12 Fast-Growing Privacy Shrubs

Jan 28

Have you ever looked out your window and felt like your backyard was on display for the whole neighborhood? If so, you’re not alone.

Creating a private outdoor space doesn’t have to take years or cost a fortune. Fast-growing shrubs are your secret weapon—they not only block unwanted views but also add beauty and greenery to your yard.

Let’s dive into some of the best options to help you build a lush, natural privacy screen quickly and easily. While there are many fast-growing options available, I focused on evergreen choices. After all, privacy is a year-round need, not just something to consider during spring or summer.

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1. Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis)

Arborvitae-Green Giant — These are Green Giant Arborvitaes. I have them in my backyard and I love the privacy that they give. They are probably 20 feet tall here.

Picture this: tall, green walls of soft, feathery foliage that stay lush year-round. Arborvitae shrubs are a favorite for good reason. They’re tidy, upright, and perfect for creating that instant “room outside” vibe.

How Fast They Grow: Green Giant Arborvitae can shoot up 3 feet per year if you give them a sunny spot and some TLC.

Size at Full Growth: They can reach 50-60 feet tall and about 5-15 feet wide depending on the type.

Where They Thrive: USDA zones 5-8, full sun to partial shade. They’re pretty easygoing as long as the soil isn’t soggy.

2. Leyland Cypress (Cupressocyparis leylandii)

If you want fast privacy, Leyland Cypress is like the superhero of shrubs. These towering evergreens grow incredibly quickly and are great for creating a dramatic hedge.

How Fast They Grow: A jaw-dropping 1-3 feet per year under the right conditions.

Size at Full Growth: Up to 60-70 feet tall, but don’t worry—you can prune them to keep them manageable.

Where They Thrive: USDA zones 7-10, in full sun and well-drained soil.

3. Holly (Ilex spp.)

Hollies bring that classic garden charm with their glossy green leaves and (in some varieties) bright red berries. Plus, they’re evergreen, so your privacy stays intact year-round. The fastest growing is Nellie Stevens.

How Fast They Grow: About 1-2 feet per year, depending on the variety.

Size at Full Growth: 15-30 feet tall and 8-10 feet wide based on the variety.

Where They Thrive: USDA zones 5-9. They love full sun to partial shade and slightly acidic, well-drained soil.

4. Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera)

Wax Myrtle is the laid-back option for privacy screens. It’s fast-growing, aromatic, and has a loose, informal shape that’s perfect for relaxed spaces.

How Fast They Grow: up to 5 feet in a year.

Size at Full Growth: 20-25 feet tall and 8-10 wide.

Where They Thrive: USDA zones 7-10, in full sun to partial shade. They’re super tolerant of sandy or poor soils.

5. Photinia (Photinia x fraseri)

Looking for a pop of color in your privacy screen? Photinia’s glossy green leaves and vibrant red new growth bring both beauty and privacy.

How Fast They Grow: 2-3 feet per year.

Size at Full Growth: 10-15 feet tall and 5-8 feet wide.

Where They Thrive: USDA zones 7-9, in full sun to partial shade. Photinia thrives in a variety of soil types.

6. Pittosporum (Pittosporum tobira)

This versatile evergreen shrub is compact, glossy, and smells amazing when it blooms. What’s not to love?

How Fast They Grow: About 1-2 feet per year.

Size at Full Growth: 10-15 feet tall and 10-15 feet wide.

Where They Thrive: USDA zones 8-10, in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

7. Rhododendron (Rhododendron spp.)

Need a privacy shrub with a bit of flair? Rhododendrons bring dense, leathery leaves and stunning blooms in pinks, purples, reds, and whites. Rosebay Rhodododendron gets very tall and wide as well as the Great Laurel Varieties.

How Fast They Grow: 1-2 feet per year depending on the variety.

Size at Full Growth: 6-10 feet tall and wide, though some varieties get even bigger.

Where They Thrive: USDA zones 4-8. They love partial shade and acidic, well-drained soil.

8. Boxwood (Buxus spp.)

For a polished look, boxwoods are a go-to. Their dense, evergreen foliage is perfect for formal hedges or low-maintenance privacy screens.

How Fast They Grow: About 3- 6 inches per year.

Size at Full Growth: up to 20 feet depending on the variety and 2-8 feet wide.

Where They Thrive: USDA zones 5-9. Partial to full sun and well-drained soil are their best friends.

RELATED: Top Tips on Transplanting Boxwoods

9. Cleyera japonica

Cleyera offers glossy green leaves with a touch of reddish-bronze on new growth. It’s a stunning and functional addition to your yard.

How Fast They Grow: up to 3 feet a year.

Size at Full Growth: 10-15 feet tall and 8-10 feet wide.

Where They Thrive: USDA zones 6-9, in partial shade to full sun. They prefer slightly acidic, well-drained soil.

10. Loropetalum (Loropetalum chinense)

For privacy with a pop of color, Loropetalum is a fantastic choice. Its evergreen leaves often come in shades of deep burgundy or green, and it produces fringy pink flowers.

How Fast They Grow: up to 2 feet per year.

Size at Full Growth: 6-10 feet tall and wide.

Where They Thrive: USDA zones 7-10. They love full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

RELATED: A Beginner's Guide to Choosing the Perfect Flowers for Your Front Yard

11. Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)

Cherry Laurel is a tough, evergreen shrub with glossy green leaves. It’s great for creating dense, low-maintenance hedges.

How Fast They Grow: 2-3 feet per year.

Size at Full Growth: 10-20 feet tall and 5-10 feet wide.

Where They Thrive: USDA zones 6-9, in full sun to partial shade. They’re adaptable to most soils but prefer well-drained conditions.

12. Privet (Ligustrum spp.)

Privet is a classic hedge shrub that grows quickly and can be easily shaped. Its semi-evergreen to evergreen foliage provides year-round privacy in many climates. Just be careful it can be considered invasive.

How Fast They Grow: 2-3 feet per year.

Size at Full Growth: 4-15 feet tall and 4-10 feet wide.

Where They Thrive: USDA zones 3-10, in full sun to partial shade. Privet tolerates a wide range of soils and is very hardy.

Pro Tips for Planting Your Privacy Shrubs

Give Them Room: Don’t plant them too close together—check the mature size and space accordingly.
Prep the Soil: Mix in compost to make sure your shrubs get the nutrients they need.
Water Regularly: Especially during their first year, when they’re getting established.
Prune Smart: Annual pruning keeps them healthy and looking their best.

With these fast-growing evergreen shrubs, you can create a beautiful, private retreat in no time. Say goodbye to prying eyes and hello to your own little slice of paradise!

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