Fast Growing Bushes or Shrubs for Privacy

Shrubs and bushes can provide privacy from street traffic, neighboring homes or for patios, pools or other structures on your property. Fast growing bushes and shrubs provide privacy without years of growth.

Evergreens

Evergreen shrubs and bushes provide privacy year-round. Examples of fast growing varieties include abelia, cherry laurel, Chinese eleagnus, euonymus, blue vase juniper, primrose jasmine, ligustrum, pittosporum and pyracantha.

Oleander is an evergreen that grows very fast, reaching between 10 and 15 feet.

Deciduous Varieties

Deciduous shrubs and bushes lose their leaves in the fall, but can still provide some privacy, especially when interspersed with evergreens. Varieties of deciduous shrubs and bushes that grow quickly include rose of Sharon, Japanese quince, Reeve's spirea, baby's breath, French mulberry and forsythia.

Considerations

Shrubs and bushes planted for privacy purposes should grow at least 5 to 6 feet for maximum screening. However, depending upon the area being screened for privacy, shorter-growing varieties may provide adequate coverage.

A mix of evergreen and deciduous shrubs can provide color year round in addition to privacy. Taller evergreens interspersed with smaller deciduous varieties, for example, can provide privacy and color during the warmer months.

References

• Aggie Horticulture: Medium to Large Shrubs