I live in a townhouse community in Southeastern PA, and have serveral dwarf alberta spruce in containers along the edge of my patio which I am using to create a natural "fence" to create privacy on the patio. I have unfortunately learned the hard way that these trees are not as easy to care for as the uneducated might think, and they developed a very bad spider mite infestation last year. Although the mites are gone right now, the trees are pretty damaged and I'm sure the mites will be back this year.

Rather than me trying to fight a seemingly loosing battle, does any one have any suggestions for something I could use instead to create my "privacy fence"? The plants will be in containers, get full sun (which means a lot of heat in summer, and I'd prefer to be able to leave them out year round. The foliage does not need to be as "thick" as the alberta spruce - I'm just looking for a bit of privacy, it does not have to be a 'solid' wall. Any recommnedations would be much appreciated!