Discover 9 Rapidly Growing Hedges for Ultimate Privacy

Posted on 20/05/2025

Discover 9 Rapidly Growing Hedges for Ultimate Privacy

Looking for a fast and effective solution to shield your property from prying eyes? Whether you reside in a bustling urban area, a quiet suburban neighborhood, or a countryside estate, planting rapidly growing privacy hedges is one of the most trusted and visually appealing ways to enhance garden privacy, block unwanted noise, and define boundaries. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the top 9 fast-growing hedging plants that promise lush greenery and seclusion in record time. Get ready to transform your landscape with natural green walls!

Why Choose Fast-Growing Privacy Hedges?

Traditional fencing might offer quick results, but it lacks the organic beauty, cooling effect, and wildlife benefits that dense, living hedges provide. Fast-growing hedge plants are ideal for:

• Creating a private sanctuary within months, not years
• Reducing noise pollution
• Acting as windbreaks to protect gardens and homes
• Enhancing property value with lush greenery
• Providing safe habitats for birds and beneficial insects

Selecting the best fast-growing privacy hedge means considering your climate, soil type, available space, maintenance preferences, and aesthetic taste. Below, we break down the top 9 species to help you select the perfect fast-growing hedge for privacy that matches your landscape style.

The 9 Best Rapidly Growing Hedges for Privacy

1. Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)

Cherry laurel is considered a superstar among privacy hedges because of its exceptionally rapid growth rate and year-round lushness. With glossy, evergreen leaves and fragrant white flower spikes in spring, this hedge is both functional and attractive.

• Growth rate: Up to 60 cm (2 feet) per year
• Ideal for: Dense evergreen screens up to 5 meters (16 feet) tall
• Soil tolerance: Adaptable, from well-drained to clay soils

Tip: Cherry laurel tolerates urban pollution and shade better than many other hedges.
Perfect for ultimate privacy in both sunny and partially shaded gardens.

2. Leyland Cypress (Cupressus x leylandii)

If speed is your top priority, few options rival the Leyland cypress. This conifer creates a towering, impenetrable green wall in just a few short seasons, making it a popular choice for rapidly growing privacy hedges.

• Growth rate: 90-120 cm (3-4 feet) annually
• Height: Easily grows up to 15-20 meters (50-65 feet) if unpruned
• Maintenance: Regular pruning keeps it manageable and attractive

Note: Keep Leyland cypress trimmed to prevent overgrowth and ensure a dense, healthy hedge. This is the go-to for instant privacy screens in large areas.

3. Common Privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium)

Privet hedges have adorned formal English gardens for centuries, and for good reason. Their fast growth, tough constitution, and ability to be shaped into virtually any form make them a versatile privacy solution.

• Growth rate: 30-60 cm (1-2 feet) per year
• Adaptability: Tolerates shade, drought, urban conditions, and pollution
• Looks: Small, oval, glossy leaves; subtle white flowers in summer

Did you know? Privet hedges are semi-evergreen, often staying leafy in mild climates for year-round privacy.

4. Red Tip Photinia (Photinia x fraseri 'Red Robin')

For homeowners seeking not just privacy but also vivid color, Red Tip Photinia is a show-stopping choice. Its striking red new growth turns green as leaves mature, creating a beautiful contrast throughout the year.

• Growth rate: 30 cm (1 foot) per year
• Best features: Glossy leaves, white spring flowers, bold red shoots
• Sun requirements: Best in full sun to light partial shade

Photinia is one of the most attractive fast-growing hedging plants for ultimate privacy and curb appeal.

5. Clumping Bamboo (Bambusa spp.)

Bamboo hedges provide a rapid and exotic privacy screen, especially favored in contemporary and Asian-inspired gardens. Unlike invasive running bamboo, clumping bamboo species grow vigorously without spreading uncontrollably.

• Growth rate: Up to 1 meter (3+ feet) per year for some species!
• Height: 3-8 meters (10-26 feet), depending on variety
• Low maintenance: Drought-tolerant and evergreen; needs little pruning

Bamboo for privacy hedges quickly delivers both sound reduction and a green screen, making it ideal for modern spaces.

6. Thuja Green Giant (Thuja standishii x plicata)

When searching for a low-maintenance, disease-resistant, and fast-growing privacy hedge, Thuja Green Giant often tops the charts. With lush, feathery green foliage, it quickly forms a dependable windbreak and privacy wall.

• Growth rate: 90 cm (3 feet) per year under optimal conditions
• Height: 12-18 meters (40-60 feet), easily kept at lower heights with prunings
• Best for: Screening large properties or along roadways

Pro Tip: Thuja Green Giant tolerates a wide range of soils and resists many common pests--making it one of the best rapidly growing hedges for property privacy.

7. Oleaster (Elaeagnus ebbingei)

Want a tough, salt-tolerant, and highly effective privacy hedge? Elaeagnus ebbingei, commonly known as oleaster, grows rapidly and boasts striking silvery foliage that brightens any garden.

• Growth rate: 30-50 cm (up to 20 inches) per year
• Features: Evergreen, fragrant creamy flowers in fall
• Hardiness: Excellent in coastal and windy sites

Oleaster hedges are among the best choices for difficult, exposed locations needing rapid privacy screens.

8. Griselinia (Griselinia littoralis)

Griselinia is a favorite for coastal gardens, especially in the UK, thanks to its fast growth and resilience against salt spray. The vibrant, apple-green leaves make it a cheerful, dense privacy barrier.

• Growth rate: 30-45 cm (12-18 inches) per year
• Looks: Glossy, bright green leaves; neat, upright habit
• Tolerance: Excellent for seaside and urban areas

Fun fact: Griselinia's soft foliage is deer-resistant and remains attractive all year long--ideal for ultimate privacy in challenging environments.

9. Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus)

For traditionalists and those seeking an option that thrives in cooler climates, hornbeam hedges offer a fast-growing deciduous barrier that retains russet brown leaves through winter, providing surprisingly good coverage.

• Growth rate: Up to 45 cm (18 inches) per year
• Features: Attractive crinkled leaves, formal appearance
• Maintenance: Responds superbly to tight pruning

Hornbeam is perfect for stately avenues or classic English gardens needing a swiftly established boundary for privacy and style.

How to Choose the Perfect Fast-Growing Hedge for Your Needs

When aiming for maximum privacy with rapidly growing hedges, evaluate these core factors before making your selection:

• Climate and location: Pick species suited for your local weather, exposure, and soil
• Evergreen vs. deciduous: Evergreens offer year-round privacy, while deciduous screens are seasonal but may be hardier
• Growth habit and mature size: Ensure your choice won't outgrow your space or create ongoing maintenance headaches
• Maintenance level: Some hedges need frequent pruning; others are nearly carefree
• Visual appeal: Consider flower color, leaf texture, and overall garden design

Planting & Caring for Rapidly Growing Privacy Hedges

Step-by-Step Planting Instructions

1. Site Preparation: Clear the area of weeds and debris. Dig a trench that allows roots to spread comfortably.
2. Spacing: Plant hedges according to their mature width. For dense screens, spacing varies from 30 cm to 1 meter, depending on species.
3. Soil Improvement: Mix compost or aged manure into the dug soil for healthy, rapid root establishment.
4. Watering: Water well after planting and keep soil moist during the first growing season.

Ongoing Maintenance Tips

• Prune annually (sometimes twice a year) to maintain shape, density, and height.
• Fertilize in spring with slow-release organic fertilizer.
• Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
• Monitor for pests and diseases, especially in humid climates.

Benefits of Fast-Growing Privacy Hedges Beyond Seclusion

Besides privacy, rapidly growing hedges offer a myriad of advantages:

• Environmental: Filter dust and pollutants, absorb CO₂, and foster biodiversity
• Climate moderation: Act as windbreaks and temperature buffers for your garden
• Aesthetics: Frame entryways, mark boundaries, and enhance landscape design
• Save on hard landscaping costs compared to fencing or walls
• Potential to harvest berries or flowers for wildlife or home use

Frequently Asked Questions About Rapidly Growing Hedges for Privacy

Which privacy hedge grows the fastest?

The fastest-growing hedge plants include Leyland cypress, Thuja Green Giant, and clumping bamboo. These can grow up to--or even over--1 meter (3 feet) each year in ideal conditions.

What is the best evergreen hedge for privacy?

Cherry laurel, Thuja, Photinia, and elaeagnus provide year-round coverage and are among the most popular evergreens for long-lasting privacy hedging.

How quickly will I achieve full privacy?

Depending on the starting size of your plants and your hedge choice, a dense privacy screen typically forms within 2-5 years. Starting with larger, container-grown plants can speed up results.

Can I mix varieties for a more natural look?

Absolutely! Combining two or three complementary rapid-growing hedge plants can yield a richly textured, wildlife-friendly privacy screen. Just ensure their growth habits and maintenance needs are compatible.

Conclusion: Transform Your Landscape with the Best Fast-Growing Hedges for Privacy

With the right choice of rapidly growing privacy hedge, your property can evolve into a private oasis in just a few seasons--lush, beautiful, and far more vibrant than any fence or wall. Whether you opt for the evergreen vigor of laurel and thuja, the vivid drama of photinia, or the swaying elegance of bamboo, you'll enjoy benefits for decades to come. Ready to plant? Start now, and soon you'll discover the rewarding power of living privacy from fast-growing hedges!

For even more expert tips on landscape privacy, smart plant selections, and garden care, bookmark this guide or share it with friends dreaming of their own secret garden sanctuary!