9 hedges that grow swiftly for ultimate privacy

Posted on 16/09/2025

9 Hedges That Grow Swiftly for Ultimate Privacy

In an age where outdoor privacy is more valuable than ever, finding fast-growing hedges for privacy can unlock the seclusion and tranquility you desire in your garden or backyard. Whether you want to block street views, shelter your property from wind, or just create a serene space, the right privacy hedge can transform your landscape quickly and elegantly. Let's explore 9 hedges that grow swiftly for ultimate privacy, tailored for different climates, aesthetics, and site conditions.

Why Choose Fast-Growing Hedges for Privacy?

• Immediate screening: Fast growth means you won't have to wait years for your hedge to offer the desired coverage.
• Sound and wind barrier: Tall, dense hedging plants help minimize noise and provide wind protection.
• Aesthetic appeal: Lush, green boundaries add beauty and definition to your garden.
• Wildlife habitat: Shrubs and hedges support birds, pollinators, and other beneficial fauna.
• Property value: Attractive landscaping can raise the value of your home.

Let's dive into the top choices for fast-growing privacy hedges and discover which might be best for your unique landscape needs.

1. Green Giant Arborvitae (Thuja standishii x plicata 'Green Giant')

If you're seeking a fast-growing evergreen hedge for privacy, Green Giant Arborvitae is a superstar. It boasts a vigorous growth rate, averaging 3-5 feet per year under optimal conditions.

• Height & spread: Reaches up to 30-40 feet tall, 10-12 feet wide.
• Evergreen: Offers year-round privacy with dense, feathery foliage.
• Low maintenance: Resistant to most pests and diseases, and rarely needs pruning.
• Ideal for large properties: Best for spacious yards due to its mature size.

Plant Green Giant Arborvitae in full sun to partial shade for the fastest results. It's also tolerant of various soils, making it a versatile choice for privacy screens.

2. Leyland Cypress (Cupressocyparis leylandii)

Leyland Cypress hedge is favored for its incredible speed--often growing up to 4 feet per year! Its rapid growth makes it one of the fastest choices for creating a tall, dense privacy barrier.

• Height & spread: Up to 60 feet tall, 8-12 feet wide if left untrimmed.
• Evergreen foliage: Soft, feathery, and rich green.
• Quick coverage: Excellent for blocking views and muffling sound quickly.
• Pruning required: Trim annually to maintain optimal shape and height.

Leyland Cypress thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Its adaptability and rapid growth have made it one of the most popular privacy hedges in suburban and rural landscapes alike.

3. Privet (Ligustrum vulgare and hybrids)

For homeowners seeking a classic, formal appearance, Privet hedges are a tried-and-true option. Privet grows quickly--often reaching 2-3 feet per year with regular pruning and feeding.

• Height: 8-15 feet, depending on variety and pruning.
• Deciduous or semi-evergreen: Retains leaves in mild climates; may lose some foliage in colder regions.
• Fragrant flowers: Produces clusters of tiny white blossoms in late spring to early summer.
• Adaptable: Tolerates a wide range of soils and urban environments.

Privet is a top choice for fast privacy hedges that can be clipped into neat, uniform screens or left slightly informal for a softer look.

4. Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)

Looking for lush, broad-leaved hedges? Cherry Laurel, also known as English Laurel, is one of the best fast-growing privacy shrubs for deep, glossy green foliage throughout the year.

• Growth rate: Approximately 2 feet per year.
• Height: Easily maintained at 8-18 feet tall, depending on variety and pruning.
• Evergreen leaves: Large, leathery, and highly attractive.
• Tolerant of shade: Grows well in partial shade, making it perfect for challenging locations.
• Flowering: Fragrant white flower spikes appear in spring, followed by red berries loved by birds.

Cherry Laurel is extremely versatile, thriving in many soil types and responding well to pruning. It delivers excellent privacy quickly, especially in urban gardens.

5. Bamboo (Clumping Types)

Nothing beats the speed of bamboo! If you want instant privacy and a modern, tropical feel, fast-growing clumping bamboo is your answer. Unlike invasive running bamboo, clumping varieties are non-invasive and easy to manage.

• Growth rate: Up to 3-5 feet per year, with mature heights from 8 to 20+ feet, depending on species.
• Evergreen: Holds foliage throughout winter in most climates.
• Screening: Dense canes form nearly impenetrable barriers.
• Modern look: Perfect for contemporary and Asian-inspired landscapes.
• Sustainable privacy option: Bamboo is renowned for absorbing carbon and fast re-growth.

Bamboo hedges thrive in full sun to partial shade and benefit from regular watering and mulching, especially in their first couple of years. Choose clumping types such as Bambusa or Fargesia for the ultimate privacy hedge that grows quickly without spreading issues.

6. Photinia 'Red Robin' (Photinia x fraseri)

For an eye-catching hedge that grows fast and delivers a burst of color, Photinia 'Red Robin' stands out. Its brilliant scarlet-red young leaves transition to glossy green, providing year-round interest and solid coverage.

• Growth rate: Approximately 2 feet per year.
• Height: Maintained at 6-12 feet for hedges.
• Evergreen: Offers privacy in all seasons.
• Colorful new growth: Striking red foliage in spring and after pruning.
• Adaptable: Performs well in most soils, likes full sun or partial shade.

Regular trimming encourages fresh red shoots, making Photinia a popular choice for gardeners seeking the perfect blend of privacy and ornamental appeal.

7. Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera)

For those in warmer regions, Wax Myrtle is a tough, fast-growing privacy shrub that forms dense screens with minimal effort. Its aromatic evergreen leaves and compact shape make it ideal for hedges and even coastal properties.

• Growth rate: 2-3 feet per year.
• Height: 10-15 feet, or taller if left unpruned.
• Tolerant: Thrives in a variety of soils, from sandy to clay.
• Drought and salt-resistant: Perfect for challenging Southern and coastal sites.
• Wildlife-friendly: Provides shelter and food for birds, especially in fall and winter.

Wax Myrtle's adaptability and tough constitution make it one of the best quick hedges for privacy in milder climates across the country.

8. Laurel Oleander (Nerium oleander)

In frost-free regions, Oleander is a vibrant, rapid-growing choice for creating attractive, flowering privacy hedges. Its luxuriant evergreen leaves and clusters of showy flowers add tropical flair to any garden.

• Growth rate: 1-2 feet per year.
• Height: 6-20 feet, depending on variety and care.
• Evergreen: Retains foliage all year for consistent coverage.
• Colorful blooms: Pink, white, red, or yellow flowers from late spring through fall.
• Drought tolerant: Excellent for arid regions after establishment.

Caution: All parts of Oleander are toxic if ingested, so it's best for homes without children or pets. However, for ultimate privacy combined with floral drama, Oleander is unmatched in suitable climates.

9. Viburnum (Viburnum tinus)

If you value both flowers and privacy, Viburnum tinus delivers on both fronts. This versatile evergreen shrub offers beautiful clusters of pinkish-white flowers in late winter and early spring, swiftly forming a dense screen.

• Growth rate: About 1-2 feet per year.
• Height: Can be grown as a 6-12 foot hedge.
• Flowers and berries: Fragrant blooms followed by metallic blue berries, attracting wildlife.
• Tolerates shade: Grows happily in sun or partial shade.
• Low maintenance: Few pests and diseases; easy to prune as needed.

With its multi-season interest and adaptable nature, Viburnum is ideal for both front yard privacy and decorative hedging.

Expert Planting and Maintenance Tips for Fast Privacy Hedges

• Pick the right species: Consider local climate, soil, and space.
• Proper spacing: Give your hedges enough room to grow and fill in naturally (consult nursery tags for recommended spacing).
• Prepare your soil: Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure before planting for optimal growth.
• Regular watering: Especially crucial in the first two years, even for drought-tolerant species.
• Annual feeding: Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring to boost establishment and rapid growth.
• Prune for density: Light, regular pruning helps hedges grow fuller and bushier, speeding up privacy coverage.

With the right hedge and maintenance routine, you'll gain seclusion, beauty, and property enhancement in no time.

Conclusion: Creating Your Fast-Privacy Garden Sanctuary

Achieving privacy in your backyard or garden doesn't have to be a long-term waiting game. By selecting one of these nine fastest-growing hedges for privacy, you'll enjoy a lush, living barrier in just a few seasons. Whether you love the structured look of Privet or Photinia, the tropical vibe of Bamboo or Oleander, or the majestic rise of Green Giant or Leyland Cypress, there's a rapid-growing privacy hedge for every style and situation.

Ready to plant your way to seclusion? Choose the best fit for your climate and space, invest in quality planting materials, and watch your personal oasis flourish with security, beauty, and speed!

Frequently Asked Questions

• How quickly do privacy hedges grow?
  Depending on species and conditions, many fast-growing hedges can gain 2-5 feet per year.
• Which privacy shrub is best for shaded areas?
  Cherry Laurel, Viburnum, and certain Bamboo varieties tolerate part-shade.
• What's the fastest-growing evergreen hedge?
  Green Giant Arborvitae and Leyland Cypress are among the fastest.
• Are privacy hedges high maintenance?
  Most hedges require watering, feeding, and annual pruning for best performance, but many on this list are low-maintenance once established.
• How close should I plant privacy hedge shrubs?
  Spacing varies from 3 to 6 feet apart, depending on mature width--consult plant-specific guidelines for best results.

Choose your favorite from these 9 hedges that grow swiftly for ultimate privacy to enjoy a beautiful, secluded, and peaceful outdoor retreat--sooner than you think!