You'll find it useful to find out the best fast-growing privacy plants if you want to keep prying eyes out of your backyard in an aesthetically pleasing, natural way.
We've asked gardening pros what the best plants are, why they're great choices, and how to grow them. From chic Leyland cypress to low-maintenance wax myrtle, there are lots of leafy options that will match your place's look.
For those searching for backyard privacy ideas that are softer and more stylish than harsh fences, privacy plants are a brilliant option.
The best fast-growing privacy plants, according to gardening pros
Whether you're looking for natural privacy screen ideas or are searching for fence ideas that don't require harsh materials, these fast-growing privacy plants are worth keeping in mind.
Where our experts have recommended specific shrubs or maintenance products, we have shopped these wherever possible.
The prices below were correct at the time of publishing this article.
1. Leyland cypress
If you know you’re going to be switching up your backyard ideas, Leyland cypress is a versatile, classic choice that will go with a range of styles.
“Leyland cypress is a cross between an Alaskan cedar and Monterrey cypress. It is a popular choice for privacy hedges because it can grow up to 3 feet per year and is, for the most part, deer resistant,” explains Amy Enfield, Ph.D., senior horticulturist at ScottsMiracle-Gro.
“While Leyland cypress tolerates a range of soils, prioritize putting it in well-drained conditions ensuring that you water regularly, especially during the first few years to establish roots,” she adds.
If you want to get started on bringing this in, the Flowerland Leyland Cypress from Walmart is a fantastic option as it grows 3-5 feet per year, can easily be trimmed, and is even more impressive once it matures.
Once established, Amy says they are fairly drought tolerant and only require pruning once or twice a year to maintain the desired shape and height.
2. Privet
Bring together front yard privacy ideas and cottagecore design in your garden with this pretty flowering fast-growing privacy plant.
“Privet is a fast-growing hedge plant, capable of growing up to 2-3 feet per year. It’s great for formal hedges,” Amy explains.
She says it’s hardy in zones 4-10, produces small, white fragrant flowers, and is, for the most part, deer, pest, and disease-resistant.
“While privet is adaptable to various soil types, it prefers well-drained soil. They should be watered regularly until established and should be pruned regularly to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth,” she explains.
This is easy to start growing too, such as with the Flowerwood Wavy Leaf Privet Shrub from Walmart that has a lush texture, can be used for landscaping, and is a low-maintenance beauty.
3. Bamboo
Fast-growing privacy plants such as bamboo can add a relaxing, zen vibe to your backyard.
“This is a fantastic option for those needing a quick privacy screen. It grows rapidly, reaching full height within a few years,” explains Tommy Mello, home and backyard improvement expert and founder of A1 Garage Door Service.
To avoid invasive growth, Tommy recommends choosing clumping varieties like fargesia or bambusa (the CZ Grain Bambusa Bamboo Seeds from Walmart can be grown at home and come from a nursery in Iowa).
“Plant bamboo in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight. Regular watering and occasional fertilization during the growing season will promote healthy, lush growth,” he adds.
4. Holly
Even when it isn’t the festive period, holly bushes offer a beautiful option for fast-growing privacy plant ideas.
“Holly bushes offer both privacy and visual appeal with their glossy leaves and bright berries,” explains Tommy.
He recommends choosing Nellie Stevens holly, as this grows quickly and densely. For example, the Expert Gardener Holly Nellie R. Stevens from Walmart is a gorgeous choice, as it produces white flowers in spring and berries in fall. Just be sure to plan this in well-drained soil, facing full to partial sunlight.
“Regular watering and occasional fertilization will ensure healthy growth. Holly bushes can create a beautiful, natural barrier that enhances your landscape,” he adds.
5. Cherry laurel
If you live in warmer climates (zones 6-9), Amy says cherry laurel is a great option for a fast-establishing privacy hedge.
“It can grow up to three feet per year, topping out at over 20 feet tall. It also has glossy, evergreen leaves and will produce white flowers in spring,” she explains. “It is also a great option if you are looking to establish a hedge in a shaded area.”
This plant can be a little expensive, but if you love the idea of cherry laurels, the Brighter Blooms Cherry Laurel from Walmart can withstand challenging environments, has a sweet fragrance, and comes with free delivery.
Amy continues, “For best growth, it needs to be kept well-fed and watered frequently enough that the soil stays moist, but not soggy.”
She recommends pruning annually in late spring/early summer after they’re done flowering, to maintain overall shape.
6. Green giant arborvitae
For those looking to go big with their fast-growing privacy plants, arborvitae is an amazing option.
“Arborvitae, in general, makes a good privacy fence, but for fast-growing variety, look for ‘Green Giant’. Green Giant can grow 3-5 feet per year ultimately reaching a height of 50-60 feet and spread of 12-20 feet, creating a dense, tall privacy screen,” Amy explains.
After this has been established and has developed a good root system, Amy says Green Giant is very drought tolerant — however, it will require regular, deep waterings until then.
Want to go for this large, lovely shrub? The Expert Gardener Green Giant Arborvitae from Walmart is resistant to wind, can be planted in containers, and has a 90-day return policy
She adds, “It should be planted in full sun, but it will also tolerate some shade. It also grows best when planted in well-drained, loamy soil.”
7. Wax myrtle
If you’re located in a wonderfully warmer part of the country (zones 7-10), wax myrtle works brilliantly as a privacy hedge.
“It’s evergreen with dense foliage, plus can grow up to five feet in a growing season,” Amy explains.
She continues, “It’s also a low-maintenance shrub once established — drought, heat, and salt tolerant, plus resistant to insects and diseases.
Amy recommends planting wax myrtle in full to part sun, saying it will grow in just about any type of soil, including sand. You can do this from seed, such as with the Bayarde Services Wax Myrtle from Walmart which comes with 25 seeds to help you get started.
“They can be pruned in late winter, if desired, to maintain shape, but regular pruning is usually not required,” she adds.
Shop fast-growing privacy plants essentials
Once you've found the perfect fast-growing privacy plants for you, these buys will help you grow and maintain them.
Size: 3.8kg
Made from: Natural materials
Price: $23.98
Give your plants a great growing boost by feeding them with this plant food. It is specifically made from flowering plants and shrubs, helping to maintain deep, lush foliage to keep your plant's shape under control. You can use this both in the ground or in containers, depending on how small or big your fast-growing privacy plant is.
Size (in.): W2.47 x L9.07
Made from: Steel
Price: $13.97
Keep your fast-growing privacy plant looking neat and tidy by pruning it with specialist shears. These steel shears are best sellers on Amazon, with over 34,000 five-star reviews raving about their sharpness, quality, and grip. The ergonomic features will also ensure comfort while you garden.
Capacity: 1 gallon
Made from: Metal
Price: $19.99
I like the fact this is an eye-catching color, which will not only improve your outdoor decor but will make it easy to find when you need to water your fast-growing privacy plants. The bright retro design is also giving me 2000s interior design vibes. For a sustainable way to fill it, you could always use rain chain ideas and then top it up with rainwater.
By carefully selecting and nurturing fast-growing privacy plants, you can create a beautiful and secluded outdoor space.
“Whether you’re looking to block out noise, create a visual barrier, or simply enjoy a private retreat, these plants offer a variety of options to suit your needs,” Tommy finishes by saying.
If you have a large backyard and want to go even bigger and better, you might also like to find out about the privacy trees that will provide plenty of shade.