What kind of large plant will thrive on my screened in porch in sc?

Question

We live in zone 7, in the north-western part of the state. Our screened porch faces NE. I have tried some palms, but they always die. (I don;t really know how to take care of them, either). I had a rubber tree that did ok, but then I didn't think to bring it in and it froze one night in the winter. I would like something tall, that will provide a little privacy from the neighbors who are very close. An answer from a knowledgeable source would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Answer 1

Try a bullnetal

Answer 2

I'm in north Mississippi (also zone 7), and my ficus tree does really well if I keep it out of the direct sunlight, so I think you'll be happy with it.

I also have a thin-leafed dracaena (bad spelling, sorry) streaked with red and white.  It's about six feet tall and doing really well inside.  It too sunburns in direct sunlight, so it might be good for a NE screened porch.