A beautiful backyard should be a place where you can relax, entertain, and enjoy nature without feeling like you’re on display. One of the easiest ways to create a peaceful, secluded outdoor space is by planting fast-growing privacy shrubs. Unlike fences, living hedges soften the landscape, reduce noise, attract birds and pollinators, and add year-round beauty to your property.
Whether you’re looking to block neighboring homes, hide an unattractive fence, or create a lush green backdrop for your garden, these 16 fast-growing shrubs can transform your yard into a private oasis in just a few growing seasons.
1. Green Giant Arborvitae
Green Giant Arborvitae is one of the most popular privacy shrubs for homeowners. It grows an impressive 3–5 feet per year under ideal conditions and forms a dense evergreen screen.
- Growth Rate: 3–5 ft/year
- Sun: Full sun to partial shade
- Best For: Large privacy hedges
2. Skip Laurel
Skip Laurel offers glossy dark-green leaves and creates a thick hedge that stays attractive throughout the year. It grows quickly and responds well to pruning.
- Growth Rate: 2–3 ft/year
- Sun: Full sun to part shade
- Best For: Formal hedges
3. Wax Myrtle
Wax Myrtle is a favorite in warmer climates thanks to its fragrant foliage and rapid growth. It also attracts birds with its berries.
- Growth Rate: 3–5 ft/year
- Sun: Full sun
- Best For: Natural privacy screens
4. Red Tip Photinia
Known for its striking red new growth, Red Tip Photinia adds both privacy and color to the landscape.
- Growth Rate: 2–3 ft/year
- Sun: Full sun
- Best For: Colorful hedges
5. Emerald Green Arborvitae
If you have a smaller yard, Emerald Green Arborvitae provides excellent privacy without taking up too much space.
- Growth Rate: 1–2 ft/year
- Sun: Full sun
- Best For: Narrow spaces
6. American Holly
American Holly creates a dense evergreen hedge while producing bright red berries during winter.
- Growth Rate: 1–2 ft/year
- Sun: Full sun to partial shade
- Best For: Year-round interest
7. Leyland Cypress
Leyland Cypress is famous for its extremely fast growth and ability to quickly create tall privacy walls.
- Growth Rate: 3–4 ft/year
- Sun: Full sun
- Best For: Large properties
8. Viburnum
Many Viburnum varieties grow quickly while producing fragrant spring flowers followed by colorful berries.
- Growth Rate: 2–3 ft/year
- Sun: Full sun to part shade
- Best For: Flowering privacy hedges
9. Cherry Laurel
Cherry Laurel develops into a lush evergreen hedge with large glossy leaves and fragrant white flowers.
- Growth Rate: 2 ft/year
- Sun: Full sun to shade
- Best For: Versatile privacy planting
10. Privet
Privet has been used for centuries as a classic hedge because it grows rapidly and tolerates frequent trimming.
- Growth Rate: 2–3 ft/year
- Sun: Full sun
- Best For: Formal gardens
11. Nellie R. Stevens Holly
This attractive holly variety produces dense evergreen foliage and vibrant red berries while requiring little maintenance.
- Growth Rate: 2–3 ft/year
- Sun: Full sun
- Best For: Elegant landscapes
12. Pittosporum
Pittosporum features soft evergreen foliage with a naturally rounded shape that works beautifully in modern gardens.
- Growth Rate: 2–3 ft/year
- Sun: Full sun
- Best For: Warm climates
13. Bamboo (Clumping Variety)
Clumping bamboo creates an instant tropical privacy screen without the invasive spreading problems associated with running bamboo.
- Growth Rate: Up to 4 ft/year
- Sun: Full sun to partial shade
- Best For: Contemporary gardens
14. Ninebark
Ninebark offers colorful foliage, peeling bark, and attractive white flowers while growing into an excellent informal hedge.
- Growth Rate: 2–3 ft/year
- Sun: Full sun
- Best For: Native landscapes
15. Camellia
Camellias provide glossy evergreen leaves along with spectacular flowers during the cooler months, making them perfect for decorative privacy.
- Growth Rate: 1–2 ft/year
- Sun: Partial shade
- Best For: Elegant flowering hedges
16. Japanese Cedar (Cryptomeria)
Japanese Cedar develops into a tall, soft-textured evergreen that offers excellent year-round screening and a refined appearance.
- Growth Rate: 2–3 ft/year
- Sun: Full sun
- Best For: Large landscape borders
How to Create the Perfect Privacy Hedge
For the best results:
- Space plants according to their mature width.
- Water deeply during the first growing season.
- Apply mulch to retain moisture and reduce weeds.
- Fertilize in early spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer.
- Prune lightly each year to encourage dense branching.
- Choose shrubs suited to your USDA Hardiness Zone.
Choosing the Right Shrub
Before purchasing plants, consider:
- Your climate and winter temperatures
- Available sunlight
- Mature height and width
- Desired maintenance level
- Whether you prefer evergreen or flowering shrubs
Selecting the right plant for your conditions will ensure healthier growth and a longer-lasting privacy screen.
Final Thoughts
Fast-growing privacy shrubs are one of the smartest investments you can make for your landscape. They provide natural beauty, reduce noise, increase property value, and create a peaceful outdoor retreat for years to come.
Whether you love the towering Green Giant Arborvitae, the colorful Red Tip Photinia, or the elegant Camellia, there’s a perfect privacy shrub for every garden style and climate. Start planting today, and you’ll soon enjoy a lush living fence that offers beauty, shade, and privacy throughout every season.