Explore 9 Quick-Growing Hedges for Ultimate Privacy

Posted on 26/08/2025

Explore 9 Quick-Growing Hedges for Ultimate Privacy

Searching for the best way to add privacy to your outdoor space quickly? The solution is simple: fast-growing hedges. Whether you're dealing with nosy neighbors, a busy street, or just want to define your garden boundaries, quick-growing hedges provide instant beauty and an effective green screen. In this in-depth guide, we'll introduce you to 9 of the fastest-growing privacy hedges, each with unique features and care tips. By the end, you'll be ready to plant the perfect living wall for your needs.

Why Choose Fast-Growing Privacy Hedges?

A hedge offers more than just privacy--it creates a vibrant backdrop, enhances your landscaping, reduces noise, and improves air quality. Choosing quick-growing hedging plants means you'll enjoy these benefits in just a few short seasons instead of waiting years. Speedy growth doesn't mean sacrificing looks, either. Many of these hedges are as lush and attractive as their slower-growing counterparts, making them the ideal solution for homeowners seeking both beauty and functionality.

Key Benefits:

• Rapid coverage for privacy screens and windbreaks
• Natural barrier against noise and pollution
• Versatile options for every climate and garden style
• Low-maintenance choices mixed with showy foliage or flowers

Top 9 Quick-Growing Hedges for Ultimate Privacy

Let's explore the fastest-growing hedge plants that will transform your property in record time. Each selection includes growth rates, care requirements, and why it stands out as an excellent privacy option.

1. Leyland Cypress (Cupressus x leylandii)

When it comes to ultra-fast privacy hedges, Leyland Cypress is hard to beat. Growing up to 3-5 feet per year, this evergreen forms a dense, lush wall in no time. Its feathery blue-green foliage remains vibrant year-round, providing consistent privacy. Plant these trees about 3 feet apart for the best coverage.

• Growth rate: Up to 3-5 feet yearly
• Height: Up to 60 feet (can be trimmed to suit any garden size)
• Sunlight: Full sun
• Notable for: Easy care and impressive height

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

The Green Giant Arborvitae is a favorite among gardeners seeking quick privacy hedges. It thrives in most soil conditions and is highly resistant to pests and diseases. With a steady 3-foot annual growth, it provides a low-maintenance evergreen privacy wall within a few years.

• Growth rate: 3 feet per year
• Height: Up to 40 feet
• Sunlight: Full to partial sun
• Resistant to: Deer and many common pests

3. Privet (Ligustrum spp.)

If you want a classic and formal look, Privet hedges are an excellent choice. This fast-growing leafy shrub forms dense walls and can be easily shaped to suit your design. In favorable conditions, privet grows 2-3 feet every year.

• Growth rate: 2-3 feet per year
• Height: 6-15 feet when mature
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
• Best features: Easy to trim, classic appeal

4. Bamboo (Phyllostachys or Bambusa varieties)

For a unique and exotic living barrier, nothing beats bamboo. Running bamboo varieties can sprout up to 5 feet a year, quickly creating a towering privacy screen. Clumping types are less invasive and ideal for tight spaces.

• Growth rate: 3-5 feet annually
• Height: 10-30 feet, depending on species
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
• Tips: Use root barriers to control spreading varieties

5. Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)

Cherry Laurel offers glossy, dark-green leaves and small white flowers in spring. Able to add 2 feet in height each season, it's a reliable evergreen hedge for privacy and curb appeal.

• Growth rate: 2 feet per year
• Height: Up to 20 feet (easily trimmed)
• Sunlight: Full sun to full shade
• Special trait: Thrives in a variety of soils and light conditions

6. Photinia x fraseri 'Red Robin'

This vibrant hedge plant boasts fiery red new foliage that matures to glossy green, delivering year-round interest. Photinia 'Red Robin' grows fast, making it a popular privacy hedge with a splash of color.

• Growth rate: Up to 2 feet per year
• Height: 10-15 feet
• Sunlight: Full sun or partial shade
• Notable for: Colorful foliage and spring flowers

7. Viburnum tinus (Laurustinus)

For year-round greenery and clusters of pinkish-white winter flowers, Viburnum tinus is an ideal fast-hedge option. It grows quickly and thrives in difficult conditions, tolerating shade and drought once established.

• Growth rate: 1-2 feet yearly
• Height: 6-12 feet
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
• Bonus: Attracts pollinators and resists deer

8. Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens)

Traditionally used for formal hedges, boxwood can actually grow up to 12 inches per year when well cared for. Though it's slower compared to others listed, boxwood provides dense, evergreen privacy and responds well to shaping and trimming.

• Growth rate: Up to 1 foot per year
• Height: 5-20 feet, depending on the variety
• Sunlight: Full or partial shade
• Best feature: Classic, formal appearance

9. Wax Myrtle (Morella cerifera)

Resilient, low-maintenance, and aromatic--wax myrtle is a privacy champion in warm climates. Its fast, bushy growth and pleasing scent make it the ultimate living fence, particularly in coastal regions.

• Growth rate: 2-3 feet every year
• Height: 10-15 feet, can be trimmed smaller
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
• Notable for: Fragrant leaves and adaptability

How to Select the Perfect Fast-Growing Hedge for Your Garden

Choosing the right fast-growing hedge plant comes down to your climate, gardening goals, and the specific site conditions. Follow these simple steps to ensure your privacy hedge will thrive:

• Assess sunlight: How much direct, strong sun does your future hedge spot receive?
• Check soil type: Is it well-drained, clayey, or sandy? Amend as needed before planting.
• Determine height and width: How tall and wide do you want your hedge to grow?
• Maintenance level: Are you willing to prune regularly, or do you prefer a low-maintenance shrub?
• Pest/disease resistance: Choose disease-resistant species when possible.
• Climate suitability: Ensure your plant choice can handle your region's winter and summer extremes.

Great for Fast Privacy Solutions

If you need immediate privacy, opt for hedges known for their rapid annual growth and thick foliage, such as Leyland Cypress or Green Giant Arborvitae. For color and year-round appeal, consider Photinia or Laurel. Looking for drought-tolerance or coastal hardiness? Wax Myrtle or Viburnum are top picks.

Care Tips for Growing Quick-Growing Privacy Hedges

• Water deeply and often during the first two years to help roots establish
• Add mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
• Feed hedges annually with a balanced fertilizer each spring
• Prune regularly, especially with expert trimmers like Privet or Boxwood, to maintain density and shape
• Monitor for pests and treat promptly if detected

Frequently Asked Questions about Fast-Growing Hedges for Privacy

How long does it take for a fast-growing hedge to reach full height?

Most rapid growth hedges on this list take 3 to 5 years to create a high, dense screen. Initial growth is fastest during the first season if proper planting and watering practices are followed.

Which hedge is the fastest for privacy?

Leyland Cypress and bamboo varieties are the undisputed champions, often achieving over 3 feet of growth each year. However, some prefer Green Giant Arborvitae or Laurel for their ease and disease resistance.

Are quick-growing hedges high-maintenance?

Most fast privacy hedges require regular pruning to keep them loved and in check. Some varieties (like Laurel and Boxwood) can tolerate infrequent trimming, while cypress and privets appreciate more frequent cuts.

Do fast-growing hedges need full sun?

Not all of them: Cherry Laurel and Viburnum tinus both grow extremely well even with partial or full shade. However, most evergreens and bamboos thrive best in at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.

Conclusion: Transform Your Landscape with Quick-Growing Privacy Hedges

Landscaping with fast-growing living walls is the most natural and beautiful way to secure your privacy, buffer the wind, and add value to your property. With options for every climate and taste--from the stately Leyland Cypress to colorful Photinia and aromatic Wax Myrtle--you're sure to find the perfect quick hedge for your outdoor sanctuary.

Ready to start? Plant your chosen fast-growing hedge this season and enjoy privacy, tranquility, and the lush beauty that only a living fence can provide.