Privet: Fast-Growing and Full of Personality
Privet is an excellent choice for those who want a fast-growing hedge that’s easy to shape. This deciduous shrub grows quickly and densely, giving you a full privacy screen in just a few seasons. While it does lose its leaves in winter, the branches still create a bit of a barrier, and it bounces back with fresh growth in the spring.
Bamboo: Quick-Growing Privacy in a Snap
Bamboo is like the superhero of privacy plants. Not only does it grow fast—sometimes up to several feet in a single season—it also creates a thick, dense screen. Clumping varieties like “Fargesia” are non-invasive and don’t spread as quickly as running bamboo, making them easier to manage. Just be sure to plant bamboo in pots or with root barriers if you’re worried about it getting out of hand.
Arborvitae: The Classic Evergreen Wall
Arborvitae is a popular choice for creating natural fences, and it’s no surprise why. These evergreens offer a tall, dense screen that requires minimal upkeep and stays green year-round. Varieties like “Green Giant” can grow up to 3 feet per year, quickly filling out to create a wall of greenery. Plant them in a row, and soon you’ll have a living privacy wall with a lovely, soft texture.
Boxwood: A Low-Maintenance Hedge with Classic Charm
For a classic look that’s easy to shape and maintain, boxwood is a fantastic choice. These shrubs grow thick and compact, and while they’re not as tall as some other options, they can provide a nice privacy barrier if trimmed to a desirable height. Plus, boxwoods are hardy and require very little upkeep—just a good trim every now and then to keep them looking polished.
Holly: Evergreen Beauty with a Pop of Color
Holly bushes make for a beautiful privacy screen, and they bring a little something extra with their vibrant red berries in winter. These bushes stay green year-round, and their dense foliage can create a nice, thick barrier. Plus, the spiny leaves can even deter animals from wandering too close to your yard. Just keep in mind that you may need both male and female plants to produce those famous red berries.
Leyland Cypress: Perfect for a Tall, Lush Hedge
If you’re looking for height, the Leyland cypress is hard to beat. This towering evergreen can grow up to 4 feet per year, reaching heights of up to 60-70 feet if left untrimmed. It’s ideal for those who need privacy from taller neighboring properties. Leyland cypress offers a thick, lush barrier with a feathery texture that sways beautifully in the breeze.
Viburnum: Fragrant and Full of Foliage
Viburnum is a versatile choice that provides privacy along with a pop of color and fragrance. With lush, dense foliage, this shrub can reach heights of 10 feet or more, depending on the variety. Some types also produce fragrant white blooms in spring, adding a lovely scent to your yard. Viburnums are also adaptable to many soil types and sun conditions, so they’re easy to care for.
Loropetalum: Privacy with a Touch of Purple
Looking for a privacy plant with some personality? Loropetalum, or Chinese fringe flower, offers gorgeous purple foliage and pink, fringed flowers. It’s a unique choice for privacy that can grow up to 8-10 feet, adding a splash of color along with coverage. Loropetalum prefers partial sun and well-drained soil, so it’s a good option for many different climates.
Red Tip Photinia: Vibrant Foliage for Year-Round Appeal
Red tip photinia is known for its colorful new growth that starts as bright red and gradually turns to a lush green. It’s a fast-growing option, often reaching up to 15 feet in height, which makes it great for privacy. The combination of colors makes this an eye-catching choice that looks vibrant all year. Plant it in a row for a striking hedge that changes colors with the seasons.
Italian Cypress: Tall and Elegant Screening Solution
If you want a privacy screen with a Mediterranean flair, Italian cypress is a beautiful option. These slim, tall evergreens grow straight up like columns, making them ideal for narrow spaces. Italian cypress can reach heights of 40-60 feet and adds a touch of sophistication to any yard. Plant them in clusters or rows for a dramatic, elegant barrier.
