12 Fast-Growing Privacy Bushes to Transform Your Outdoor Space
When you’re trying to enjoy a quiet moment in your backyard—be it soaking up the sun, having a candlelit dinner, or just digging around in the soil—privacy matters. And let’s be honest, a surprise “Hey, neighbor!” can really ruin the vibe.
That’s where fast-growing privacy bushes come in. They’re your green, living fence—silent, stunning, and absolutely judgment-free.
Why Plant Privacy Bushes Instead of Building a Fence?
Sure, fences are practical. But they can also be costly, less eco-friendly, and let’s face it—not exactly beautiful. That’s why more and more homeowners are turning to privacy shrubs for their outdoor spaces.
Benefits of Fast-Growing Privacy Bushes:
Cost-Effective: Budget-friendly compared to installing wood or vinyl fencing.
Eco-Friendly: Supports pollinators, offers shelter to birds, and improves biodiversity.
Customizable: Shape, trim, and grow them to fit your style.
Aesthetic Appeal: A lush green barrier looks and feels more natural than a cold wall.
Year-Round Coverage: Choose a mix of evergreen and seasonal varieties for visual interest all year.
Let’s explore the best fast-growing shrubs for privacy that add beauty while keeping your backyard truly yours.
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12 Fast-Growing Privacy Shrubs for a Low-Maintenance Garden
Here are the top picks for fast-growing, low-maintenance privacy bushes that’ll have your neighbors green with envy (but unable to see you).
1. Arborvitae ‘Green Giant’
Keywords: evergreen privacy hedge, fast-growing arborvitae
This towering evergreen is a top choice for natural privacy screens. Growing up to 3 feet per year, ‘Green Giant’ lives up to its name—perfect for creating dense, towering green walls with minimal care.
2. Privet Hedge
Keywords: fast-growing hedge for privacy, formal garden hedge
Privet is a classic. Fast-growing and adaptable, you can sculpt it into a formal hedge or let it grow more freely for a natural look. Either way, it fills in fast and thick.
3. Forsythia
Keywords: flowering privacy bush, fast-growing spring shrubs
Known for its bright yellow blooms that show up before the leaves, Forsythia grows quickly and adds a burst of spring color. It loses its leaves in winter but still offers good coverage during growing seasons.
4. Holly (Inkberry or American)
Keywords: evergreen privacy shrub, bird-friendly hedge
Holly shrubs are dense, evergreen, and bring year-round coverage. Plus, birds love them for shelter—and a snack, if you choose a berry-producing variety like Inkberry.
5. Lilac
Keywords: fragrant privacy shrubs, flowering hedge plants
Who doesn’t love lilacs? Tall varieties can be used as seasonal privacy screens, and in return, you get stunning blooms and heavenly fragrance each spring.
6. Viburnum
Keywords: thick privacy hedge, fast-growing viburnum shrubs
From Arrowwood to Koreanspice, Viburnums are champions of dense growth and beauty. Many offer fragrant blooms and deep green foliage, creating a thick barrier you can rely on.
7. Red Twig Dogwood
Keywords: colorful privacy shrubs, winter interest plants
Fast-growing and eye-catching, this one shines year-round. In winter, its striking red stems steal the show—making it a unique choice for four-season interest and privacy.
8. Spirea
Keywords: flowering privacy hedge, low-maintenance bushes
Spirea is beloved for its bursts of seasonal flowers in various hues. Compact and bushy, it fills in quickly and offers surprisingly good screening during its bloom time.
9. Butterfly Bush (Buddleia)
Keywords: pollinator-friendly privacy bush, butterfly attractor plant
While slightly more open than others, a row of Butterfly Bushes still provides a good screen—and earns extra points for attracting butterflies and bees by the dozen.
10. Mock Orange (Philadelphus)
Keywords: citrus-scented shrub, fast-growing privacy bush
Mock Orange is as lovely as its name is misleading. Fragrant white blooms and dense foliage make it a strong seasonal privacy option with luxurious appeal.
11. Pittosporum (Cheesewood)
Keywords: evergreen hedge, ornamental privacy plants
Don’t let the nickname fool you—Pittosporum offers a refined look with variegated foliage and soft texture. Many varieties grow fast and dense, with a pleasant scent to boot.
12. Texas Sage (Silverleaf)
Keywords: drought-tolerant privacy shrub, desert landscape hedge
Ideal for hot, dry climates, this tough shrub loves the sun and doesn’t mind poor soil. Silvery foliage and purple blooms give it charm, while its bushy form offers moderate screening.
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Where to Plant Privacy Bushes for Best Results
Keywords: where to plant privacy bushes, best placement for hedges
Place your shrubs strategically along property lines, patios, or around seating areas for maximum seclusion. Use staggered or zig-zag planting patterns for a fuller effect.
Mix evergreen and deciduous shrubs to balance year-round coverage with seasonal flair. Make sure each plant has enough space to thrive and enough airflow to prevent disease.
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Simple Tips to Care for Your Privacy Shrubs
Keywords: how to care for privacy bushes, pruning fast-growing hedges
Water Regularly (especially in the first year)
Mulch to retain moisture and reduce weeds
Prune annually to shape and control size
Fertilize in early spring for optimal growth
Monitor for pests or disease to catch issues early
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Create Your Backyard Oasis with Privacy Plants
Fast-growing privacy bushes aren’t just practical—they’re beautiful, eco-friendly, and full of character. With so many options available, from fragrant flowering shrubs to low-maintenance evergreens, there’s a perfect plant (or combo) for every yard.
Ditch the bland fence and embrace a natural border that grows with you—literally.