If you want to block out the neighbors, reduce noise, or hide an eyesore quickly, fast-growing shrubs are a fantastic solution. Unlike fencing, they soften your space with greenery, attract wildlife, and add seasonal interest. Below are 15 of the best privacy shrubs that grow quickly and fill in fast—many of them with very little fuss.

Whether you’re after evergreen coverage all year long or something showy with seasonal blooms, there’s something here for every garden.

1. Leyland Cypress (Cupressocyparis leylandii)

This is the go-to shrub when you need privacy fast. It shoots up quickly and creates a solid, towering screen of evergreen foliage.

Growth Rate: 3–5 feet per year
Mature Height: 40–60 feet
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Plant Care: Water regularly during the first year to help it establish. Prune once a year to keep its height in check. Grows best in well-drained soil.

2. Green Giant Arborvitae (Thuja ‘Green Giant’)

Another favorite for hedging, this one’s low-maintenance, adaptable, and holds its rich green color all year round.

Growth Rate: 3–4 feet per year
Mature Height: 30–50 feet
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Plant Care: Drought-tolerant once settled in. Needs very little pruning. Perfect for windbreaks and dense privacy screens.

3. Japanese Privet (Ligustrum japonicum)

If you want a dense, glossy hedge that’s easy to shape, this fast-growing shrub fits the bill.

Growth Rate: 2–3 feet per year
Mature Height: 10–15 feet
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Plant Care: Tolerates different soil types but prefers moist, well-drained ground. Prune regularly to maintain shape.

4. Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus ‘Schipkaensis’)

This evergreen shrub is a great option for shaded areas and has lush foliage that forms a thick screen.

Growth Rate: 2–3 feet per year
Mature Height: 10–20 feet
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Plant Care: Prefers rich, well-draining soil. Once established, it’s drought-tolerant. Prune in early spring to keep it looking neat.

5. Wax Myrtle (Morella cerifera)

This fast-growing native shrub brings a pleasant fragrance and a relaxed, airy look to privacy screens.

Growth Rate: 2–3 feet per year
Mature Height: 10–15 feet
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Plant Care: Tolerates poor soil and drought. Needs occasional pruning to stay tidy.

6. Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)

Tough as nails, this native evergreen thrives in challenging conditions and delivers year-round coverage.

Growth Rate: 1–2 feet per year
Mature Height: 20–40 feet
Light Requirements: Full sun
Plant Care: Very hardy and drought-resistant. Prefers sandy, well-drained soils.

7. Holly (Ilex spp.)

With glossy green leaves and bright red berries, hollies are beautiful and effective privacy shrubs.

Growth Rate: 1–2 feet per year
Mature Height: 15–25 feet
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Plant Care: Likes acidic, well-drained soil. Prune in winter to shape and remove unwanted branches.

8. Forsythia (Forsythia × intermedia)

Known for its explosion of yellow blooms in early spring, this shrub makes a vibrant privacy screen.

Growth Rate: 2–3 feet per year
Mature Height: 8–10 feet
Light Requirements: Full sun
Plant Care: Prune right after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.

9. American Hazelnut (Corylus americana)

This multi-stemmed native shrub offers dense cover, pretty catkins, and tasty edible nuts.

Growth Rate: 2–3 feet per year
Mature Height: 10–15 feet
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Plant Care: Grows well in most well-drained soils. Prune as needed to control size and shape.

10. Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)

Ninebark’s peeling bark and colorful foliage add interest, even in winter. It’s also incredibly tough.

Growth Rate: 2–3 feet per year
Mature Height: 6–10 feet
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Plant Care: Drought-tolerant once established. Prune in early spring to keep it fresh and full.

11. Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus)

If you want privacy with a splash of tropical flair, this hibiscus shrub delivers gorgeous summer blooms.

Growth Rate: 1–2 feet per year
Mature Height: 8–12 feet
Light Requirements: Full sun
Plant Care: Needs occasional pruning to keep its shape. Blooms in late summer.

12. Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)

Fast-growing and productive, elderberries are perfect for wildlife lovers and edible gardens.

Growth Rate: 3–4 feet per year
Mature Height: 8–12 feet
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Plant Care: Likes moist soil. Produces edible berries. Prune in winter to control size and improve structure.

13. Lilac (Syringa vulgaris)

Lilacs give you lovely blooms and fragrance in spring, along with great screening power once leafed out.

Growth Rate: 1–2 feet per year
Mature Height: 8–15 feet
Light Requirements: Full sun
Plant Care: Needs well-drained soil. Prune after flowering to encourage next year’s blooms.

14. Clumping Bamboo (Fargesia spp.)

This non-invasive bamboo creates a graceful, exotic screen without taking over your yard.

Growth Rate: 2–5 feet per year
Mature Height: 10–20 feet
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Plant Care: Needs regular watering, especially early on. Becomes drought-tolerant once established.

15. Running Bamboo (Phyllostachys spp.)

If you want maximum height in minimum time, this is your plant—but it needs managing!

Growth Rate: Up to 5 feet per year
Mature Height: 20–40 feet
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Plant Care: Extremely fast-growing. Must be contained (use barriers!) or it’ll spread aggressively. Likes moist, well-drained soil.

Clive’s Tips for a Fast-Growing Privacy Hedge

Mind the spacing: Plant shrubs 2–5 feet apart depending on the species and how quickly you want full coverage. Closer spacing means faster privacy.
Water consistently: Keep soil moist—but not soggy—especially for the first year while roots establish.
Feed for growth: A balanced fertilizer in spring and fall helps young shrubs put on size more quickly.
Get pruning: Don’t be shy about trimming. Regular pruning encourages denser, bushier growth—perfect for blocking out the world.

With a bit of planning and the right plants, your backyard can become a green, private haven faster than you might think!

About Your Guide

Clive Harris

Clive Harris is the creator of DIY Garden and a professional landscape gardening consultant with over 6 years experience. In his spare time he enjoys testing the latest gardening equipment and sharing his experiences here on the site. And of course, he absolutely loves his garden and spends many happy hours outside each week growing, mowing, and having fun with his three kids.