16 Fast-Growing Privacy Shrubs

As I navigated through various options for privacy shrubs, I stumbled upon a list of 16 fast-growing candidates that not only offer seclusion but also promise to transform your outdoor space. From the vibrant colors of Oleander to the dense barrier created by American Arborvitae, each shrub on this list brings its unique touch to privacy landscaping. But before I reveal all 16, let’s explore why choosing the right privacy shrub can be a game-changer for your garden oasis.

1. Flame Amur Maple

Growing rapidly at a rate of approximately 2 feet per year, the Flame Amur Maple is a deciduous shrub known for its impressive height potential, reaching up to 20 to 30 feet when fully mature. Hardy to -40°F, this fast-growing shrub thrives in various climates, offering exceptional cold tolerance.

In autumn, its vibrant foliage transitions into a beautiful display of oranges, reds, and yellows, enhancing the landscape’s aesthetic appeal. With a multi-stemmed growth habit, the Flame Amur Maple forms a dense foliage structure ideal for creating natural privacy screens.

To ensure the health and robust growth of this shrub, good drainage is essential, especially to prevent root rot and maintain soil structure. It flourishes in full sun to partial shade and adapts well to different soil types, including clay and loamy soils.

For optimal growth, ensure well-drained conditions to support this remarkable shrub’s development.

2. English Laurel

English Laurel, scientifically known as Prunus laurocerasus, is a versatile and popular choice for those seeking fast privacy screening in their outdoor spaces.

This fast-growing shrub can reach up to 3 feet in height per year, providing a quick solution for creating natural barriers. English Laurel’s adaptability to various soil conditions makes it a practical option for different landscaping settings.

Additionally, its deer-resistant nature eliminates the need for additional protective measures against browsing animals. Thriving in full sun to partial shade, this shrub offers flexibility in terms of planting locations.

Similar to dogwood trees, English Laurel requires well-drained soil for optimal growth, ensuring both beauty and functionality in garden design.

With its dense foliage, English Laurel not only enhances privacy but also acts as an effective visual and noise barrier in outdoor environments.

3. Schip Laurel

A versatile evergreen shrub for fast privacy hedges, Schip Laurel, also known as Prunus laurocerasus ‘Schipkaensis’, grows at a rate of approximately 2 feet per year.

This fast-growing evergreen adapts well to various conditions, thriving in full sun or partial shade. Its dense foliage forms a robust visual barrier, ideal for enhancing privacy in residential settings.

Schip Laurel is a practical choice as it’s deer-resistant, reducing maintenance needs. Suitable for USDA hardiness zones 6-9, this shrub is adaptable to different climates, making it a reliable option for many gardeners.

With its rapid growth, tolerance to diverse environments, and low maintenance requirements, Schip Laurel stands out as a top choice for creating quick, effective privacy hedges.

Additionally, similar to other privacy trees, Schip Laurel provides year-round coverage, maintaining its lush greenery through all seasons.

4. Portuguese Laurel

Portuguese Laurel, scientifically known as Prunus lusitanica, is a fast-growing evergreen shrub that offers a swift solution for creating privacy screens in your outdoor space.

This shrub can grow up to 1.5 feet per year, making it an excellent choice for fast-growing privacy hedges. Thriving in warm climates, Portuguese Laurel is adaptable to various soil types, including well-draining soils.

With its dense foliage, it can reach heights of up to 15 feet, providing effective visual barriers for privacy. The glossy leaves and fragrant white flowers that bloom in late spring or early summer add to its aesthetic appeal.

Low-maintenance and easily pruned for shape, Portuguese Laurel suits both formal hedges and informal garden settings.

5. American Arborvitae

With its rapid growth rate of 3 to 5 feet per year, the American Arborvitae, scientifically known as Thuja occidentalis, stands out as an ideal choice for those seeking quick privacy solutions in their outdoor spaces.

This fast-growing hedge thrives in various soil types and light conditions, from full sun to partial shade, although it prefers well-drained soils.

The dense foliage of the American Arborvitae provides an effective visual barrier and windbreak, enhancing outdoor privacy and comfort.

Resistant to deer and pests, this shrub requires minimal maintenance and ensures long-term growth without significant threats from wildlife.

Suited for USDA hardiness zones 3 to 7, the American Arborvitae is a versatile option that can withstand diverse climatic conditions, making it a reliable choice for fast-growing hedges.

6. Green Giant Arborvitae

Considering the need for a quick privacy solution in your outdoor space, the Green Giant Arborvitae emerges as a standout choice. This fast-growing evergreen hybrid can shoot up at a rate of 3 to 5 feet per year, swiftly forming a dense barrier for your privacy needs.

Thriving in USDA hardiness zones 5-8, this resilient shrub is deer and pest-resistant, reducing the hassle of maintenance. With the potential to reach heights of 50 to 60 feet and widths of 12 to 20 feet, Green Giant Arborvitae promises a tall and lush privacy screen.

To ensure its optimal growth, planting in well-drained soil and an annual spring pruning for denser foliage are recommended. Enjoy quick, reliable privacy with this impressive green giant.

7. Virescens Western Red Cedar

The Virescens Western Red Cedar, a fast-growing evergreen choice for privacy hedges, offers a rapid growth rate of up to 2 feet per year.

Its tall, narrow, upright-branching growth pattern makes it ideal for creating effective visual barriers in your landscape. Hardy in USDA Zones 5-8, this versatile shrub thrives in well-drained soils, adapting well to different landscape conditions.

The Virescens isn’t only resistant to deer and pests but also requires minimal maintenance once established, saving you time and effort.

With its ability to tolerate partial shade and minimal supplemental watering, this cedar is a practical and low-maintenance option for those looking to establish privacy hedges quickly and effectively.

8. Green Buttonwood

When looking to create a lush and functional privacy screen in your landscape, the Green Buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus) emerges as a versatile choice worth considering.

This mid-sized tree can reach up to 40 feet in height and 20 feet in width, making it an excellent option for a privacy hedge. Thriving in full sun and adaptable to various soil types, including clay and sandy soils, the Green Buttonwood offers flexibility in planting locations.

With its twisting bark and soft foliage, this tree not only adds aesthetic appeal to your outdoor space but also serves as an effective privacy screen. Hardy in USDA zones 10 to 11, this species is well-suited for warmer climates and requires minimal maintenance once established, making it a sustainable landscaping choice.

9. Oleander

Emerging as another fast-growing option for creating a dense privacy screen in your landscape, Oleander (Nerium oleander) stands out as a resilient and visually appealing shrub.

This fastest growing shrub can quickly reach heights of up to 15 feet and widths of 12 feet when unpruned. Its drought-tolerant nature and preference for full sun in well-draining soil make it adaptable to various garden settings.

Oleander’s vibrant flowers, available in pink, white, and yellow, add a colorful touch to any landscape. However, it’s crucial to exercise caution as Oleander is highly toxic if ingested, making it unsuitable for gardens with pets or children.

Thriving in USDA Zones 9 to 11, Oleander is perfect for warmer climates, providing a lush and effective privacy screen or hedge.

10. Golden Dewdrop

A top choice for rapid privacy screening, Golden Dewdrop (Duranta erecta) is a fast-growing shrub that can soar to heights of 15 to 18 feet.

Thriving in full sun to partial shade, this plant adapts well to varying garden conditions, preferring rich, loamy soil and moderate watering. Its vibrant violet-blue flowers not only add beauty to your landscape but also attract essential pollinators.

With dense foliage, Golden Dewdrop forms a natural barrier against noise and prying eyes, enhancing the tranquility of outdoor spaces.

However, it’s crucial to handle this shrub with care as its leaves and berries are toxic to humans and animals. Keep in mind to place it strategically, away from pets and children to enjoy its privacy benefits safely.

11. Small Leaf Clusia

During the spring planting season, one can’t overlook the versatility and rapid growth of the Small Leaf Clusia (Clusia guttifera). This privacy shrub offers a plethora of benefits for those seeking a lush green barrier in their outdoor spaces:

1. Height and Foliage: Reaching 15 to 20 feet tall, the Small Leaf Clusia’s dense foliage makes it an excellent choice for privacy hedges.
2. Sun and Soil: Thriving in full sun with well-draining, organic-rich soil, it establishes quickly and grows robustly.
3. Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can withstand dry conditions, reducing the need for frequent watering.
4. Low Maintenance: Adaptable to various soils and tolerant of neglect, it’s ideal for low-maintenance privacy screens that enhance outdoor aesthetics.

12. Seagrape

With its versatility and striking appearance, the Seagrape (Coccoloba uvifera) stands out as a robust privacy shrub option for outdoor spaces.

This mid-sized shrub can reach heights between 10 to 30 feet, providing an excellent natural barrier for privacy. Thriving in full sun and various soil types, including clay and sandy soils, the Seagrape is a low-maintenance and drought-tolerant choice once established.

Hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11, it not only offers privacy but also produces edible fruit in the fall, adding both beauty and functionality to your landscape.

The dense foliage of its leathery leaves helps reduce noise and enhances privacy, while its twisting branches and vibrant foliage contribute to the aesthetic appeal of coastal gardens.

13. Hibiscus

When cultivating a vibrant and lush privacy screen in your garden, the Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, known simply as hibiscus, emerges as a delightful choice. This fast-growing evergreen shrub can reach heights between 15 to 20 feet, providing a beautiful and dense barrier.

Here are some key points to consider when growing hibiscus:

1. Sun and Soil: Thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers rich soil with organic matter.
2. Beautiful Flowers: Known for its striking, tropical-looking flowers in various shapes and colors.
3. Salt Tolerance: Moderately salt-tolerant, suitable for coastal areas or regions with saline soil.
4. Pollinator Friendly: Attracts bees and butterflies, fostering a biodiverse garden ecosystem.

Enhance your garden with hibiscus for both privacy and beauty.

14. Sweet Viburnum

As we continue exploring fast-growing privacy shrubs, let’s now focus on the Sweet Viburnum (Viburnum odoratissimum).

This shrub is a fantastic option for creating a rapid and dense privacy screen, reaching heights of up to 20 feet.

Thriving in full sun to partial shade and preferring moist soil, the Sweet Viburnum’s lush foliage and quick growth make it a popular choice.

Hardy in USDA zones 7 to 9, it adapts well to various climates.

In spring, the plant produces fragrant white blooms, enhancing its beauty and attracting pollinators.

Once established, this fast-growing shrub showcases drought tolerance, requiring minimal maintenance for homeowners seeking an effective privacy hedge that’s both practical and visually appealing.

15. Saltbush

A versatile and fast-growing shrub, Saltbush (Baccharis halmifolia) is a go-to option for those seeking a natural privacy solution in their outdoor spaces.

Here are some key points about Saltbush:

1. Size and Growth: Saltbush can reach heights of 12 feet and widths of 6 feet, with an open growth habit.
2. Ideal Conditions: Thriving in full sun and preferring moist soils, Saltbush is suitable for various landscape settings.
3. Blooms and Wildlife: Known for its cottony flowers blooming in fall, Saltbush attracts butterflies and bees, adding beauty to your garden.
4. Low Maintenance: Once established, Saltbush shows drought tolerance, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners.

Its dense foliage serves as an effective natural barrier, providing privacy and visual interest in outdoor spaces.

16. Cleyera

Among the array of fast-growing privacy shrubs, Cleyera stands out as a versatile evergreen option that can reach heights ranging from 6 to over 10 feet, depending on the specific cultivar.

Thriving in full sun to partial shade, Cleyera prefers rich, well-drained soil, making it ideal for creating privacy hedges. Hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9b, this shrub adapts well to various climates.

In late May, Cleyera produces beautiful white flowers, adding seasonal interest to your landscape. With its dense foliage, Cleyera serves as an effective natural barrier for privacy and noise reduction in residential areas.

Consider planting Cleyera if you’re looking for a fast-growing shrub that not only provides privacy but also enhances the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space.