Creating a peaceful, private outdoor space doesn’t have to take years. Fast-growing privacy hedges are a natural, stylish solution that can transform your garden into a serene retreat without the need for feces or walls. These living barriers not only offer seclusion but also add greenery, reduce noise, and provide habitats for birds and pollinators. Whether you want a dense evergreen wall or a flowering hedge with seasonal flair, these ten options will give your garden the privacy and beauty it deserves fast.
1. Leyland Cypress (× Cuprocyparis leylandii)
Leyland Cypress is a powerhouse when it comes to rapid growth and privacy. This evergreen giant can grow up to 3–4 feet per year, reaching heights of 30 to 40 feet if left untrimmed. Its dense, feathery foliage creates an instant green wall that blocks out noise, wind, and prying eyes. It thrives in full sun and adapts well to different soil types. Ideal for large yards, Leyland Cypress is perfect if you want a tall, classic hedge in the shortest amount of time.
2. Arborvitae ‘Green Giant’ (Thuja standishii × plicata)
A favorite among gardeners for its elegant form and speed, ‘Green Giant’ Arborvitae can grow 3 feet per year under ideal conditions. This pyramid-shaped evergreen stays lush year-round, providing thick coverage from top to bottom. It’s pest-resistant, drought-tolerant once established, and can grow up to 60 feet tall. Despite its height, it handles pruning well, allowing you to shape it as needed. It’s an excellent choice for both privacy and aesthetic appeal in any garden.
3. Privet (Ligustrum spp.)
Privet hedges are a classic, fast-growing option that can be easily shaped to suit formal or informal gardens. Depending on the variety, they can grow 2–3 feet annually and reach up to 12 feet tall. Privet offers semi-evergreen to evergreen foliage and delicate white flowers in summer that attract pollinators. With regular trimming, it forms a dense, tidy hedge that offers excellent privacy and a refined look. It’s ideal for borders, walkways, or along property lines.
4. Bamboo (Clumping Varieties like Bambusa textilis)
For a modern and exotic look, bamboo is an excellent fast-growing hedge. Clumping bamboo varieties, unlike the invasive running types, stay compact while reaching heights of 10–30 feet. They grow several feet per year, forming a lush, rustling wall that adds privacy and movement to your space. Bamboo thrives in sun to partial shade and brings a unique aesthetic to contemporary or tropical-style gardens. It’s especially great for narrow spaces where you want a quick screen.
5. Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus ‘Schipkaensis’)
Cherry Laurel is a vigorous grower that combines privacy with polished, glossy foliage. It grows about 2 feet per year and reaches a height of 10–15 feet, making it ideal for medium-sized gardens. Its white flower spikes bloom in spring, adding visual interest and fragrance. Cherry Laurel thrives in full sun to partial shade and is tolerant of a wide range of soils. With dense, evergreen leaves, it forms a thick wall perfect for seclusion and beauty.
6. Photinia ‘Red Tip’ (Photinia × fraseri)
Photinia offers more than just privacy it brings a splash of color too. This fast-growing hedge (up to 2 feet per year) is known for its striking red new growth that matures to glossy green. In spring, it produces clusters of small white flowers that add to its appeal. Photinia works well in full sun and can grow 10–15 feet tall. It’s a show-stopper hedge for gardeners who want privacy with flair and a bit of seasonal drama.
7. Boxwood (Buxus spp.)
Though not the fastest on this list, certain varieties of boxwood can still grow at a respectable rate up to 12 inches per year while offering unmatched elegance. Boxwood hedges are perfect for formal gardens and borders, growing densely and responding well to shaping. Choose faster-growing cultivars like ‘Winter Gem’ or ‘Green Mountain’ for quicker results. Its evergreen leaves provide year-round coverage, and its compact form is ideal for smaller yards or patios where precision and polish are key.
8. Holly (Ilex spp.)
Holly varieties such as ‘Nellie R. Stevens’ grow up to 2–3 feet annually and make excellent privacy hedges thanks to their dense, evergreen foliage and vibrant red berries in winter. These hedges are not only functional but also festive and attractive throughout the seasons. Hollies tolerate various soil types and thrive in sun to partial shade. Their slightly spiny leaves also serve as a natural deterrent to intruders, offering both visual and practical privacy.
9. Pittosporum (Pittosporum tenuifolium)
This fast-growing, evergreen shrub offers privacy with a touch of refinement. Pittosporum can grow up to 2 feet per year and reaches heights of 10–12 feet, forming a lush hedge with soft, wavy foliage. It’s ideal for coastal or warm climates and grows well in full sun or partial shade. Variegated varieties add extra color and brightness to the landscape. Use it to frame patios, pools, or walkways where you want privacy with a light, airy feel.
10. Escallonia
Escallonia is a beautiful flowering hedge that also delivers on speed. It grows up to 2 feet per year and provides a compact, evergreen barrier that can reach 8–10 feet tall. From late spring through fall, it blooms with vibrant pink or red flowers that attract bees and butterflies. Escallonia is salt-tolerant, making it a great choice for coastal gardens. It’s low-maintenance and responds well to pruning, allowing you to shape it for both privacy and style.