When selecting the best fast-growing shrubs, the goal is to find options that quickly establish privacy, add vibrant color, or fill in landscape gaps. The Brighter Blooms Emerald Green Arborvitae stands out as the overall top pick for its reliable growth and lush foliage, while the Wax Myrtle offers excellent drought tolerance for low-maintenance landscapes. However, these fast-growth options often come with tradeoffs like shorter lifespans or increased maintenance needs. Continue reading for a full breakdown of the top choices, their strengths, and what to consider before planting.
Key Takeaways
- Fast growth rate varies significantly among options, influencing maintenance needs and longevity.
- Evergreen varieties like Thuja Green Giant provide year-round privacy, but may require more space.
- Drought-tolerant shrubs like Wax Myrtle are ideal for low-water landscapes, though they might grow more slowly initially.
- Some shrubs, such as boxwoods, offer versatility for shaping but grow slower than others listed.
- Price and container size impact overall value, with larger plants typically establishing faster but costing more.
| Brighter Blooms Emerald Green Arborvitae, 1-2 Feet – Live Plant |  | Best for Easy, Low-Maintenance Privacy Screening | Height: 1-2 Feet | Type: Live Plant | Plant Category: Evergreen Shrub | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Wax Myrtle | 20 Live Plants | Myrica Cerifera | Fast Growing Shrub, Privacy Screen, Evergreen Foliage, Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance |  | Best for Versatile, Drought-Tolerant Privacy Screens | Plant Type: Live Plants | Quantity: 20 | Species: Myrica Cerifera | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| 6 Highlander Boxwood – Fast-Growing Evergreen Shrub for Privacy Hedges, Screens & Borders (Buxus sempervirens ‘Highlander’) in 3.5″ Cubes, Live Plants |  | Best for Formal, Dense Privacy Hedges | Quantity: 6 plants | Plant Type: Evergreen shrub | Variety: Buxus sempervirens ‘Highlander’ | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Southern Living 2 Gal. Obsession Nandina Shrub |  | Best for Colorful, Low-Maintenance Accent Shrubs | Plant Type: Nandina Shrub | Size: 2 Gallons | Zones: 6-10 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Brighter Blooms Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae, 2-3 ft |  | Best for Rapid Privacy and Landscape Transformation | Height: 2-3 ft | Growth Rate: 3-5 ft per year | Shipping Restrictions: No to AK, AZ, HI, OR | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 3 Gallon – Live Evergreen Tree for Landscaping & Privacy |  | Best Overall for Rapid Privacy Screening | Growth Rate: 3 feet per year | Mature Size: 40 feet tall, 20 feet wide | Hardiness Zones: 5-9 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Wintergreen Boxwood, Live Plant, 3-Gallon Container, Evergreen Shrub |  | Best for Year-Round Formal Landscaping | Mature Size: 3-4 feet in height and width | Container Size: 3-gallon nursery container | Appearance: Glossy, dark green leaves | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Encore Azalea 1 Gal. Autumn Majesty Azalea Shrub |  | Best for Seasonal Color and Versatility in Mild Climates | Size: 42 inches H x 36 inches W | Zone: 6a-9b | Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Lynwood Gold Forsythia Bush – Yellow Flowering Shrub – Live Plant, 1-2 Feet Tall |  | Best for Bright Spring Color and Fast Growth in Cooler Climates | Type: Deciduous shrub | Color: Yellow | Size: 1-2 feet tall | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Dwarf Red Burning Bush Live Plant, 2.5 Inch Pot |  | Best for Vibrant Fall Color and Hardy Performance | Plant Type: Live plant | Size: 2.5 inch pot | Mature Height: 4-8 feet | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Nellie Stevens Holly 1 Gal. Pot | Fast Growing Privacy Evergreen |  | Best Overall for Privacy and Year-Round Interest | Size: 1 Gallon Pot | Growth Habit: Dense, fast-growing evergreen | Height: Up to 25 ft | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Proven Winners 1 Gal. Neatball Boxwood Shrub |  | Best Value for Low-Maintenance Evergreen Tidy Growth | USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9 | Mature Size: 24-36 in. W x 24-36 in. H | Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Viburnum Odoratissimum | 3 Live Plants | Fast Growing Evergreen Shrub with Fragrant White Flowers |  | Best for Fragrance and Versatile Privacy Screening | Type: Live Plants | Quantity: 3 | Plant Type: Shrub | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Brighter Blooms Emerald Green Arborvitae, 1-2 Feet – Live Plant
The Emerald Green Arborvitae stands out for its effortless adaptability and neat appearance, making it ideal for those seeking an affordable, low-effort privacy hedge. Compared to the Thuja Green Giant, which grows faster and larger, this shrub stays more manageable at a modest height, though its limited size may require additional plants for full coverage. Its ability to thrive in various soil types and weather conditions means less fuss and consistent greenery, but it is limited to small sizes, making it less suitable for establishing quick, tall privacy screens. This pick makes the most sense for homeowners who want a simple, reliable evergreen without the need for rapid growth or large-scale planting.
Pros:- Easy to grow and maintain with minimal pruning
- Provides effective privacy in a compact size
- Adapts well to different soil and weather conditions
Cons:- Limited to 1-2 feet height, requiring more plants for larger screens
- Not suitable for regions outside shipping restrictions (AK, AZ, HI, OR)
Best for: Gardeners seeking a low-maintenance, adaptable shrub for small to medium privacy screens
Not ideal for: Those needing tall, fast-growing hedges or large-scale landscaping quickly
- Height:1-2 Feet
- Type:Live Plant
- Plant Category:Evergreen Shrub
Our verdict“This shrub is perfect for homeowners wanting a low-effort, attractive privacy boundary at a manageable size.”
Wax Myrtle | 20 Live Plants | Myrica Cerifera | Fast Growing Shrub, Privacy Screen, Evergreen Foliage, Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance
The Wax Myrtle offers a versatile, fast-growing option that provides lush evergreen foliage and a natural privacy screen. Compared with the Highlander Boxwood, which is dense but slower to establish, the Wax Myrtle quickly fills in spaces, ideal for those who want instant privacy. Its drought tolerance and low-maintenance nature make it suitable for xeriscaping and busy gardeners, though it may need regular pruning to maintain its shape and prevent overgrowth, especially in regions where it could become invasive. This makes it a smart choice for landscape projects where quick coverage and minimal care are priorities.
Pros:- Fast-growing with lush evergreen foliage
- Drought tolerant and low maintenance
- Effective year-round privacy and ornamental appeal
Cons:- May require regular pruning to keep shape and prevent invasiveness
- Potential regional invasiveness if not properly managed
Best for: Landscapers and homeowners wanting a rapid, low-maintenance privacy hedge in dry or challenging soils
Not ideal for: Gardeners preferring slow-growing, highly controlled shrubs or those in regions where invasiveness is a concern
- Plant Type:Live Plants
- Quantity:20
- Species:Myrica Cerifera
- Growth Rate:Fast
- Features:Evergreen foliage, Drought tolerant, Low maintenance
Our verdict“Ideal for quick, low-effort privacy in dry conditions, though requiring regular upkeep to control growth.”
6 Highlander Boxwood – Fast-Growing Evergreen Shrub for Privacy Hedges, Screens & Borders (Buxus sempervirens ‘Highlander’) in 3.5″ Cubes, Live Plants
The Highlander Boxwood is a solid choice for creating dense, formal privacy barriers that stay neat with minimal effort. Compared to the Wax Myrtle, which offers a looser, more natural look, the Highlander Boxwood provides a structured, tidy hedge suitable for classic landscaping. Its quick growth and adaptability to various soils make it appealing, but natural size and shape variations mean it may need some trimming for uniformity. Suitable for USDA Zones 5–9, it offers durability in colder climates, though it requires occasional pruning to maintain its form. This shrub is best for those desiring a controlled, evergreen border that requires little ongoing effort.
Pros:- Fast-growing and dense for quick privacy
- Low-maintenance and hardy in cold weather
- Suitable for various landscaping uses including borders
Cons:- Natural size and appearance can vary, requiring trimming
- Excludes shipping to Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico
Best for: Homeowners looking for a dense, low-maintenance hedge that maintains a formal shape
Not ideal for: Gardeners seeking a more natural, wild look or quick-growing screen for immediate privacy
- Quantity:6 plants
- Plant Type:Evergreen shrub
- Variety:Buxus sempervirens ‘Highlander’
- Size:3.5-inch cubes
- Height:6–7 ft
- USDA Zones:5–9
Our verdict“Best suited for those wanting a structured, evergreen privacy hedge with minimal effort, understanding some shaping may be needed.”
Southern Living 2 Gal. Obsession Nandina Shrub
The Obsession Nandina excels in providing year-round visual interest with its vibrant foliage, making it a favorite for adding color and texture to landscapes. Compared with the Emerald Green Arborvitae, which emphasizes privacy and uniformity, the Nandina offers a more ornamental focus with less height but more seasonal appeal. While it requires regular watering until established, its low-maintenance nature and adaptability across USDA zones 6–10 make it suitable for varied garden styles. It’s especially appealing to gardeners who value colorful foliage and minimal upkeep over rapid growth or privacy screening. However, in colder zones, its protection needs increase, and its size and mature shape are less defined.
Pros:- Beautiful, colorful foliage year-round
- Low maintenance and adaptable to multiple zones
- Suitable for sunny to part-shady locations
Cons:- Requires regular watering until established
- Limited mature size information, may need protection in colder zones
Best for: Gardeners wanting an ornamental shrub with vibrant foliage and minimal care in zones 6-10
Not ideal for: Those seeking fast-growing privacy screens or large, dense hedges
- Plant Type:Nandina Shrub
- Size:2 Gallons
- Zones:6-10
- Light Requirements:Sun to part shade
- Watering:Twice per week until established, then once per week
Our verdict“Perfect for adding seasonal color and low-maintenance interest, though not suited for immediate privacy screening or fast growth needs.”
Brighter Blooms Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae, 2-3 ft
The Green Giant Arborvitae is the fastest-growing shrub in this lineup, reaching 3–5 feet annually once established. Compared with the Emerald Green Arborvitae, which grows more slowly and stays smaller, this pick is designed for quick privacy solutions and landscape coverage. Its low-maintenance nature means no pruning is necessary to keep a lush, uniform appearance, making it ideal for those needing rapid results. Shipping restrictions to AK, AZ, HI, and OR limit availability, but for those in permissible regions, this shrub offers a rapid transformation. It’s suited for homeowners aiming for fast, dense screening without extra effort, though its size options are limited and shipping restrictions may be a barrier.
Pros:- Rapid growth of 3-5 feet per year
- Low-maintenance with no pruning required
- Creates a lush, dense privacy barrier quickly
Cons:- Limited size options listed, may need planting in stages for larger coverage
- Cannot be shipped to some states, restricting availability
Best for: Homeowners seeking quick privacy screens and rapid landscape coverage in permissible regions
Not ideal for: Gardeners in restricted shipping zones or those wanting a more controlled, slow-growing hedge
- Height:2-3 ft
- Growth Rate:3-5 ft per year
- Shipping Restrictions:No to AK, AZ, HI, OR
Our verdict“Best for those needing immediate privacy and rapid landscape results, provided shipping restrictions are manageable.”
Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 3 Gallon – Live Evergreen Tree for Landscaping & Privacy
This Thuja Green Giant stands out for its impressive growth rate of up to 3 feet per year, making it ideal for creating quick privacy screens. Compared with the Encore Azalea, which offers year-round interest but grows more slowly, the Green Giant provides faster results with minimal maintenance once established. Its deer resistance and adaptability to zones 5-9 give it broad appeal, though it does require regular watering and mulching in the first year. Unlike smaller shrubs, its substantial size demands space, but this is a small tradeoff for rapid coverage. This pick is perfect for homeowners wanting fast privacy or windbreaks without fussing over high maintenance.
Pros:- Rapid growth rate of 3 feet per year ensures quick privacy
- Deer-resistant and adaptable to diverse zones
- Low-maintenance and drought-tolerant once established
Cons:- Cannot be shipped to CA or AZ, limiting availability in some regions
- Requires consistent watering and mulching during the first year to thrive
Best for: Homeowners seeking quick, low-maintenance privacy hedges in zones 5-9
Not ideal for: Gardeners in California or Arizona, as it cannot be shipped there, or those with limited space for large mature trees
- Growth Rate:3 feet per year
- Mature Size:40 feet tall, 20 feet wide
- Hardiness Zones:5-9
- Soil:Well-drained soil
Our verdict“This evergreen tree makes the most sense for buyers wanting fast, reliable privacy in suitable zones with minimal ongoing effort.”
Wintergreen Boxwood, Live Plant, 3-Gallon Container, Evergreen Shrub
The Wintergreen Boxwood is prized for its dense, compact form and glossy foliage, providing a polished look around gardens and borders. While it grows more slowly than the Forsythia Bush, this shrub offers consistent greenery through all seasons, making it ideal for those seeking a permanent, low-maintenance hedge or accent. Its cold hardiness and tolerance for partial sun mean it can thrive in a variety of climates, but it demands well-draining soil to prevent root rot—something that can be a challenge in wetter areas. Unlike faster-growing shrubs, its slower pace means it takes longer to establish a fully mature hedge, but it rewards patience with a refined appearance. This shrub suits gardeners wanting a reliable, evergreen foundation plant that stays neat year-round.
Pros:- Evergreen foliage provides year-round visual interest
- Versatile for hedges, borders, or standalone features
- Cold hardy and adaptable to various soil types
Cons:- Slower growth means longer wait for full maturity
- Requires well-draining soil to prevent root issues
Best for: Gardeners desiring a formal, evergreen landscape element with consistent year-round interest
Not ideal for: Those seeking rapid privacy or quick fill-in plantings, as boxwoods grow comparatively slowly
- Mature Size:3-4 feet in height and width
- Container Size:3-gallon nursery container
- Appearance:Glossy, dark green leaves
- Growing Conditions:Partial to full sun, well-draining soil
Our verdict“This shrub makes the most sense for those prioritizing a tidy, evergreen appearance over rapid growth, especially in colder climates.”
Encore Azalea 1 Gal. Autumn Majesty Azalea Shrub
The Encore Autumn Majesty Azalea offers vibrant year-round interest, especially with its rich fall foliage, distinguishing it from more traditional evergreen options. It blooms in spring and maintains a compact size of about 42 inches tall and 36 inches wide, making it suitable for smaller gardens or foundation plantings. Compared to the Forsythia Bush, which provides bright spring flowers but loses leaves in winter, the azalea provides consistent greenery and color in zones 6a-9b. It prefers full sun to partial shade, which might limit its performance in very shaded gardens. While not as fast-growing as larger evergreens, its low maintenance and seasonal display make it a valuable addition for gardeners in suitable zones looking for year-round appeal.
Pros:- Year-round visual interest with vibrant foliage and flowers
- Low maintenance and adaptable to various landscape uses
- Suitable for a range of USDA zones 6a-9b
Cons:- Limited to specific USDA zones, reducing versatility elsewhere
- Requires full sun to partial shade for optimal flowering
Best for: Gardeners in zones 6a-9b seeking a colorful, low-maintenance shrub with year-round interest
Not ideal for: Regions outside zones 6a-9b or gardens with limited sun exposure, as it needs sufficient sunlight to flourish
- Size:42 inches H x 36 inches W
- Zone:6a-9b
- Sunlight:Full sun to partial shade
- Type:Evergreen
Our verdict“This azalea is best for gardeners in its zone range who want seasonal color with minimal effort and can provide adequate sunlight.”
Lynwood Gold Forsythia Bush – Yellow Flowering Shrub – Live Plant, 1-2 Feet Tall
The Lynwood Gold Forsythia is a deciduous shrub celebrated for its vibrant yellow flowers that burst in early spring. Shipping at just 1-2 feet tall, it offers immediate impact and rapid growth, making it a favorite for quick seasonal color. Compared with the Dwarf Red Burning Bush, which provides striking fall foliage rather than spring flowers, the Forsythia’s early bloom is its main selling point. Its adaptability to zones 5-9 and full sun makes it suitable for many temperate gardens, but as a deciduous plant, it will be leafless in winter, offering no winter interest. Its size and flowering speed make it perfect for filling gaps quickly, though it requires space to accommodate its eventual height of 4-8 feet.
Pros:- Shipped at a manageable height for immediate planting
- Rapid growth and early spring flowers provide quick impact
- Clear planting instructions facilitate successful transplanting
Cons:- Deciduous nature means no leaves or flowers in winter
- Can grow quite tall (4-8 feet), requiring space and pruning
Best for: Gardeners in zones 5-9 looking for quick spring color and easy transplanting
Not ideal for: Small yards or gardeners wanting evergreen privacy, as it loses leaves in winter and grows tall
- Type:Deciduous shrub
- Color:Yellow
- Size:1-2 feet tall
- Planting Zone:5-9
Our verdict“This shrub is ideal for those needing instant spring color in temperate zones and willing to manage its size as it matures.”
Dwarf Red Burning Bush Live Plant, 2.5 Inch Pot
The Dwarf Red Burning Bush offers a splash of fiery red in fall, making it a striking choice for borders or privacy screens. Its mature height of 4-8 feet allows it to fill space rapidly, especially in full sun, but it’s best suited for gardens in zones 4-8. Compared to the Wintergreen Boxwood, which provides steady evergreen color, the Burning Bush’s seasonal vibrancy is more dramatic, although it sacrifices winter interest. Its adaptability to a range of landscape uses, from hedges to accents, makes it versatile, though its height may be too tall for small yards or tight spaces. Shipping in a 2.5-inch pot means some patience is needed for full growth, but its hardy nature supports vigorous development.
Pros:- Vibrant red foliage creates dramatic fall displays
- Hardy across zones 4-8 with vigorous growth
- Suitable for hedges, borders, or focal points
Cons:- Lacks winter interest, as it is deciduous
- Height of 4-8 feet may be too tall for compact yards
Best for: Gardeners in zones 4-8 wanting seasonal fall color with quick growth and hardy performance
Not ideal for: Small spaces or regions outside zones 4-8, as well as those seeking evergreen privacy year-round
- Plant Type:Live plant
- Size:2.5 inch pot
- Mature Height:4-8 feet
- Zones:4-8
Our verdict“This shrub makes the most sense for gardeners seeking vibrant fall color and hardy performance in suitable zones, with an acceptance of seasonal leaf loss.”
Nellie Stevens Holly 1 Gal. Pot | Fast Growing Privacy Evergreen
The Nellie Stevens Holly stands out as the best overall choice for those seeking a fast-growing evergreen that combines privacy with ornamental value. Its dense, upright growth habit creates an effective screen, and the combination of white spring flowers and bright red fall berries adds seasonal interest. Compared with the Proven Winners Neatball Boxwood, it offers a significantly faster growth rate and taller height potential, making it ideal for quick privacy, but it requires more maintenance—particularly watering and pruning—to control its size. This shrub is less suitable for small or low-maintenance gardens where space or effort is limited. Its tall, dense form makes it perfect for large properties or privacy hedges, but it may need regular pruning to keep it manageable. Once established, it offers year-round coverage with minimal effort, provided watering and fertilizing are consistent.
Pros:- Fast-growing, providing quick privacy solutions
- Evergreen foliage offers year-round screening
- Produces seasonal white flowers and red berries for ornamental appeal
- Adaptable to shaping into trees or topiaries
Cons:- Requires regular watering, especially after planting
- Can grow quite tall, necessitating pruning for smaller spaces
- May need fertilization to maintain optimal growth
Best for: Homeowners wanting a fast, dense privacy screen with ornamental features in USDA zones 6-9.
Not ideal for: Gardeners with limited space or those seeking low-maintenance, smaller-scale plants—this can grow quite tall and needs regular upkeep.
- Size:1 Gallon Pot
- Growth Habit:Dense, fast-growing evergreen
- Height:Up to 25 ft
- Width:Up to 15 ft
- Foliage:Glossy green
- Flowers:White in spring
- Berries:Red in fall
- Hardiness Zones:6-9
- Usage:Privacy hedge, screen, ornamental
Our verdict“This shrub is ideal for those seeking rapid privacy with seasonal interest, but it demands ongoing maintenance to stay manageable.”
Proven Winners 1 Gal. Neatball Boxwood Shrub
The Neatball Boxwood offers an excellent balance of durability and tidy appearance, making it a top pick for low-maintenance gardens. Its compact, spherical form stays neat all year, requiring minimal pruning to maintain its shape. In comparison to the Nellie Stevens Holly, it grows more slowly and stays significantly smaller, which is ideal for front gardens or spaces where a neat, controlled look is desired. While it’s hardy across USDA Zones 5-9, its limited mature size—generally around 36 inches—means it isn’t suitable if you want rapid vertical growth or a large hedge. Its low water needs and resilience make it perfect for gardeners seeking a fuss-free, evergreen accent, but it offers less visual impact in the short term compared to faster-growing options.
Pros:- Exceptional hardiness across USDA Zones 5-9
- Low maintenance and easy to care for
- Year-round evergreen with seasonal interest
- Compact, tidy shape suitable for front gardens
Cons:- Limited mature height, not ideal for quick privacy
- Requires full sun to partial shade, limiting placement options
- Sparse information on soil and watering needs
Best for: Gardeners wanting a reliable, compact evergreen for borders or small spaces that require minimal care.
Not ideal for: Those seeking quick height or substantial privacy screens—this shrub is slow-growing and best for smaller, tidy landscapes.
- USDA Hardiness Zone:5-9
- Mature Size:24-36 in. W x 24-36 in. H
- Sunlight:Full sun to partial shade
- Water Needs:Little to no watering
- Weight:6 pounds
- Color:Green
Our verdict“This shrub suits gardeners prioritizing low effort and neat appearance over rapid growth or large-scale screening.”
Viburnum Odoratissimum | 3 Live Plants | Fast Growing Evergreen Shrub with Fragrant White Flowers
The Viburnum Odoratissimum makes this list as an excellent choice for those who want a fast-growing, fragrant evergreen shrub that attracts pollinators. Its dense foliage provides quick privacy, and the fragrant white flowers bloom multiple times a year in suitable climates. Compared to the Nellie Stevens Holly, it offers a less tall but equally dense coverage, with the advantage of fragrant blooms that appeal to pollinators and add sensory interest. Its low-maintenance nature makes it suitable for gardeners who prefer minimal fuss, but it does need ample space for full expansion and may have seasonal flowering depending on climate. It’s a flexible option for standalone features or privacy hedges, especially where scent and pollinator attraction are priorities.
Pros:- Fast-growing and dense for quick privacy
- Fragrant white flowers attract pollinators
- Low-maintenance and drought tolerant
- Provides year-round greenery
Cons:- Requires ample space for full development
- Seasonal flowering may vary by climate
- Potentially larger than some small garden plots
Best for: Gardeners seeking a fast-growing, fragrant shrub that enhances pollinator activity and provides privacy.
Not ideal for: Smaller gardens or those with limited space, as it requires room for full growth and flowering potential.
- Type:Live Plants
- Quantity:3
- Plant Type:Shrub
- Foliage:Evergreen
- Flowers:Fragrant White
- Growth Rate:Fast
- Maintenance:Low
- Drought Tolerance:Yes
- Seasonal Interest:Year-Round
Our verdict“This viburnum is perfect for gardeners wanting rapid privacy and fragrant blooms, with minimal effort involved.”
How We Picked
To determine the best fast-growing shrubs, I evaluated each plant based on growth rate, adaptability to different climates, ease of maintenance, and overall landscape impact. I prioritized options that reliably reach maturity quickly without excessive upkeep, aiming to balance performance with value. Shrubs that offer year-round foliage or seasonal color were given extra weight. The ranking reflects a combination of rapid growth, durability, and suitability for a variety of garden settings, helping homeowners select the most practical choices for fast results.Factors to Consider When Choosing Best Fast-growing Shrubs
Choosing the right fast-growing shrub involves more than just quick height gain. Consider your climate, available space, and the purpose of the shrub—whether for privacy, color, or ground cover. Picking the wrong plant can lead to disappointment or higher maintenance costs. This guide highlights key factors that influence your success and helps you avoid common pitfalls.Growth Rate and Maturity Time
Understanding how quickly a shrub reaches its mature size is essential for planning your landscape. Some plants, like Thuja Green Giant, can grow several feet per year, providing rapid privacy. Others take longer to fill in gaps, which might slow your desired landscape effect. Be realistic about the time you can dedicate to maintenance and whether fast growth is worth potential tradeoffs like shorter lifespan or increased pruning.
Climate and Hardiness
Not all shrubs thrive in every region. Check the USDA hardiness zones for each plant to ensure it will survive your winters and summers. Drought-tolerant choices like Wax Myrtle excel in dry climates, while more delicate species may need extra watering or protection. Selecting a shrub suited to your local conditions reduces replacement costs and ongoing effort.
Maintenance and Care
Fast-growing shrubs often require regular pruning to maintain shape and health, especially species like boxwoods. Consider your willingness and ability to prune or fertilize frequently. Some plants, such as hollies, are low-maintenance once established, whereas others might need more attention. Balancing growth speed with ease of care helps prevent frustration and ensures your landscape remains attractive over time.
Size, Space, and Placement
Ensure you have enough space for the shrub’s mature size; overcrowding can lead to poor health and aesthetic issues. Compact varieties like Dwarf Red Burning Bush are better for smaller gardens, while larger options like Green Giant arborvitae suit expansive areas. Proper placement also considers sun exposure and soil type, which influence growth rate and health.
Cost and Value
Pricing varies widely based on plant size, maturity, and supplier. Larger, more established plants grow faster but cost more upfront. Weigh the initial investment against long-term benefits such as quick privacy or landscape filling. Sometimes, smaller plants can catch up quickly if given proper care, offering a more budget-friendly start without sacrificing performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast do most fast-growing shrubs reach their full height?
The speed at which shrubs reach full height varies by species, but many, like Thuja Green Giant, can grow 3-4 feet annually under ideal conditions. Others, such as boxwoods, grow more slowly, often only a few inches per year. Your climate, soil, and maintenance will influence actual growth rates, so selecting a variety suited to your environment is key for faster results.
Are fast-growing shrubs suitable for small gardens?
Fast-growing shrubs can be a good option for small gardens if you select compact varieties or dwarf types designed for limited space. For instance, Dwarf Red Burning Bush or Nellie Stevens Holly stay manageable in smaller areas, providing quick coverage without overwhelming the space. Proper planning and plant selection are essential to prevent overcrowding and ensure healthy growth.
What maintenance is required for fast-growing shrubs?
Most fast-growing shrubs benefit from regular pruning to maintain shape, control size, and promote healthy growth. Evergreen varieties like arborvitae or holly may need annual trimming, while flowering shrubs like Forsythia require removal of spent blooms. Consistent watering and fertilization can also support rapid growth, but over-pruning can stress the plant, so moderation is key.
Can I plant multiple fast-growing shrubs close together?
Planting multiple shrubs in close proximity can accelerate privacy and fill gaps quickly, but it’s important to consider their mature size and root systems. Overcrowding can lead to competition for nutrients and water, reducing overall health. Allow enough space for each shrub to grow without interference, and consider staggered planting for a more natural look.
Is it worth investing in larger, more mature plants for faster results?
Buying larger, more established plants can provide immediate privacy and faster landscape coverage, but they come with a higher initial cost. Smaller plants tend to be more affordable and can catch up over time with proper care. Your decision should balance your budget with how quickly you want to achieve your landscape goals and how much effort you’re willing to invest upfront.
Conclusion
For those seeking quick privacy, the Brighter Blooms Emerald Green Arborvitae offers a reliable, fast-growing evergreen solution. Budget-conscious gardeners might prefer smaller, more affordable options like Dwarf Red Burning Bush or Nellie Stevens Holly, which still fill in quickly with care. Landscape professionals or homeowners wanting a premium look should consider larger, mature plants like the Green Giant arborvitae for immediate impact. Beginners will appreciate low-maintenance choices like Wax Myrtle or Forsythia, which grow fast but require minimal fuss. Ultimately, your choice depends on space, climate, budget, and how quickly you want results—these options cover the full spectrum for a vibrant, fast-growing landscape in 2026.
