lush, dense screen, and it responds well to pruning - perfect if you want to keep things neat and tailored around your fencing or AC setup.

Hardy in zones 5-8, Manhattan euonymus thrives in full sun to part shade and adapts well to a variety of different garden conditions. While it may drop leaves in zones 5 and 6 during particularly harsh winters, in most climates it maintains its structure and color throughout the seasons.

It’s an ideal choice for mass plantings or informal screens, and unlike many other Euonymus types, it’s not considered invasive in most areas. For a tough, attractive, and easy-care shrub that will hide outside AC units, Manhattan euonymus is a dependable and stylish solution.

Shrubby Yew Podocarpus

Podocarpus macrophyllus ‘Maki’

Zones: 7 - 11

Light: Full sun to part shade

shrubby Yew Podocarpus green needles closeup — **The shrubby yew podocarpus is a tall, narrow plant with soft evergreen needles - perfect for stylishly screening your outdoor AC unit.** Image credit @Canva.com.

With dense, upright branches and softly textured, dark green needle-like foliage, the shrubby yew podocarpus brings elegant texture to landscapes in the warmer gardening zones of 7-11.

The 'Maki' cultivar of podocarpus is often mistaken for a true yew due to its similar look, but it's actually a different species altogether, and better suited for growing in warmer climates. Podocarpus shrubs are unfussy and low-maintenance, thriving with minimal attention once established.

However, well-drained soil is essential to prevent root rot. As long as drainage is good, ‘Maki’ will reward you with a tidy, evergreen presence that’s easy to shape and perfect for hiding air conditioning units.

This slow-growing evergreen will eventually reach 8-10 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide over the course of a decade, forming a naturally pyramidal shape that blends beautifully into the landscape.

While its slow growth makes it less ideal if you need instant coverage, shrubby yew podocarpus is a smart, long-term solution for those seeking dense, low-maintenance evergreen plants to hide an AC unit.

Uptight Boxwood

Buxus microphylla ‘Robbuxupt’

Zones: 5 - 9

Light: Full sun to part shade

pyramidal boxwood shrub growing in front of brick patio and White House with white railing and gray front step surrounded by metal outdoor furniture and other shrubs and flowers — **The Uptight boxwood is a dense, upright and columnar evergreen, ideal for hiding AC units year-round.** Image courtesy of PlantHaven International, Inc.

The Uptight boxwood is an ideal choice among plants to hide AC units thanks to its naturally columnar, upright growth habit and low maintenance nature.

It has rich, dark evergreen foliage that does not bronze in the wintertime, making it perfect for creating a lush visual barrier to hide the air conditioner. When spaced 3 feet apart on center, these shrubs form a dense living wall that blends effortlessly into your landscape while providing four-season coverage.

In addition to standing alone as a screen, Uptight boxwood also works well in layered plantings to hide the AC unit. Its small evergreen foliage creates a dark, dense backdrop that allows colorful perennials and small shrubs to shine in the foreground.

Thriving in full sun to part shade and preferring well-drained soil, this tough and tidy evergreen shrub gives homeowners a polished solution to conceal utilities without sacrificing style or garden space.

**What Not to Plant Near the AC Unit**

Not all plants are a good match for the space around your AC unit. To help you avoid headaches down the road, here’s a quick list of plants you’ll want to skip when landscaping near your AC:

Grasses: Tall, fountain-shaped grasses like switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), Pink Muhly grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris), and maiden grass (Miscanthus sinensis) might look breezy and elegant, but their arching blades have a habit of flopping right into your AC. It’s a popular look, but trust me! Once those crispy grass blades start clogging your system, you’ll wish you’d planted them somewhere else!

ornamental grasses growing next to a sidewalk witch townhomes, streets, and trees in background — **Many ornamental grasses have an arching, fountain-like shape that eventually spills right into your AC unit, blocking airflow and causing maintenance headaches.**

Grey Owl Juniper (Juniperus virginiana ‘Grey Owl’): This beautiful evergreen may seem harmless during the first year or two, but its wide, ascending and horizontal growth habit will eventually sprawl right into your AC unit’s space.
Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius): The arching branches of this deciduous, fountain-shaped shrub will quickly extend into and on top of your air conditioner, crowding the area and blocking essential airflow.
Golden Mop (Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Golden Mop’): This popular shrub may look compact at first, but its mounded, spreading shape means you’ll constantly be trimming it back to keep it from cascading into your AC unit.
Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia): This ground cover spreads quickly by stolons, and its rapid growth will creep onto the air conditioning unit, threading up the sides and through any slats or openings. Keep it out of the vicinity of your AC.
Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster species): Cotoneaster may start off low and tidy, but its sprawling, twiggy branches have a way of weaving right into the air conditioner’s slats, creating a constant hassle to keep them trimmed back.
Periwinkle (Vinca): Periwinkle spreads aggressively with trailing stems that will sneak into and around the air conditioner, making it difficult to manage and eventually blocking airflow. Keep this ground cover out of any beds near your AC unit.
Wisteria (Wisteria sinensis, Wisteria floribunda and hybrids): Heavy, woody vines can overwhelm fencing or trellises used to screen the AC - keep this invasive vine far away from the house and the air conditioner.
Morning Glory (Ipomoea purpurea): This flowering vine may be charming, but it has fast growing runners that will quickly tangle around your AC unit, restricting airflow and creating a maintenance nightmare. Keep it far away from any garden beds near the air conditioner.
Privet (Ligustrum species): Privet is a fast growing, thick shrub and it’s considered invasive in many regions. It requires constant pruning and trimming to keep it under control.
Willow (Salix species): The members of this diverse group of trees and shrubs have extensive root systems that seek out moisture and damage pipes and foundations. Willows should never be planted anywhere near the house - let alone next to the AC unit.
Golden Bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea) and Yellow Groove Bamboo (Phyllostachys aureosulcata): An invasive nightmare in many areas, bamboo spreads like wildfire through underground rhizomes, quickly taking over your AC unit’s clearance - along with every square foot of your yard. And your neighbor’s. And your neighbor’s neighbors’. Plus, they are extremely difficult to eradicate once established.
Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans): An aggressive climber that can tangle around equipment and block airflow. Keep it out of the vicinity of your air conditioning unit, or you’ll forever be pulling it out of your air conditioner’s slats and trimming it back.