Creating a privacy hedge with fast-growing shrubs is an excellent way to transform your outdoor space into a secluded haven. Below, we explore some of the best shrubs for privacy hedges and how to plant, maintain, and shape them effectively.
1. Leyland Cypress
- Growth Rate: 3-5 feet per year
- Height Range: 60-70 feet
- How to Use as a Hedge: Plant Leyland Cypress shrubs 4-6 feet apart in a row. They grow tall and dense, forming a solid barrier quickly. Prune the tops and sides annually to encourage bushy growth and maintain desired height.
2. Green Giant Arborvitae
- Growth Rate: 3-4 feet per year
- Height Range: 50-60 feet
- How to Use as a Hedge: Space the shrubs 5-6 feet apart for a seamless hedge. These evergreens grow into a tall, uniform screen. Trim lightly each year to shape the hedge and prevent overgrowth.
3. Forsythia
- Growth Rate: 2-4 feet per year
- Height Range: 8-10 feet
- How to Use as a Hedge: Plant forsythias 3-5 feet apart. They offer vibrant color in spring. Prune after flowering to maintain shape and remove any overly long branches.
4. Privet (Ligustrum)
- Growth Rate: 2-3 feet per year
- Height Range: 10-15 feet
- How to Use as a Hedge: Space the shrubs 2-4 feet apart to create a dense barrier. Privet responds well to frequent trimming, allowing you to create a formal or natural-looking hedge.
5. Bamboo (Clumping Varieties)
- Growth Rate: 3-5 feet per year
- Height Range: 10-20 feet (varies by species)
- How to Use as a Hedge: Plant clumping bamboo 3-5 feet apart. It forms a lush, modern privacy screen. Contain the roots with barriers to prevent spreading and trim the tops for height control.
6. Japanese Laurel (Aucuba Japonica)
- Growth Rate: 1-2 feet per year
- Height Range: 6-10 feet
- How to Use as a Hedge: Space plants 3-5 feet apart in shaded areas. Japanese Laurel creates a vibrant hedge with minimal maintenance. Prune lightly to maintain shape.
7. Red Twig Dogwood
- Growth Rate: 2-3 feet per year
- Height Range: 8-10 feet
- How to Use as a Hedge: Plant 3-4 feet apart. These shrubs offer year-round interest with bright red stems in winter. Prune old stems back in late winter to promote new growth.
8. Wax Myrtle (Morella cerifera)
- Growth Rate: 3-5 feet per year
- Height Range: 15-20 feet
- How to Use as a Hedge: Space plants 4-6 feet apart. Wax Myrtle is ideal for coastal regions. Prune regularly to encourage dense growth and maintain shape.
9. Nellie Stevens Holly
- Growth Rate: 2-3 feet per year
- Height Range: 20-25 feet
- How to Use as a Hedge: Plant shrubs 5-6 feet apart for a thick hedge with glossy leaves and red berries. Trim annually to maintain a uniform height and shape.
10. Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)
- Growth Rate: 2-3 feet per year
- Height Range: 15-25 feet
- How to Use as a Hedge: Space plants 4-6 feet apart. Cherry Laurel thrives in both sun and shade, making it versatile. Prune after flowering to keep the hedge dense.
11. Viburnum Tinus
- Growth Rate: 1-2 feet per year
- Height Range: 10-12 feet
- How to Use as a Hedge: Plant 3-4 feet apart. Viburnum Tinus creates a compact evergreen hedge with seasonal flowers. Prune lightly to shape after flowering.
12. Pittosporum
- Growth Rate: 2-3 feet per year
- Height Range: 12-15 feet
- How to Use as a Hedge: Space plants 3-5 feet apart. Pittosporum forms a dense screen with minimal effort. Trim regularly to maintain desired height.
13. Boxwood (Fast-Growing Varieties)
- Growth Rate: 1-2 feet per year
- Height Range: 6-8 feet
- How to Use as a Hedge: Plant 2-3 feet apart for a formal hedge. Boxwoods are ideal for shaping into tidy, ornamental hedges. Trim frequently for the best appearance.
14. Mock Orange (Philadelphus coronarius)
- Growth Rate: 2-3 feet per year
- Height Range: 10-12 feet
- How to Use as a Hedge: Space shrubs 3-4 feet apart. Mock Orange produces fragrant white flowers and grows into a natural-looking privacy hedge. Prune after flowering to maintain shape.
15. American Hazelnut (Corylus americana)
- Growth Rate: 2-3 feet per year
- Height Range: 15-18 feet
- How to Use as a Hedge: Plant 4-6 feet apart. This deciduous shrub provides dense foliage and produces nuts. Prune lightly in late winter to encourage growth.
Tips for Planting and Maintaining Privacy Hedges:
- Prepare the Soil: Ensure the soil is well-drained and enriched with compost for optimal growth.
- Water Regularly: Water deeply, especially during the first year, to establish the hedge.
- Mulch: Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Fertilize: Use a balanced fertilizer in spring to encourage healthy growth.
- Pruning: Prune regularly to maintain density and desired shape.
By choosing the right shrubs and following these tips, you can create a lush, fast-growing privacy hedge that enhances your garden’s beauty and seclusion.
