Craving a little more privacy in your backyard? Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, reading on your patio, or relaxing in a hot tub, feeling exposed to neighbors or passersby can be uncomfortable. While fences and screens are common solutions, they can be costly, unattractive, or limited by HOA restrictions.
That’s where fast-growing shrubs and bushes come in. These green wonders can form a living wall that offers natural beauty, seasonal interest, and—most importantly—privacy. Many of these options not only grow quickly but also thrive in a variety of climates and yard sizes.
In this guide, we’ll introduce you to 15 fast-growing shrubs and bushes that can help you reclaim your backyard. Whether you want an evergreen barrier or something with bold seasonal color, these plants are ready to work overtime creating your outdoor sanctuary.
Why Choose Fast-Growing Shrubs for Privacy?
Fast-growing shrubs are a smart choice for homeowners who want quick and natural privacy. Instead of staring at an unsightly fence or chain-link border, you’ll be surrounded by lush, living greenery. Many fast growers can reach heights of 6 to 15 feet or more in just a few years, making them ideal for creating tall, thick screening.
Beyond privacy, these shrubs offer beauty throughout the seasons. From blooming flowers in spring to colorful berries in fall, they provide visual interest that changes throughout the year. Some varieties even attract pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds, making your backyard even more vibrant and alive.
These plants are also low-maintenance and eco-friendly. Once established, many fast-growing shrubs require minimal watering and little intervention. You’ll enjoy long-term benefits with a relatively low investment of time and money—nature’s privacy solution at its best.
15 Fast Growing Shrubs and Bushes To Create Privacy
1. Arborvitae (Thuja Green Giant)
Arborvitae is one of the most popular choices for creating a privacy hedge—and for good reason. Known for its fast growth rate (up to 3–5 feet per year), this evergreen shrub features dense, bright green foliage that provides year-round coverage. It’s perfect for formal rows or natural-looking barriers.
The ‘Green Giant’ variety, in particular, is loved for its hardiness and uniform shape. It can grow up to 30–40 feet tall and 12–15 feet wide when mature, though you can keep it trimmed for a more compact look. It thrives in full sun and is drought-tolerant once established.
Because of its height and thickness, Arborvitae acts as an excellent sound and wind barrier in addition to blocking views. Plant them about 5 to 6 feet apart for a seamless hedge, and give them some space to breathe and grow without overcrowding.
2. Privet (Ligustrum spp.)
Privet is a classic hedge shrub that’s prized for its speedy growth and dense foliage. It grows 2 to 3 feet per year and quickly forms a thick wall of green when planted in rows. The small, glossy leaves give it a polished look that works in both modern and traditional landscapes.
This versatile shrub tolerates heavy pruning, making it ideal for shaping into formal hedges or letting it grow wild for a more natural look. It typically reaches heights of 10 to 15 feet and thrives in both full sun and partial shade. Some species, like the Japanese privet, even produce fragrant white flowers in the spring.
If you’re looking for an adaptable, fast-growing privacy shrub, privet is a solid choice. Just be mindful—some varieties are considered invasive in certain regions, so check with your local extension office or nursery before planting.
3. Bamboo (Clumping Varieties)
Bamboo might not be the first plant you think of for privacy, but clumping varieties are fast-growing, elegant, and surprisingly manageable. These types won’t take over your yard like their running counterparts. Clumping bamboo grows tall and forms dense, vertical screens in very little time.
In the right conditions, bamboo can grow up to 3 feet per year and reach 10 to 20 feet in height, depending on the species. It adds a unique architectural element to your landscape, making it perfect for zen gardens, tropical-themed backyards, or urban privacy solutions.
Be sure to choose cold-hardy, clumping bamboo suited to your climate zone. Once established, bamboo is low-maintenance and requires little pruning. It also creates a beautiful rustling sound in the wind, adding to the ambiance of your outdoor retreat.
4. Forsythia
Forsythia is one of the first shrubs to bloom in spring, bursting to life with bright yellow flowers before its green foliage emerges. It’s also a remarkably fast grower—adding up to 2 feet or more each year. While it’s deciduous and loses its leaves in winter, it offers lush summer privacy and early-season color.
Forsythia can grow 8 to 10 feet tall and wide, making it great for creating informal hedges. Its arching branches give it a natural, slightly wild appearance. If you prefer a more manicured look, regular pruning after flowering will help maintain its shape.
This shrub thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. Forsythia is drought-tolerant once established and generally pest-free. It’s an excellent choice for creating seasonal screening along fences or between yard zones.
5. Lilac Bush
If you’re looking for a privacy shrub that combines beauty with function, lilac bushes are a lovely option. They grow 1 to 2 feet per year and can reach mature heights of 8 to 15 feet. In addition to their thick foliage, lilacs produce fragrant, cone-shaped flower clusters each spring in shades of purple, pink, and white.
Lilacs do best in sunny locations with well-drained soil. They’re a joy to grow, with their intoxicating fragrance drawing bees and butterflies. During the warmer months, the dense foliage makes an excellent privacy screen.
To maintain healthy growth and blooming, prune lilacs right after they flower. This prevents overcrowding and encourages bushier, faster growth. Lilacs are a beautiful solution for adding privacy with romantic charm.
6. Wax Myrtle
Wax Myrtle is a fast-growing evergreen that thrives in warm climates, particularly in the Southeast. It grows 3 to 5 feet per year and reaches up to 20 feet tall. With its slender, aromatic leaves and dense branching, it provides excellent year-round privacy.
This shrub is salt-tolerant, making it ideal for coastal landscapes. It also fixes nitrogen in the soil, which can improve the health of surrounding plants. The small, waxy berries it produces are loved by birds, adding an element of wildlife to your backyard.
Wax Myrtle adapts well to pruning and can be trained into a formal hedge or left to grow naturally. It prefers full sun to part shade and thrives in moist, well-drained soil. It’s a reliable and attractive choice for long-term backyard privacy.
7. Red Twig Dogwood
Red Twig Dogwood stands out not only for its fast growth (2–3 feet per year) but also for its brilliant red stems that add winter interest when leaves have dropped. During spring and summer, it offers lush green foliage and small white flowers, followed by berries.
This deciduous shrub grows 6 to 9 feet tall and wide and tolerates a wide range of soil conditions—including wet areas. That makes it especially useful for screening along drainage ditches or in poorly drained corners of the yard.
Plant several together for a striking seasonal hedge that looks good even in the off-season. Red Twig Dogwood offers both beauty and practicality, making it a standout shrub for privacy landscaping.
8. Viburnum (e.g., Arrowwood or Snowball)
Viburnum varieties are prized for their dense growth, attractive foliage, and clusters of fragrant white flowers. Many types grow quickly and can reach heights of 8 to 12 feet, making them ideal for use as privacy hedges.
Arrowwood Viburnum is known for its upright form and dense branching, while Snowball Viburnum creates stunning, hydrangea-like blooms that look like snowballs in spring. Both are low-maintenance and adaptable to a variety of soil conditions.
Viburnums can be evergreen or deciduous depending on the type. Plant them 4 to 6 feet apart for a continuous hedge, and prune lightly to maintain shape and encourage bushiness. They’re a versatile option that offers privacy, flowers, and seasonal beauty.
9. Boxwood (‘Wintergreen’ or ‘Green Mountain’ Varieties)
Boxwoods are well-known for their tidy appearance and versatility in garden design. While some varieties are slow-growing, faster types like ‘Wintergreen’ and ‘Green Mountain’ can add up to 12 inches per year, making them suitable for privacy when planted en masse.
Boxwoods thrive in partial to full sun and can be pruned into clean lines or left a bit looser for a natural hedge. Their evergreen nature means year-round coverage, and their compact form helps keep your landscape looking neat and intentional.
Although not the tallest shrubs on this list, boxwoods are perfect for defining borders or creating privacy for seating areas, porches, or patios. Their classic appeal works in nearly any garden style—from English to modern.
10. Hydrangea (Panicle or Smooth Varieties)
Hydrangeas are beloved for their bold, colorful blooms and quick-growing nature. Panicle and smooth varieties are especially fast-growing, with some reaching up to 6 feet tall and wide in just a few seasons. Their large flower heads make them a beautiful and functional privacy option.
These shrubs thrive in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Panicle hydrangeas, like ‘Limelight,’ are more sun-tolerant and bloom reliably all summer. Smooth hydrangeas, like ‘Annabelle,’ offer dramatic white blooms that last from late spring into early fall.
While hydrangeas are deciduous, their full summer foliage and showy flowers provide substantial seasonal privacy. Plant them in groups along fences or patios to create a lush, garden-like barrier that’s both eye-catching and effective.
11. Cotoneaster
Cotoneaster is a versatile, fast-growing shrub that brings a lot to the table—arching branches, small glossy leaves, and attractive red berries in the fall and winter. Many varieties can grow 1–2 feet per year and reach up to 10 feet in height, making them excellent for informal privacy hedges.
This shrub’s spreading habit makes it ideal for filling in spaces quickly. It’s especially effective when planted in mass, creating a thick, impenetrable screen of foliage. Some types, like the ‘Franchetii’ or ‘Parneyi’ varieties, are semi-evergreen, offering year-round coverage in mild climates.
Cotoneaster is low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and highly adaptable to different soil conditions. The berries attract birds, while the plant itself adds rich green color and seasonal interest. For backyard privacy that also supports local wildlife, Cotoneaster is a strong contender.
12. Nellie R. Stevens Holly
Nellie R. Stevens Holly is one of the best privacy shrubs for year-round screening. It’s a vigorous grower, adding up to 3 feet of height annually, and eventually maturing at 15 to 25 feet tall. With its dark green, glossy leaves and bright red berries, it adds a formal, polished look to any landscape.
This evergreen shrub forms a dense wall of foliage, perfect for blocking views, reducing noise, and shielding wind. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and adapts well to different soil types. The red berries also bring a festive touch in winter and attract birds throughout the year.
Plant Nellie R. Stevens Holly about 5–6 feet apart for a thick, living fence. It responds well to pruning if you want a tidy hedge or can be left to grow naturally for a more relaxed appearance. Its combination of beauty, privacy, and toughness makes it a long-term win.
13. Butterfly Bush (Buddleia)
The Butterfly Bush earns its name by attracting clouds of butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds with its long, fragrant flower spikes. Growing 2–3 feet per year and reaching heights of up to 10 feet, this fast-growing shrub is both functional and full of flair.
It blooms from mid-summer to fall in colors ranging from purple and pink to white and blue. The narrow leaves and vase-shaped form make it easy to layer with other shrubs for a mixed-hedge look. While not evergreen, its summer foliage and flowers provide excellent seasonal screening.
Butterfly Bush is drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun with well-draining soil. Cut it back hard in early spring to encourage vigorous growth and blooming. If you’re seeking privacy with added color, movement, and pollinator benefits, this shrub is a gorgeous choice.
14. Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)
Cherry Laurel is a lush, fast-growing evergreen shrub ideal for creating dense, glossy privacy hedges. It can grow up to 3 feet per year and reach 15 to 20 feet tall, with broad leaves that block both sight and sound effectively.
This shrub performs well in shaded areas, making it one of the few fast-growing options for less sunny yards. In spring, it produces fragrant white flower spikes, followed by small black berries in late summer. The thick foliage offers year-round coverage and a luxurious green backdrop.
Cherry Laurel is easy to shape and responds well to pruning, which means you can keep it as a tidy hedge or let it grow tall and wild. It’s hardy, adaptable, and offers both elegance and privacy without a long wait.
15. American Beautyberry
Native to the southeastern United States, the American Beautyberry is a fast-growing, deciduous shrub known for its bold clusters of purple berries. It grows quickly—about 1 to 2 feet per year—and reaches 6 to 8 feet tall, with arching branches and a graceful form.
In summer, its foliage creates a lush, green privacy screen. Come fall, the plant puts on a dramatic display with vibrant berry clusters that wrap around the stems. These berries are loved by birds and add striking color to the late-season landscape.
Beautyberry thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-draining soil. It’s low-maintenance, drought-tolerant once established, and deer-resistant—making it a smart choice for natural privacy that also enhances your backyard’s visual appeal.
Planting and Care Tips for Fast-Growing Privacy Shrubs
To get the best results from your privacy shrubs, proper planting and care are key. Make sure to space plants according to their mature size to avoid overcrowding and competition for nutrients. When in doubt, follow the nursery tag spacing recommendations or give them slightly more room to breathe.
Water new plants deeply and regularly during the first growing season to help them establish strong roots. Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and reduce weeds. Once established, many of these shrubs will require less watering and general upkeep.
Pruning regularly encourages bushier growth and can help you shape your hedge exactly how you want it. Fertilize annually in early spring, and consider mixing evergreen and deciduous varieties for year-round privacy and visual interest.
Backyard Privacy Design Ideas Using Shrubs
There are many creative ways to design your backyard for privacy using fast-growing shrubs. A living fence row is the most common approach—simply plant a straight line of the same species for full coverage. This works well along property lines or fences that need softening.
For more depth and beauty, use a layered look by planting shrubs of varying heights and textures in staggered rows. Add flowering shrubs in front and evergreens in the back for color and year-round coverage. You can also create a corner privacy pocket around a patio, hot tub, or fire pit for intimate outdoor nooks.
A mixed hedge of different shrubs—such as pairing lilac, viburnum, and holly—adds seasonal interest and diversity to your landscape. This also helps protect your hedge from pest or disease issues that could affect a single-species planting.
Wrapping Up
Fast-growing shrubs and bushes are a beautiful and natural way to add privacy to your backyard—without the wait. Whether you want evergreen coverage, colorful blooms, or a pollinator-friendly hedge, there’s a plant on this list to suit your needs and style.
Start by assessing your light, soil, and space, then choose a few favorites from this list to begin creating your own living fence. With the right combination of speed, beauty, and density, you’ll be enjoying your private backyard oasis in no time.