
If you're looking for fast grow hedge plant ideas that provide both privacy and beauty, consider the Leyland cypress, which can grow up to 4 feet per year.
This evergreen tree is a popular choice for hedges due to its rapid growth rate and ability to thrive in a variety of conditions.
The Leyland cypress is also relatively low maintenance, requiring only occasional pruning to maintain its shape.
For a more compact option, the English lavender is a great choice, growing up to 3 feet per year and requiring minimal care.
Choosing a Hedge Plant
Planting a hedge can be a bit overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. First, consider the right plant for your space. Full sun plants need full sun, and water-loving varieties can't thrive in deserts.
Do your research before planting to ensure you choose a plant that suits your site. For example, plants that are borderline hardiness will be damaged each winter by frost. Keep in mind that a plant that tolerates both shade and sun will generally grow faster in more sun.
If you want to increase privacy in your garden quickly, consider container-grown hedges. They can be planted any time of year, but make sure to give them extra attention to prevent the roots from drying out.
Expand your knowledge: Planting Seeds
English Laurel
English Laurel is a fantastic fast-growing hedge option that's perfect for creating a natural screen in your garden. It's known for its glossy evergreen foliage and can grow up to 3 feet per year.
One of the best things about English Laurel is its ability to thrive in a wide range of conditions, including full sun to partial shade. It's also drought-tolerant once established, making it a low-maintenance option.
English Laurel is a broadleaf evergreen that grows into a large, rounded shape, making it an excellent choice for creating a dense hedge. It's also deer-resistant, which is a bonus if you live in an area with wildlife.
If you're considering planting English Laurel, keep in mind that it prefers well-draining soil and regular pruning to maintain its shape. Prune it once or twice a year to keep it looking its best.
Here are some key facts about English Laurel:
Overall, English Laurel is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a fast-growing hedge that's low-maintenance and deer-resistant.
Oleander
Oleander is a beautiful, easy-to-grow flowering shrub that can reach heights of 15 feet if left unpruned. Pruning can help create more privacy.
It does best in full sun and can tolerate the poorest of soils. You won't need to worry about watering too much, as it's a low-maintenance option.
Here are some key facts about oleander:
- Zone: 9 to 11
- Mature size: 15 feet tall x 12 feet wide
- Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil, but tolerant of poor soil; minimal watering
Hibiscus
If you're looking for a hedge plant that's as beautiful as it is low-maintenance, hibiscus is definitely worth considering.
Hibiscus plants can grow quite tall, reaching heights of 15 to 20 feet if left unpruned.
They're also relatively easy to care for, thriving in full sun to partial shade, making them a great option for areas with varying sunlight conditions.
In terms of soil, hibiscus plants prefer rich soil with ample organic matter and compost, which is easily achieved with regular fertilization.
This makes hibiscus a great choice for gardeners who want a lush, tropical-looking hedge without a lot of fuss.
Here are some key facts to keep in mind when considering hibiscus as a hedge plant:
- Zone: 9 to 12
- Mature size: 15 to 20 feet tall
- Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; rich soil with organic matter
Bamboo
Bamboo can be a great alternative for creating a visual screen without taking up too much space.
Some varieties of bamboo, like golden or fountain bamboo, will add texture and form to your garden while providing a screening effect.
Choose a clump-forming bamboo type, such as a fargesia, to avoid the plant taking over your garden and your neighbour's.
Bamboo can grow quite tall, with some varieties reaching up to 6 metres high, so select a variety that suits your needs.
Make sure to choose a variety that fits your desired height, as this will ensure your bamboo hedge looks neat and tidy.
Winter Color
Winter Color is a must-have for any garden. Red twig dogwood plants, Cornus sericea, are a favorite for their vibrant display even in winter.
This hardy dogwood can thrive in cooler regions down to US hardiness zone 3. You can grow it at the boundary of your yard for a beautiful winter display.
Lilac plants are another great option for winter color. They bring joy every spring with their large lilac blooms and sweet fragrant smell.
They can be grown as hedging and prefer a fertile, well-draining soil in a full sun position.
On a similar theme: Propagating a Lilac Bush
Growing and Caring
Fast growing hedges can thrive in the right environment, but they'll grow much slower if stressed from lack of water, extreme temperatures, or wrong exposure.
To get a tall hedge fast, you need to ensure it gets enough water, suitable temperatures, and the right amount of sunlight.
Autumn to early Spring is the ideal time to plant a new hedge, but never plant if the ground is frozen or waterlogged.
It's crucial to prepare the ground before planting, thoroughly weeding the area six weeks earlier to prevent new weed growth.
Adding slow-release plant food at the same time as your new plants will also help your hedge establish more quickly.
Choose more mature plants to start with if you want to increase privacy in your garden quickly.
Container-grown hedges are the best option for fast results, but they require more attention to prevent the roots from drying out.
To get optimum growth, apply a high-nitrogen, slow-release fertilizer in the spring right before growth begins.
Plant your hedge in the right site, taking into account the plant's needs for sunlight, water, and temperature tolerance.
A plant that tolerates both shade and sun will generally grow faster in more sun.
See what others are reading: House Plants That Can Grow in Water
Planting and Maintenance
To plant your fast-growing hedges, start by spacing them at the right distance. For Laurel and Leylandii, aim for at least 60cm between plants, or up to 1 metre if you're not in a hurry.
Bamboo requires more precise spacing, typically 1 plant per 100-150cm. Privet, on the other hand, should be planted closer together, with four plants per metre.
Once planted, give your hedges a good soaking with water and add a thick layer of mulch to keep weeds down and retain moisture. This will help protect the roots and ensure your hedges thrive.
If this caught your attention, see: Which Succulents Can Be Planted Together?
How to Plant?
So you're ready to plant your fast-growing hedges. For Laurel and Leylandii, spacing plants at a distance of no less than 60cm is ideal.
To get the best results, you'll want to space out the plants according to the type of hedge you're planting. Here's a rough guide to get you started:
Privet is a dense hedge that does well when planted close together. Bamboo, on the other hand, should be spaced according to the size of the particular species.
Guide to Privacy Hedges
Choosing the right hedge for your garden can be a bit overwhelming, but it's essential to get it right. The ideal time to plant your new hedge is from autumn to early spring, when the ground is not frozen or waterlogged.
For fast-growing hedges, you'll want to consider factors like sunlight, soil type, and hardiness. If you don't plant your hedge in the right site, it will never thrive.
Laurel and Leylandii hedges do well in well-draining soil and full sun, while Privet hedges prefer a slightly acidic soil and can tolerate some shade. Bamboo hedges are more versatile but need to be spaced according to the size of the species.
To plant your hedge, space Laurel and Leylandii at least 60cm apart, Bamboo at 1 plant per 100-150cm, and Privet at four plants per metre. The depth of planting will depend on the size of the plants you've purchased.
Here's a rough guide to spacing your hedges:
Keep your hedges well-watered for at least the first season, especially if planting between spring and summer. Regular pruning and shaping will also help keep your hedge looking good and under control.
Design and Purpose
Fast-growing hedges can be a great way to add some greenery to your outdoor space, but they also require some planning and consideration.
A fast-growing hedge can be used as a natural screen to block out noise or unsightly views, and can also provide a sense of seclusion and privacy.
For example, the Privet hedge can grow up to 3 feet per year, making it a great option for those looking for a quick solution.
Fast-growing hedges can also be used to create a beautiful border around your garden or yard, adding a pop of color and texture to the space.
Some popular fast-growing hedge options include the Leyland Cypress, which can grow up to 4 feet per year, and the Colorado Blue Spruce, which can grow up to 3 feet per year.
For Statement Blooms

For statement blooms, you can't go wrong with fast-growing hedges like lilac. These shrubs can reach 10 feet tall if they're happy.
To maintain good shape and compact, dense growth, it's essential to know how to prune lilac correctly. This will ensure your hedge looks great all season.
Lilac shrubs can be grown in US hardiness zones 3 to 7 and prefer fertile, well-draining soil in a full sun position. They're a beautiful addition to any garden with their sweet fragrant smell and large lilac blooms.
For impressive blooming next year, it's best to prune forsythia as soon as the blossom fades, typically around mid-spring. This will give your plant plenty of time to regrow during the growing season.
Growing forsythia is a great choice for fast-growing hedges, reaching heights of up to 10 feet and growing approximately two feet per year. It's one of the hardiest fast-growing hedges, growing best in US hardiness zone 5 through to zone 8.
Expand your knowledge: Planting Zone
Fragrant Hedges
Fragrant hedges can add a whole new level of sensory experience to your garden. Mock orange plants are a great option for this, with their scented white flowers blooming from May through to July.
They grow exceptionally fast, more than two feet per year, making them ideal for hedges. This growth rate is impressive, especially when considering their hardiness.
Mock orange plants are suitable for US hardiness zone 4 to US hardiness zone 7, providing a wide range of growing options.
Related reading: Plant Zone
Plants for Greenery
A lush green hedge is a great way to add texture and interest to your garden, and it's also much better for wildlife than a fence or brick wall.
Laurel is a quintessential green hedge for any yard, with large, glossy green leaves that create a dense border when planted as hedging.
Laurel shrubs grow best in US hardiness zone 8 to US hardiness zones 10 and above, making them a great choice for certain regions.
Smartly clipped laurel hedges and topiary specimens are characteristic of English garden ideas and offer a good alternative to slower-growing box hedges.
Laurel shrubs are available to buy online from Nature Hills, making it easy to get your hands on these beautiful plants.
For Wildlife
Fast-growing hedges are a great way to support local wildlife, with some species providing food for up to 150 different insect species.
The hawthorn is a popular choice for wildlife gardens, growing between one and two feet per year to form a dense hedge.
Hawthorn's nectar-rich flowers and bright red-orange fall berries make it a favorite among gardeners and wildlife alike.
This versatile plant is also tolerant of pollution and exposed sites, making it perfect for urban gardens.
Planting a hawthorn hedge can be a great way to attract birds, bees, and butterflies to your garden, creating a thriving ecosystem.
Fast-growing hedges can quickly form a dense barrier, providing a safe haven for small animals and insects to live and breed.
Popular and Unique Options
Fast-growing hedges can be a great solution for instant screening and year-round cover. Our range of hedging conifers and evergreen hedging are perfect for this purpose.
Fast-growing hedges don't require constant upkeep, with pruning needed only 1-2 times a year.
Golden Dewdrop
The Golden Dewdrop is a stunning evergreen shrub that can reach heights of 15 to 18 feet tall, making it a great choice for hedges or screens.
It's worth noting that the Golden Dewdrop can thrive in a variety of conditions, but it does best in full sun to partial shade. This flexibility makes it a great option for gardens with varying levels of sunlight.
To give your Golden Dewdrop the best chance to succeed, be sure to plant it in rich, loamy soil. This type of soil will provide the necessary nutrients for the shrub to grow and thrive.
If you're looking for a shrub that can handle a moderate watering schedule, the Golden Dewdrop is a great choice. It's not too finicky about water, but it will still appreciate regular hydration.
Here are some key facts about the Golden Dewdrop at a glance:
- Zone: 10 to 11
- Mature size: 15 to 18 feet tall
- Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; rich, loamy soil; moderate watering
Seagrape
The seagrape is a fast-growing shrub or tree that can thrive in a variety of conditions. It's perfect for those who want a low-maintenance option.

This plant can grow up to 30 feet tall, making it a great choice for hedges or screens. I've seen it used in coastal areas where the salt and wind can be harsh.
Seagrape is surprisingly drought-tolerant once it's established, and it can even grow in clay soils. Just be sure to give it full sun for the best results.
Here are some key facts about seagrape:
- Zone: 9 to 11
- Mature size: 10 to 30 feet tall
- Care requirements: Full sun; clay to sandy, well-drained soil; drought tolerant
Flame Amur Maple
The Flame Amur Maple is a fantastic choice for a fast-growing hedge. It's deciduous, which means it sheds its leaves in the fall, and it puts on a stunning display of fiery reds, oranges, and yellows.
This tree is incredibly cold-hardy, tolerating temperatures as low as -40ºF, making it perfect for areas with harsh winters. It can thrive in most parts of the US.
The Flame Amur Maple has a multi-stemmed natural habit, which makes it easy to maintain as a hedge. You'll need to prune it just once a year to keep it looking its best.
It prefers full sun to part shade and can handle drought once it's established, making it a low-maintenance option. This tree is also quite deer-resistant, which is a bonus if you live in an area with a lot of wildlife.
Here are some key facts about the Flame Amur Maple:
- NAME: Acer ginnala ‘Flame’ (Flame Amur Maple)
- HARDINESS ZONE: Zones 3-8
- GROWTH RATE: Fast (Up to 2 feet per year)
- LIGHT REQUIREMENTS: Sun to Part Shade
- MAINTENANCE: Prune 1 time per year
Popular
Fast-growing hedges are perfect for instant screening and year-round cover. They're also great for creating a natural barrier.
Some of the most popular fast-growing hedges include our range of hedging conifers and evergreen hedging. They're perfect for providing instant results.
You can check the growth rate of any of our hedging species using the bullet points on each product page. This makes it easy to compare and choose the right one for you.
Fast-growing hedges only need pruning 1-2 times a year, which is a big plus. This makes them a great option for busy people or those who don't want to spend a lot of time maintaining their garden.
6. Prettiest

If you're looking for fast-growing hedges that add beauty to your garden, consider camellia hedges. They're evergreen and produce stunning winter flowers.
Camellias are a great choice for winter plants in pots and borders. They're also relatively low maintenance.
Pruning camellia hedges is essential to keep them under control and looking their best. This should be done regularly to encourage healthy growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the quickest way to grow a hedge?
To grow a hedge quickly, choose a fast-growing variety and plant it correctly in well-prepared soil. Proper care, including mulching, watering, and regular pruning, will also help your hedge thrive and grow faster.
What is the best bush to block neighbors?
The Green Giant Arborvitae is a fast-growing, dense evergreen bush that's perfect for blocking neighbors and unwanted views. Its rapid growth and foliage make it an ideal solution for quick privacy solutions.
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