Embrace privacy with 9 hedges that grow at remarkable speeds

Posted on 19/09/2025

Embrace Privacy with 9 Hedges That Grow at Remarkable Speeds

Are you searching for a natural, fast-growing solution to shield your garden from prying eyes? Privacy hedges provide a green, eco-friendly barrier for your outdoor spaces. Unlike fences or walls, hedges that grow fast add beauty, block noise, and often attract birds and pollinators. Below, we explore nine of the fastest-growing hedge plants, ideal for those who want to embrace privacy and transform their landscapes efficiently.

Why Choose Fast-Growing Privacy Hedges?

Whether you're dealing with nosy neighbors, unsightly views, or simply want a sense of cozy seclusion, fast-growing hedges offer a host of benefits:

• Rapid Results: Enjoy mature hedges in just a few seasons.
• Year-Round Greenery: Many hedge plants are evergreen, providing continuous cover.
• Eco-Friendly Option: Living fences support local ecosystems — great for pollinators and birds.
• Sound Buffer: Dense foliage naturally absorbs noise pollution.
• Aesthetic Value: Hedges add natural beauty, color, and shape to your landscape.

Ready to bring privacy to your property? Discover these nine fast-growing hedging plants that are sure to transform your garden in no time.

1. Leyland Cypress (X Cupressocyparis leylandii)

Leyland cypress is renowned for its speedy growth rate, sometimes reaching up to 3 feet (almost 1 meter) per year! Its lush, evergreen needles form a dense screen that is nearly impenetrable to sight and sound. Leyland cypress tolerates various soil types and can withstand pollution, making it a preferred hedging choice for both rural and urban gardens.

• Growth Rate: Up to 3 feet per year
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
• Mature Height: 30-50 feet
• Ideal For: Tall, instant screens and windbreaks

Tip: Prune your Leyland cypress regularly to maintain a manageable height and shape, as they can grow quite large if left untended.

2. Green Giant Arborvitae (Thuja standishii x plicata)

When it comes to privacy hedge plants that grow fast, Green Giant arborvitae stands out for its vigorous growth and tolerance of various environments. This hybrid is nearly immune to pests and diseases, making it an exceptionally low maintenance hedge as well.

• Growth Rate: Up to 3 feet per year
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
• Mature Height: 40-60 feet
• Ideal For: Large properties, tall privacy screens

Note: The Green Giant's rich green foliage remains vibrant year-round. It's perfect for those who don't want the hassle of replacing hedges every few years.

3. Privet (Ligustrum)

Privet hedges have long been a favorite for urban and suburban gardens thanks to their rapid growth and glossy, green leaves. Common privet forms a dense display with regular pruning, and its tolerance for heavy trimming makes it one of the best fast-growing hedge plants for intricate shapes and formal gardens.

• Growth Rate: Up to 2-3 feet per year
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
• Mature Height: 12-15 feet
• Ideal For: Low or medium-height privacy screens, topiary

Tip: Some privet species may produce berries that are mildly toxic — use caution around pets and children.

4. Bamboo

For an unusual and modern touch, fast-growing bamboo hedges deliver stunning results. Clumping varieties of bamboo (such as Bambusa) are ideal for privacy — they don't spread aggressively like running types. Lush, graceful canes quickly form a tall, impenetrable wall of green.

• Growth Rate: 2-4 feet per year
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
• Mature Height: 10-40 feet (variety-dependent)
• Ideal For: Contemporary gardens, tight spaces, tropical aesthetics

Tip: Choose clumping bamboo species and use root barriers for easy maintenance and control.

5. Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)

Cherry laurel is a fast-growing evergreen hedge prized for its large, shiny leaves and tolerance to challenging conditions, including shade and urban pollution. It forms a thick privacy screen and produces fragrant white blossoms in spring followed by attractive black berries.

• Growth Rate: Up to 2 feet per year
• Sunlight: Full sun to full shade
• Mature Height: 15-20 feet
• Ideal For: Shady gardens, tall privacy barriers

Caution: All parts of the cherry laurel (including berries) are toxic if ingested. Take care with children and pets.

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

The Photinia 'Red Robin' offers year-round privacy, stunning red-bronze new growth, and white flower clusters in spring. Fast and easy to grow, the photinia is ideal for colorful, contemporary hedges that stand out.

• Growth Rate: 1-2 feet per year
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
• Mature Height: 8-12 feet
• Ideal For: Decorative and privacy hedges with color interest

Tip: Regular trimming encourages vivid red new leaves and maintains bushy growth.

7. Portuguese Laurel (Prunus lusitanica)

Portuguese laurel is an elegant choice in the world of rapidly growing privacy hedges. Its dark green, glossy leaves and rugged resilience make it suitable for a range of conditions including dry soils and coastal winds.

• Growth Rate: 1.5-2 feet per year
• Sunlight: Full sun to shade
• Mature Height: 12-18 feet
• Ideal For: Formal or informal hedges, challenging conditions

Note: Portuguese laurel tolerates hard pruning, so you can maintain your preferred height and density.

8. Escallonia

Escallonia varieties are valued for their rapid growth, glossy foliage, and summer flowers in pink, white, or red. These tough, evergreen hedges perform exceptionally well in coastal and windy locations, providing swift privacy and pollinator habitat.

• Growth Rate: 1-2 feet per year
• Sunlight: Full sun
• Mature Height: 6-10 feet
• Ideal For: Flowering hedges, seaside gardens

Tip: Trim immediately after flowering for a neat, dense appearance and abundant future blooms.

9. Viburnum Tinus (Viburnum tinus)

Viburnum tinus is a superb fast-growing hedge plant for smaller spaces and mild climates. It offers year-round emerald foliage, late-winter blooms, and blue-black berries that attract birds.

• Growth Rate: 1-2 feet per year
• Sunlight: Sun to shade
• Mature Height: 8-10 feet
• Ideal For: Compact hedges, wildlife gardens

Tip: Viburnum tinus is drought tolerant and thrives in containers as well as garden borders.

Tips for Planting Fast-Growing Privacy Hedges

To quickly achieve a thick, effective hedge, follow these key steps:

• Choose the Right Plant: Select species suitable for your soil, sun exposure, climate, and design goals.
• Space Plants Appropriately: Plant at the recommended spacing (usually 2-4 feet apart) to avoid overcrowding or gaps.
• Water Well in the First Season: Newly planted hedges need consistent moisture to establish roots.
• Mulch and Feed: Mulch helps retain soil moisture and reduce weeds; apply a balanced fertilizer in spring.
• Prune Regularly: Early and regular trimming encourages bushy, dense growth and prevents legginess.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fast-Growing Privacy Hedges

How long does it take for a privacy hedge to mature?

The time to maturity depends on the species. Many fast-growing hedges will form a decent screen within 2-4 years, while slow growers may take a decade.

Are fast-growing hedges suitable for small gardens?

Absolutely! Choose more compact varieties like viburnum tinus or dwarf privet for smaller spaces, or keep taller options well-pruned to fit your design.

Which hedging plant gives me year-round privacy?

Evergreen hedges like leyland cypress, arborvitae, laurel, and viburnum maintain their foliage every season, providing continuous privacy.

How often should I trim fast-growing hedges?

To keep your privacy hedges looking tidy and to promote fullness, trim 1-3 times per year depending on the growth speed and desired shape.

Conclusion: Transform Your Outdoor Space With Speedy Privacy Hedges

Hedges that grow fast are the ultimate solution for those seeking both beauty and privacy. With proper selection, planting, and care, you can embrace privacy naturally and enjoy a lush, secluded retreat in your own backyard. Whether your taste is classical or contemporary, there's a quick-growing hedge to match your vision and provide the green wall you dream of.

Start planning your living fence today, and soon you'll enjoy a private, peaceful oasis shielded by verdant, rapidly maturing hedges. Not only will your garden look fantastic, but you'll also create a haven for wildlife and increase the value of your property. Fast, functional, and beautiful – the perfect trifecta for any privacy-loving gardener!