Sitting outside in your garden is one of life’s simple pleasures, but if you live in a busy or built-up area, it can sometimes feel a little too exposed. Nosy neighbors or the hustle and bustle of passers-by can make it difficult to fully relax and enjoy your outdoor space. The good news? You can boost your garden’s privacy quickly and naturally with fast-growing shrubs.
Here are ten fast-growing shrubs that will create a lush, green barrier between you and the outside world in no time, making your garden feel like a peaceful retreat.
1. Leylandii (Zones 5-9)
Leylandii, a type of cypress, is a popular choice for creating a dense, evergreen hedge. It grows rapidly—up to 3 feet per year—and can quickly reach heights of 40 meters or more. Due to its fast growth rate, Leylandii is best suited for larger gardens where space isn’t an issue.
- Growth rate: 2-3 feet per year
- Sun requirements: Full sun to partial shade
- Best for: Larger gardens needing high privacy
Recommended States:
- Southeast: Georgia, Florida
- West Coast: California, Oregon
- Southwest: Texas, Arizona
2. Pines (Zones 3-8)
Aleppo, loblolly, and white pines are fast-growing conifers that can quickly provide a natural screen in your garden. These evergreens grow fast and reach towering heights, making them perfect for creating long-lasting privacy barriers.
- Growth rate: 2 feet per year
- Sun requirements: Full sun
- Best for: Large spaces, windbreaks
Recommended States:
- Northeast: New York, Pennsylvania
- Midwest: Michigan, Wisconsin
- West Coast: Washington, Oregon
3. Laurels (Zones 6-9)
Laurels, like the cherry laurel, are ideal for those looking for both beauty and privacy. They grow quickly and have dense, shiny green leaves that can create a solid barrier up to 5 meters high.
- Growth rate: 1-2 feet per year
- Sun requirements: Full sun to partial shade
- Best for: Hedges and privacy screens
Recommended States:
- Southeast: North Carolina, South Carolina
- Pacific Northwest: Oregon, Washington
4. Holly (Zones 5-9)
Holly is not just for Christmas decorations! This fast-growing shrub offers both beauty and security with its glossy, spiky leaves and bright red berries in the winter. Holly can grow quickly into a dense hedge that provides privacy year-round.
- Growth rate: 1-2 feet per year
- Sun requirements: Full sun to partial shade
- Best for: Security, winter interest
Recommended States:
- Southeast: Alabama, Mississippi
- Mid-Atlantic: Maryland, Virginia
5. Pyracantha (Zones 6-9)
Known as firethorn due to its vibrant orange berries in fall, Pyracantha is an evergreen shrub that grows fast and is easy to shape into a hedge. Its thorny branches also add a layer of security while attracting birds to your garden.
- Growth rate: 1-2 feet per year
- Sun requirements: Full sun
- Best for: Privacy and security hedges
Recommended States:
- Midwest: Ohio, Indiana
- South: Tennessee, Arkansas
6. Bamboo (Zones 5-11)
Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants in the world, with some varieties growing up to 2-3 feet per day. This makes it perfect for creating a tall privacy screen quickly. Bamboo is also well-suited for smaller gardens, as it grows upward without taking up too much horizontal space.
- Growth rate: Up to 3 feet per day
- Sun requirements: Full sun to partial shade
- Best for: Small gardens and quick privacy screens
Recommended States:
- Southeast: Florida, South Carolina
- West Coast: California, Hawaii
7. Lilac (Zones 3-7)
If you want privacy with a floral touch, lilacs are an excellent option. These shrubs not only provide good coverage, but they also offer fragrant purple flowers in the spring that can enhance your garden’s appeal. While lilacs grow relatively fast, they won’t take over your garden.
- Growth rate: 1-2 feet per year
- Sun requirements: Full sun
- Best for: Flowering privacy hedges
Recommended States:
- Northeast: Maine, New York
- Midwest: Illinois, Minnesota
8. Forsythia (Zones 5-8)
Forsythia is known for its stunning yellow blooms that appear in early spring, making it an eye-catching choice for a privacy hedge. It grows fast and fills out well, providing both privacy and a splash of color to your garden.
- Growth rate: 1-2 feet per year
- Sun requirements: Full sun
- Best for: Flowering hedges
Recommended States:
- Midwest: Ohio, Iowa
- Northeast: Massachusetts, New Jersey
9. Roses (Zones 5-9)
For open fences or trellises, consider rambling roses. These beautiful, quick-growing plants not only offer privacy but also provide iconic summer blooms that will have your garden smelling fragrant. Roses climb and spread quickly, covering large areas with ease.
- Growth rate: 1-2 feet per year
- Sun requirements: Full sun
- Best for: Fences and trellises
Recommended States:
- Southeast: Georgia, South Carolina
- West Coast: California
10. Hydrangea (Zones 4-9)
Hydrangeas are versatile shrubs that provide both privacy and beautiful flowers. They grow quickly and can be shaped into standalone bushes or used as climbing plants to cover trellises and walls. You can choose between evergreen and deciduous varieties, and their large blooms will add a dramatic touch to your garden.
- Growth rate: 1-2 feet per year
- Sun requirements: Partial shade to full sun
- Best for: Climbing privacy screens and floral hedges
Recommended States:
- Northeast: Connecticut, New York
- South: North Carolina, Virginia
Final Thoughts
With the right shrubs, you can quickly and naturally transform your garden into a private retreat. Whether you choose a lush evergreen hedge or a flowering privacy screen, these fast-growing shrubs will help you reclaim your space and enjoy your garden in peace. Whether you’re in the sunny South or the cool Northeast, these plants can give you the green privacy you need, while adding beauty to your landscape year-round.
