There’s nothing quite like the tranquility of your own garden, but feeling exposed to neighbors or passersby can take away from that peace.
If you want to create privacy in a natural way, fast-growing shrubs are your best bet. They’ll not only block unwanted views but also add beauty and structure to your outdoor space.
Here are 14 fast-growing shrubs that can help create a lush, green barrier in no time.
Privet (Ligustrum)
If you want privacy in a hurry, privet is a top contender. This shrub grows at lightning speed, filling in gaps to form a dense, leafy barrier that’s tough to see through. It’s a favorite for those who want a hedge that’s as functional as it is beautiful. Its glossy green leaves stay vibrant, making it a reliable choice even when other plants fade with the seasons.
What’s great about privet is how easily it adapts to trimming. You can shape it into neat, formal hedges or let it grow more naturally for a relaxed, countryside look. It’s perfect for creating a tailored or wild vibe in your garden while keeping curious eyes out.
Thuja (Arborvitae)
If you’ve ever seen those tall, lush walls of green in a garden, chances are they were Thuja shrubs. Known for their rapid growth and resilience, they’re a favorite for creating natural screens that offer privacy all year. Thuja ‘Green Giant,’ in particular, can shoot up 3-5 feet per year under the right conditions, making it a superstar for fast results.
The needle-like foliage is dense, providing a sound barrier as well as a visual one. Even better, these shrubs are pest-resistant and require minimal care once established. With Thuja, you’ll enjoy the perks of a secluded garden without constant upkeep.
Viburnum
This is the shrub for those who want privacy with a touch of elegance. Viburnum grows quickly, with broad leaves that create a thick, green curtain perfect for keeping your garden private. Its versatility makes it suitable for hedges, standalone shrubs, or even mixed borders.
But Viburnum isn’t just about utility. Many varieties, like the ‘Snowball Bush,’ bring bursts of fragrant flowers in spring. In autumn, the foliage turns vibrant shades of red or purple, and the berries attract birds, adding life to your garden. It’s the perfect combination of function and seasonal charm for any privacy-seeker.
Spirea (Meadowsweet)
If you want a shrub that’s hardworking and beautiful, Spirea fits the bill. Its fast-growing, bushy habit makes it a great choice for a privacy hedge, and its delicate clusters of flowers are a bonus for anyone who loves a bit of seasonal color. Spirea thrives in a variety of climates and doesn’t demand much maintenance, making it ideal for busy gardeners.
In spring and summer, its blooms create a stunning display of whites, pinks, or reds, depending on the variety. By autumn, the foliage turns golden or reddish, adding warmth to your garden. A privacy solution that’s both practical and pretty? Sign us up!
Leyland Cypress (Leylandii)
The Leyland Cypress is one of the fastest-growing conifers, shooting up by about 3 feet per year. It forms a dense, evergreen wall perfect for privacy, but be cautious – it can grow up to 40 meters if left unchecked.
This makes it ideal for large spaces where its height won’t become an issue. If planted in smaller gardens, regular pruning is essential to maintain a manageable size.
Pine Trees
Pines, like the Aleppo, Loblolly, and White Pine, are excellent for quick coverage, growing rapidly to offer year-round greenery.
These evergreens create a natural shield, but they can reach towering heights, so they’re best for expansive gardens.
Their needles also provide great wind resistance, making them practical for more exposed areas. Pine trees are low-maintenance and thrive in a variety of conditions, from sandy to loamy soils.
Laurel
Laurel, particularly Cherry Laurel, is a robust shrub that grows fast and can reach up to five meters in height, making it a fantastic option for privacy hedges. Its large, glossy leaves not only look beautiful but also create a dense screen.
Laurels are versatile and grow well in both sun and partial shade, tolerating a variety of soil types. With a little trimming, they can be shaped into formal hedges or left to grow naturally for a more relaxed look.
Holly
Holly bushes are not just festive with their red berries, but they also offer excellent privacy with their dense, thorny leaves. These evergreens grow relatively quickly and can be shaped into a thick, impenetrable hedge that adds security to your garden.
The prickly leaves deter animals and unwanted visitors, while the bright red berries attract birds. Holly thrives in a variety of conditions, from full sun to partial shade, making it a versatile option for most gardens.
Pyracantha (Firethorn)
Pyracantha, commonly known as Firethorn, is an evergreen shrub that grows quickly and provides a strong, thorny barrier. Its bright orange or red berries, which appear in autumn, add a burst of color to your garden while also attracting birds.
The shrub can grow quite tall and wide, offering excellent privacy and even some added security due to its sharp thorns. Firethorn does best in full sun and well-drained soil, making it a great option for sunny garden spots.
Bamboo
Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants in the world, making it perfect for creating a tall, natural privacy screen. It can shoot up several feet in just a short time, forming a dense wall that requires minimal ground space.
However, be careful with the type of bamboo you choose – running varieties can become invasive, so opt for clumping bamboo to keep it contained. Bamboo also adds an exotic touch to your garden and works well in both modern and traditional landscapes.
Lilac
Lilacs are known for their beautiful, fragrant blooms, but they also grow quickly enough to provide privacy in a relatively short time. These shrubs reach a height of around three meters and offer a lush green barrier when not in bloom.
Lilacs thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them a versatile addition to most gardens. Plus, their stunning flowers add a pop of color and fragrance in the spring, making your privacy hedge a beautiful focal point.
Forsythia
Forsythia is a fast-growing shrub that’s perfect if you’re looking to add both privacy and a pop of color to your garden. Its bright yellow flowers appear in early spring, creating a stunning display before the leaves even emerge.
Forsythia grows rapidly, often adding up to 2 feet in height each year, and its dense, woody branches form a solid privacy barrier. It’s also easy to care for, thriving in a variety of soil types and requiring minimal maintenance once established.
Roses
Climbing roses are an elegant choice for covering fences, trellises, or arbors, offering both privacy and beauty. They grow quickly, winding their way around structures and providing thick coverage with their thorny stems and lush blooms.
While they do need some support and occasional pruning, their fragrant flowers make the effort well worth it. Choose varieties that bloom repeatedly throughout the summer for a long-lasting display of color and privacy.
Hydrangea
Hydrangeas are versatile shrubs that can either stand alone or be trained to climb, making them ideal for creating a floral privacy screen. With varieties that offer both evergreen and deciduous options, they provide flexibility in how they fit into your garden design.
Hydrangeas bloom with large, showy flowers in shades of pink, blue, white, or purple, adding a burst of color to your privacy hedge. They thrive in well-drained soil and partial shade, making them a great addition to borders or standalone features.
