13 Fast-Growing Bushes That Grow Tall & Provide Backyard Privacy

Looking to add instant privacy and lush greenery to your backyard? Fast-growing bushes are a fantastic solution. They not only act as natural fences but also bring color, texture, and seasonal beauty to your outdoor space.

Whether you want a low-maintenance hedge or a blooming wall of flowers, these tall-growing bushes will help you create a private, serene backyard escape.

1. Leyland Cypress

A favorite for privacy screens, the Leyland Cypress grows incredibly fast—up to 3 feet per year. Its dense, evergreen foliage provides year-round coverage, and it’s easy to shape into hedges or tall natural walls.
Tip: Plant them about 3 feet apart for quick coverage and trim annually to maintain shape.

2. Arborvitae

With its rich green color and column-like shape, Arborvitae is a classic choice for privacy. It grows tall and dense, making it ideal for lining fences or driveways.
Tip: Choose varieties like ‘Green Giant’ for faster growth and full coverage within just a few seasons.

3. Bamboo

Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants on Earth and offers an instant tropical feel. It’s perfect for modern or zen-style backyards.
Tip: Always plant clumping bamboo types instead of running ones to prevent them from spreading uncontrollably.

4. Privet

This hardy shrub grows fast and can be easily shaped into a formal hedge. Its dense foliage makes it a great choice for full privacy, and it blooms with small white flowers in spring.
Tip: Trim it regularly to keep it tidy and encourage thicker growth.

5. Forsythia

If you love a pop of color, Forsythia brings vibrant yellow blooms every spring. It grows fast and fills in gaps quickly.
Tip: After flowering, prune lightly to maintain shape and promote next season’s growth.

6. Lilac Bush

Lilacs are not only beautiful but also fast-growing. Their fragrant blooms add charm and attract pollinators like butterflies and bees.
Tip: Plant in sunny spots with well-drained soil for the best bloom results each year.

7. Holly Bush

Known for its glossy leaves and bright red berries, Holly provides privacy with a festive twist. It’s evergreen, hardy, and elegant.
Tip: Plant both male and female plants if you want berries to appear in winter.

8. Red-Tipped Photinia

This colorful bush features bright red new growth that matures into deep green. It grows quickly and adds a pop of contrast to your garden.
Tip: Trim new growth regularly to keep the vibrant red color throughout the year.

9. Viburnum

Viburnum varieties grow tall and full, producing fragrant flowers and sometimes berries. They’re great for mixed hedges or natural borders.
Tip: Choose evergreen types for constant coverage and plant in partial to full sun.

10. Mock Orange

Mock Orange bushes are famous for their citrus-scented white blooms and dense foliage. They grow fast and look elegant in traditional or cottage-style gardens.
Tip: Prune after flowering to maintain a rounded, full shape.

11. Loropetalum

This fast-growing shrub features purple foliage and pink, fringe-like blooms. It’s perfect if you want both privacy and color variation.
Tip: Combine with green shrubs for a striking layered privacy wall.

12. Weigela

Weigela bushes offer fast growth and stunning trumpet-shaped flowers that attract hummingbirds. They’re perfect for adding privacy and beauty at the same time.
Tip: Trim lightly after blooming to encourage more flowers the next year.

13. Nellie Stevens Holly

This hybrid holly variety is incredibly dense and grows quickly into a tall, lush hedge. Its shiny leaves and berries make it both practical and decorative.
Tip: Space plants about 5 feet apart for a thick, evergreen privacy wall.

Transform Your Backyard into a Private Green Oasis

Fast-growing bushes are the perfect solution for homeowners who want beauty and seclusion without waiting years. Whether you prefer evergreens for all-season coverage or colorful flowering varieties, these plants will help you create a lush, private retreat right in your backyard. Pair them with garden lights, stone borders, or mulch beds for a polished, professional finish.