I’ve got you covered if you’re looking for quick-growing shrubs and bushes to create privacy for your home. In this detailed guide, I’ll share 40 of the best options that will not only provide a lush barrier but also enhance the beauty of your landscape.
Hey there! Whether you’re a fan of towering evergreens or colorful flowering plants, I’ve got you covered with all the info you need to help you make the best choice for your garden. Just let me know what you’re looking for!
How about we add some greenery to your space and turn it into a cozy little oasis just for you?
Arrowwood Viburnum
Oh, you’ve got to check out Arrowwood Viburnum! It’s a super speedy shrub that can grow anywhere from 6 to 10 feet tall.
The best part? It has these lovely shiny green leaves and beautiful white flowers that pop up in the springtime. So pretty!
The flowers are followed by clusters of dark blue berries that are a favorite food of birds.
Arrowwood Viburnum is a low-maintenance shrub that is drought-tolerant and can grow in a variety of soils. It is also deer-resistant, making it a good choice for areas where deer are a problem.
Boxwood
Boxwood is another popular evergreen shrub known for its dense, compact growth habit.
It’s often used to create formal hedges, borders, and topiaries.
Boxwood really likes to have well-drained soil and enjoys hanging out in the sun, whether it’s just a bit or all day. And the good news is, it’s pretty chill and simple to take care of.
But, you know, it can actually get hit pretty hard by boxwood blight, this fungal disease that can make it lose a ton of its leaves.
Leyland Cypress
Leyland Cypress, a fast-growing evergreen, is a popular choice for privacy hedges.
It can reach heights of 50 feet and grows in full sun to partial shade.
Leyland Cypress is relatively easy to care for, but it does require regular pruning to maintain its shape.
It is also susceptible to pests and diseases, so regular inspections are important.
Green Giant Arborvitae
If you’re looking for a fast-growing evergreen shrub to add privacy to your landscape, the Green Giant Arborvitae is an excellent choice. These trees can grow up to 3 feet per year, reaching heights of 50 feet or more.
They have a dense, pyramidal shape with bright green foliage that turns a bronze-green in the winter.
Green Giant Arborvitaes are relatively easy to care for, preferring full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. They are drought tolerant and can withstand a wide range of soil conditions.
American Holly
American holly is a popular choice for privacy hedges due to its fast growth and dense foliage. It’s an evergreen shrub that can reach heights of 15 to 20 feet, forming a thick and effective screen.
The glossy, serrated leaves add a touch of elegance to any landscape and provide year-round interest.
American holly is easy to grow and prefers full sun to partial shade. It’s drought-tolerant and adaptable to various soil types.
By planting American holly strategically, you can quickly establish a privacy hedge that provides both beauty and protection.
Japanese Privet
Japanese Privet is a popular choice for homes that need quick-growing plants to create privacy.
This plant is a fast grower and can reach heights of about 10 to 15 feet. It grows like crazy, doesn’t it?
Oh, have you seen that plant with the really dark green leaves and those pretty white flowers that pop up in the spring? It’s just so lovely when it’s in bloom!
Fast-growing and easy to care for, it can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions and requires minimal pruning.
Nandina Domestica
Have you ever heard of Nandina Domestica, also known as Heavenly Bamboo? It’s a lovely shrub that stays green all year round and has really pretty colors in the fall.
It grows pretty fast too, getting to be about 6 to 10 feet tall and spreading out to make a nice thick screen or hedge.
Nandina Domestica thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil.
Its adaptability makes it a popular choice for both residential and commercial landscaping. The plant’s attractive, bamboo-like foliage turns deep shades of burgundy and bronze during fall, providing stunning color contrast in the garden.
Have you heard about Heavenly Bamboo? It’s a fantastic choice for homeowners who don’t have a lot of time to fuss over their plants. It’s super low-maintenance and easy to care for.
Photinia
Photinia is a fast-growing shrub that can add privacy to your yard in a hurry.
This awesome plant can handle being in the sun or some shade, and it’s pretty chill about different types of soil too.
It’s known for its glossy, deep green foliage that turns a vibrant red in the fall, providing year-round interest.
Photinia also produces showy white flowers in the spring, attracting pollinators.
As a bonus, the dense growth habit makes it an excellent choice for creating a privacy hedge or windbreak.
Yew
Have you ever heard of yew trees? They’re pretty cool because they’re always green and can survive in lots of different conditions. So yeah, they’re basically like the superheroes of the tree world!
It thrives in full sun to partial shade and can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions.
Yew grows quickly, reaching heights of 15-20 feet with a spread of 10-15 feet.
Its dense, upright foliage provides effective screening and privacy.
Plus, those dark green needles and pretty red berries really spruce up the yard all year long!
Cherry Laurel
Have you heard about the Cherry Laurel? It’s a quick-growing shrub that’s always green and gives great privacy with its thick, shiny leaves. It can grow pretty tall, up to 20 feet, and spreads out about 10-15 feet wide. Isn’t that cool?
I come from the Caucasus region, so I really enjoy soaking up the sun in a spot where there’s some shade too. And I thrive in soil that drains well.
Its foliage provides a dark green backdrop for other plants, while its fragrant white flowers bloom in spring, attracting pollinators. The Cherry Laurel is a low-maintenance shrub, requiring minimal pruning and occasional watering.
Wax Myrtle
Wax myrtle is a versatile evergreen shrub that grows quickly and can reach heights of 10-15 feet.
This plant has a nice, full shape that’s perfect if you’re looking to create some privacy in your yard with a hedge.
Have you noticed that when you crush the leaves, they give off such a nice smell? It’s pretty aromatic and quite pleasant, don’t you think?
“Hey there! So, the cool thing about wax myrtle is that it can basically thrive in all kinds of soil and it’s totally fine with getting wet or dealing with some dry spells. It’s such a breeze to take care of and grow, you know?”
In the spring, it grows tiny little flowers that you might not even notice at first. And then, later on, it sprouts these pretty blue-black berries that birds just love to snack on.
Ligustrum
Ligustrum is a genus of evergreen or deciduous shrubs or small trees. They are commonly known as privets and are native to Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Privet bushes are like the real MVPs of landscaping when it comes to creating hedges and screens.
They grow super fast and have really thick leaves that make for great privacy and help block out noise. People just love using them for that extra bit of peace and quiet in their outdoor space!
They are also relatively low-maintenance plants that can tolerate a range of soil conditions and sun exposure.
Some popular varieties of privet shrubs include Common Privet (Ligustrum vulgare), Japanese Privet (Ligustrum japonicum), and California Privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium).
Pittosporum
So, you know those Pittosporum plants? They’re pretty cool, right? They’re these evergreen shrubs and trees that originally come from Australia, Asia, and Africa.
What’s really neat about them is their thick, shiny leaves and how they can handle all sorts of different growing situations. They’re definitely a hardy bunch!
Pittosporum can be used as hedges, screens, or windbreaks and can reach heights of 10 to 30 feet depending on the species.
They are relatively low-maintenance plants and can thrive with minimal watering and fertilization. One of the most popular species of Pittosporum is the Victorian Box (Pittosporum undulatum), which is known for its compact size and its large, wavy leaves.
Abelia
Abelia shrubs are a versatile choice for adding privacy to your yard. They boast dense foliage and grow rapidly, creating a living privacy screen in no time.
These evergreen shrubs typically reach heights of 3 to 5 feet, and their compact size makes them well-suited for small spaces.
Abelia’s glossy green leaves and delicate white or pink flowers add a touch of beauty to any landscape.
With their adaptability to various soil conditions and tolerance to partial shade, Abelia shrubs are a low-maintenance option for creating a secluded and attractive outdoor space.
Forsythia
Forsythia is a great choice for adding some privacy or creating hedges in your yard. This shrub grows quickly, looks beautiful, and is super low-maintenance.
In the early spring, it explodes with stunning yellow flowers before the leaves come in, giving your garden a vibrant pop of color that will definitely put a smile on your face.
Forsythia is pretty chill when it comes to different types of soil – it can handle a bunch! Plus, it’s cool with hanging out in the sun or catching some shade, so it’s a great choice for any garden, no matter what the vibe is.
Hibiscus
One of the best shrubs for privacy that grows fast is the hibiscus! It’s really cool because it has these beautiful trumpet-shaped flowers that come in all different colors. They bloom a lot and make your yard look super pretty and colorful.
Hibiscus grows rapidly, reaching heights of up to 12 feet, making it an effective privacy screen.
It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, requiring regular watering and occasional fertilization to maintain its lush foliage and blooms.
With its fast growth rate and beautiful flowers, hibiscus is a practical and visually appealing option for creating privacy in your outdoor space.
Hydrangea
These beautiful flowers can get pretty big, reaching up to 8 feet tall and 6 feet wide. They make for a stunning privacy screen in your garden!
Hydrangeas love chillin’ in a spot with some shade and soil that stays nice and damp with good drainage. They really dig that kind of cozy environment to grow up big and beautiful!
Their large, showy flower heads come in shades of blue, pink, purple, and white, providing a stunning visual display from midsummer to fall.
Rose of Sharon
If you’re into beautiful flowers and want a shrub that grows quickly, you should definitely check out the Rose of Sharon!
These shrubs are really something! They can shoot up to a whopping 12 feet tall and wide and show off some stunning trumpet-shaped flowers in shades like white, pink, purple, and blue. It’s quite a sight to behold!
The Rose of Sharon is also known for its drought tolerance and resistance to pests and diseases.
Vitex
Chaste tree, or Vitex, is a fast-growing shrub that is known for its attractive foliage and fragrant flowers. It is native to the Mediterranean region and can grow up to 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide.
Its leaves are dark green and palmate, with five to seven leaflets.
In the summer, Vitex blossoms with beautiful clusters of blue or lavender flowers that butterflies and other pollinators just love!
Vitex is a versatile shrub that can be used in a variety of landscaping applications.
It can be used as a hedge, a privacy screen, or a specimen plant. It is also a popular choice for planting in containers.
Taking care of Vitex is pretty simple, but just remember to water it regularly and give it some fertilizer too.
Oh, and by the way, this little plant can attract pests and get sick pretty easily, so try to check on it regularly for any issues.
Buddleia
With its dazzling purple blooms that resemble lilac, buddleia is a beautiful and fast-growing shrub that will add vibrancy to your garden. Its height and spread make it perfect for creating a privacy screen or border.
This water-wise plant thrives in full sun or partial shade and isn’t too particular about soil, making it a low-maintenance addition to your outdoor space.
You’ll enjoy its eye-catching blooms from summer to fall, attracting butterflies and other pollinators to your yard.
Butterfly Bush
The Butterfly Bush, also known as Buddleja davidii, is a fast-growing shrub that blooms in clusters of purple, pink, or white flowers, attracting butterflies from far and wide. It thrives in full sun to partial shade, reaching heights of 6 to 8 feet.
With its rapid growth rate, hardiness, and attractive flowers, the Butterfly Bush creates a stunning backdrop and adds a touch of color and vibrancy to any garden, making it a perfect choice for privacy screening.
Crape Myrtle
Crape Myrtles are admired for their prolonged blooming period, displaying vibrant clusters of flowers in a stunning array of colors that range from white to pink, purple, and even red.
These fast-growing varieties can soar to heights of 15-25 feet, making them excellent choices for creating privacy hedges or screens.
Moreover, Crape Myrtles are adaptable to various soil conditions, are drought-tolerant, and can thrive in full sun to partial shade, adding year-round interest to your landscapes.
Lilac
Have you ever seen those beautiful lilac shrubs that grow so tall, reaching up to 10 to 15 feet? They’re amazing!
And let’s not forget about their lovely flowers that smell so good. It’s like they’re showing off with their purple, pink, and white blooms in the spring.Isn’t it just wonderful?
Lilacs are relatively low-maintenance and can tolerate a variety of soil conditions, making them a good choice for those who are new to gardening.
These plants are great because deer tend to leave them alone, so they’re a good choice if you’ve got pesky deer munching on your garden plants.
Spirea
With its fast growth rate, Spirea is a fantastic option for quickly creating privacy. These shrubs typically reach heights of 3-6 feet, with some varieties even growing taller.
These flowers have so many pretty little petals in shades of pink, white, or red that just brighten up your yard and make it look so charming.
Did you know that Spirea is super tough and can pretty much thrive anywhere, no matter the weather or soil type? It’s a real trooper!
Weigela
Have you heard of Weigela before? They’re these beautiful shrubs that have these really gorgeous, colorful blooms. People love them for their vibrant flowers!
They are fast-growing shrubs that can reach heights of 6 to 10 feet.
Did you know that Weigela shrubs actually have leaves that change color in the fall? Most of them stay green, but there are some types that have leaves with different colors mixed in too. It’s pretty cool, right?
These flowers look like trumpets and they come in all kinds of colors – from pretty pinks and vibrant reds to lovely purples and pure whites.
Weigela shrubs are such a treat in the spring and summer with their gorgeous blooms that can really brighten up your yard. They add a lovely pop of color to your landscape!
Indian Hawthorn
Oh, have you heard about Indian Hawthorn? It’s such a great shrub that can really thrive in different types of weather and soil.
It grows pretty quickly, reaching up to 10-15 feet high, so it’s perfect for creating some privacy in your yard or filling in any empty spots in your garden.
Indian Hawthorn is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, only requiring occasional pruning to maintain its shape.
Its evergreen foliage and white clusters of flowers that bloom in the summer add year-round beauty to your garden.
Japanese Barberry
Japanese Barberry offers a solution for quick and dense screening.
Its arching stems and sharp thorns create an impenetrable barrier, ensuring privacy in your outdoor space.
The vibrant foliage adds a touch of color to the landscape, changing hues from green to fiery red in fall.
This plant is super easy to take care of, can handle all sorts of weather, and grows really quickly. It’s perfect if you want some privacy in your yard without waiting forever for it to grow.
Honeysuckle
Have you ever come across honeysuckle? It’s such a lovely shrub that grows quickly and blooms with the most beautiful flowers that smell so sweet.
Plus, it can get pretty tall and wide, making it a great option for adding some privacy to your yard. It’s definitely worth considering if you’re looking to create a cozy and fragrant outdoor space!
Honeysuckle is also relatively low-maintenance, so it’s a great choice for busy people.
You know what’s great about honeysuckle? It flowers for ages – from spring right through to fall! The blooms are trumpet-shaped and they come in all sorts of pretty colors like white, pink, red, and yellow. It’s just so lovely to look at!
Honeysuckle is also a pollinator plant, so it’s great for attracting butterflies and bees.
Jasmine
Have you heard of Jasmine plants? They’re like these lovely shrubs or vines that can really brighten up your garden with their beautiful leaves and sweet-smelling flowers. They’re such a nice addition to any yard, don’t you think?
These fast-growing plants are known for their attractive star-shaped flowers that come in a range of colors, including white, yellow, and pink.
Jasmine’s dense growth habit provides excellent privacy for your outdoor space.
Whether you prefer the cascading effect of vines or the upright shape of shrubs, jasmine offers a versatile choice for creating a beautiful and secluded outdoor oasis.
Oleander
Fast-growing Oleander is a beautiful, deer-resistant shrub that can create a stunning privacy hedge.
Its evergreen foliage, showy clusters of pink, apricot, yellow, or red trumpet-shaped blooms, and tolerance for full sun and heat make it a great choice for warm climates.
However, it’s important to note that all parts of the plant are toxic, so precautions should be taken when planting it around children and pets.
Pentas
Pentas are a great choice for those looking for fast-growing shrubs. They can reach heights of up to 6 feet and produce clusters of colorful flowers all summer long.
Pentas are also relatively easy to care for, making them a good option for beginner gardeners.
They prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
With their vibrant blooms and low maintenance requirements, pentas are a great choice for adding instant color and privacy to your landscape.
Rose
Roses are classic shrubs that can add beauty and fragrance to your yard, as well as provide privacy with their dense growth. Climbing roses can grow up to 20 feet tall, while other varieties can stay as small as 2 or 3 feet.
Did you know that roses come in so many beautiful colors? From classic red and pretty pink to sunny yellow, elegant white, and even vibrant purple! It’s amazing how many options there are to choose from when it comes to these lovely flowers.
Roses do require some maintenance, including pruning and fertilizing, but they are relatively easy to care for. They prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
With proper care, roses can thrive for many years.
Sage
Sage is a great choice if you’re looking for a fast-growing shrub that offers both privacy and beauty. It produces fragrant, gray-green foliage that adds interest to any landscape.
Sage grows super fast, so it can easily fill in any empty spots and make a thick hedge to keep out any uninvited guests.
Plus, it’s drought-tolerant, making it a low-maintenance option that will thrive in a variety of conditions.
Salvia
You know, Salvia – or sage as most people call it – is a great pick for shrubs that provide some privacy.
You know, this plant grows super quickly and keeps its lush green leaves all year long, so it makes a great natural barrier that’ll give you privacy 24/7.
Oh, growing Salvia is a breeze! It can handle all sorts of soil types and doesn’t need much attention at all. It’s a pretty low-maintenance plant.
Plus, the lovely smell of its leaves and pretty flowers really draw in those helpful pollinators, so it’s a great choice to add to your garden!
Santolina
Have you ever heard of Santolina plants? They’re these cool flowering plants that belong to the sunflower family.
They originally come from the Mediterranean area and are famous for their nice-smelling leaves and pretty yellow flowers. Pretty neat, right?
The plants are fast-growing and can reach a height of up to 3 feet.
They are drought-tolerant and can thrive in full sun or partial shade. Also known as lavender cotton or Santolina chamaecyparissus, they make excellent low hedges or borders and are ideal for gardens with a Mediterranean climate.
Sea Lavender
Sea Lavender is a salt-tolerant, fast-growing shrub that can reach heights of up to 2 feet. It has narrow, fleshy leaves and small, lavender-blue flowers that bloom in the summer.
Sea Lavender is well-suited for coastal gardens and can tolerate sandy or salty soils.
It is also drought-tolerant and requires little maintenance.
Statice
Have you heard of statice? It’s such a cool shrub that can really make your garden pop with its vibrant, papery flowers. And the best part? It’s super low-maintenance too!
Known for its drought tolerance, it thrives in hot, dry conditions and prefers well-drained soil.
Statice blooms from summer to fall, producing clusters of small flowers in vibrant shades of pink, purple, blue, and yellow.
Ideal for borders, rock gardens, or containers, it can reach heights of up to 2 feet.
Its flowers are excellent for cutting and drying, adding a touch of color to indoor arrangements.
Stokesia
Stokesia is a charming genus of flowering plants that make excellent additions to sunny gardens. These easy-to-grow shrubs produce abundant blooms in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white throughout the summer months.
Stokesia plants are known for their compact growth habit and low maintenance requirements, making them ideal for beginner gardeners or those seeking low-effort landscaping solutions.
Sunflower
In the realm of fast-growing plants, sunflowers stand tall.
These beautiful flowers don’t just make your garden look amazing, they also help give you some privacy.
Their towering stems and massive leaves create a dense barrier, shielding your yard from prying eyes.
Planting sunflowers is a breeze.
Simply scatter seeds in the soil and watch them sprout within a matter of weeks.
They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them a low-maintenance addition to any landscape.
As they grow older, these beautiful flowers seem to always be reaching for the sun, brightening up your day with their cheerful faces.
Verbena
Verbena, famed for its vibrant clusters of flowers, adds a splash of color to any garden. These fast-growing shrubs boast compact forms, making them ideal for privacy screens and low hedges.
These plants are really easygoing and can handle dry conditions well, so they’re great if you don’t want to fuss over them too much.
Do you lean towards the vibrant Red Verbena or the more subtle Trailing Verbena? Whichever you choose, these amazing shrubs will spruce up your outdoor area with a beautiful, colorful barrier in no time!
