Not all “privacy plants” live up to their name. While some may look lush and dense in spring, they often thin out quickly, leaving your yard exposed by mid-summer—or worse, completely bare in winter. If you’ve ever planted fast-growing screens only to be disappointed, you’re not alone.
In this guide, we’ll cover 8 popular plants that fail to provide year-round coverage, and offer 8 evergreen alternatives that truly deliver on privacy, even during the coldest months. Because when it comes to shielding your space, consistency matters more than speed.
Skip the seasonal letdowns—choose plants that protect all year long.
Bamboo
Bamboo can grow rapidly, creating an initial impression of dense screening. However, its tendency to drop leaves and lose density in cooler climates often leads to a patchy appearance. This characteristic makes it less reliable for year-round privacy needs.
Cypress
Cypress trees often suffer from browning and thinning branches, especially when grown in less-than-ideal conditions. This can lead to unsightly gaps in your privacy screen, undermining the very purpose they were planted for.
Privet
Privet hedges are popular for their fast growth, but they can become leggy and bare at the base if not pruned regularly. This vulnerability to gaps makes them an unreliable choice for consistent privacy coverage.
Leylandii
Leylandii is known for its rapid growth, but it often suffers from disease and pest issues, leading to patchy coverage over time. Regular maintenance is required to keep them looking full, making them a challenging option for homeowners.
Forsythia
While admired for its bright yellow flowers, forsythia often becomes sparse after blooming. Its seasonal nature means it lacks the evergreen quality needed for consistent privacy, leaving gaps during off-seasons.
Lilac
Lilacs are cherished for their fragrant blooms, but after flowering, they can become sparse and woody. This seasonal display lacks the foliage density required for maintaining privacy throughout the year.
Holly
Holly bushes are attractive but can suffer from leaf drop and thinning, especially in harsh climates. Their inconsistent foliage can create unwanted gaps in a privacy screen, making them less reliable.
Rose of Sharon
The Rose of Sharon is valued for its summer blooms, but it often loses leaves in the fall, revealing its bare stems. This lack of evergreen foliage makes it unsuitable for year-round privacy screening.
Emerald Green Arborvitae
Emerald Green Arborvitae offers dense, lush green foliage that remains vibrant throughout the year. Its narrow growth habit makes it perfect for small spaces, providing privacy without overwhelming your garden.
Japanese Yew
Japanese Yew is a versatile evergreen option that thrives in various conditions. Its dense, dark green needles create an elegant privacy screen, and its adaptability to shade and sun makes it a reliable choice.
Boxwood
Boxwoods are renowned for their ability to maintain a compact and dense form, making them an ideal choice for privacy hedges. Their evergreen nature ensures year-round coverage and their classic look suits any garden style.
Camellia
Camellias offer both beauty and privacy, with their glossy, evergreen leaves and stunning blooms. They thrive in partly shaded areas, providing a colorful yet effective screen for any garden setting.
Italian Cypress
The tall, slender form of Italian Cypress trees adds a stately touch to any landscape. Their dense foliage and vertical growth make them excellent for creating privacy without taking up much ground space.
Canadian Hemlock
Canadian Hemlocks provide a soft, feathery texture while maintaining a dense cover. They can tolerate shaded areas well, making them a versatile choice for privacy screens in various garden environments.
Cherry Laurel
Cherry Laurels are fast-growing evergreens that boast glossy leaves and a dense growth habit, perfect for creating a solid privacy hedge. Their adaptability to different soil types adds to their appeal.
English Laurel
With its large, glossy leaves, English Laurel forms a thick, reliable hedge. Its rapid growth rate and evergreen nature make it a popular choice for those who need a quick privacy solution.