If you dream of turning your backyard into a peaceful, private retreat, planting fast-growing privacy plants is one of the most effective and natural ways to do it. Unlike fences or walls, living green screens not only provide privacy but also enhance the beauty of your outdoor space, improve air quality, and create a soothing, nature-rich environment. Whether you prefer tall hedges, dense shrubs, or graceful climbers, here are nine fast-growing privacy plants perfect for transforming your backyard into a lush, secluded haven.
1. Bamboo (Clumping Varieties)
Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing privacy plants in the world. Certain clumping bamboo species can grow up to 2–3 feet per year, quickly forming a tall, dense green wall. Its tall canes and lush foliage offer instant screening, ideal for blocking out nosy neighbors or unattractive views. Unlike invasive running bamboos, clumping types like Bambusa textilis ‘Gracilis’ stay contained and are easier to manage. Bamboo also sways gracefully in the breeze, adding a tranquil, tropical vibe to your backyard.
2. Leyland Cypress (Cupressus × leylandii)
Popular for creating fast, evergreen privacy hedges, Leyland Cypress grows rapidly, often gaining 3–4 feet per year. Its soft, dense foliage forms a thick wall of greenery that effectively muffles noise and conceals views. Reaching heights of up to 60–70 feet if left untrimmed, it’s ideal for large backyards needing tall privacy screens. Regular pruning maintains its shape and size. Besides its impressive growth rate, Leyland Cypress is drought-tolerant and adapts well to various soil types, making it a reliable privacy solution.
3. Privet (Ligustrum spp.)
Privet is a classic choice for fast-growing, dense privacy hedges. It can grow up to 2 feet per year and is easily shaped through pruning, allowing you to maintain it at any desired height or width. The glossy green foliage creates a thick barrier, while small white flowers in spring add seasonal interest. Privet thrives in both full sun and partial shade and is known for its adaptability to various soil conditions. Its quick growth and easy care make it a top pick for secluded backyard borders.
4. Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Green Giant’)
‘Green Giant’ Arborvitae is a fast-growing, columnar evergreen perfect for backyard privacy. With an annual growth rate of up to 3 feet, this hardy plant forms a lush, uniform screen in just a few seasons. Its soft, feathery foliage stays vibrant year-round and requires minimal upkeep once established. Arborvitae tolerates a range of soil types and is resistant to pests and diseases. Its tall, slender shape makes it suitable for narrow spaces and property lines where height without bulk is needed.
5. Photinia (Photinia × fraseri ‘Red Robin’)
Known for its striking red new growth, Photinia is both a privacy plant and an ornamental highlight. Growing 1–2 feet per year, it forms a thick, colorful hedge that reaches up to 12–15 feet when mature. Its glossy, evergreen leaves turn bright red in spring before maturing to deep green, offering multi-season interest. Photinia thrives in sunny to partially shaded spots and can be shaped with regular pruning. Its rapid growth and colorful foliage make it an attractive choice for natural backyard walls.
6. Wax Myrtle (Morella cerifera)
A versatile, fast-growing evergreen shrub, Wax Myrtle can add 3–5 feet of growth annually under optimal conditions. It’s ideal for privacy screens thanks to its dense, aromatic foliage and upright growth habit. This hardy plant adapts well to poor soils, heat, humidity, and coastal conditions, making it a great option for Southern gardens. In addition to privacy, Wax Myrtle produces small blue-gray berries that attract birds, adding wildlife interest to your backyard retreat while providing a natural barrier.
7. Climbing Roses (Rosa spp.)
For a privacy screen with color and fragrance, climbing roses are an elegant solution. Fast-growing varieties like ‘New Dawn’ or ‘Don Juan’ quickly cover fences, trellises, and arbors with lush foliage and abundant blooms. These roses can reach heights of 8–20 feet, depending on the type and care. Their dense growth creates a living floral wall while attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. Regular pruning encourages healthy, bushy growth and prolongs flowering, making them a charming and functional privacy plant.
8. Eleagnus (Elaeagnus pungens)
Eleagnus, or Silverthorn, is a fast-growing, drought-tolerant shrub ideal for privacy hedging. With an average growth of 2–3 feet per year, it forms a thick, evergreen barrier in just a few seasons. Its distinctive silvery-green leaves reflect light beautifully, brightening shaded spots. Eleagnus tolerates a range of soil conditions and requires minimal care once established. Small, fragrant white flowers bloom in late fall, adding seasonal interest. It’s an excellent option for privacy planting in both sunny and partially shaded backyards.
9. Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides)
Star Jasmine is a fast-growing, evergreen climber perfect for adding vertical privacy to patios, fences, or pergolas. Growing up to 2–3 feet per year, it produces a dense tangle of glossy green leaves and clusters of star-shaped, fragrant white flowers in late spring and summer. Its lush, trailing growth habit makes it perfect for creating secluded nooks or covering unsightly walls. Star Jasmine thrives in warm, sunny locations and is relatively low-maintenance, needing occasional pruning to keep its shape and coverage.
Conclusion
Creating a private, peaceful backyard doesn’t require years of waiting. These fast-growing privacy plants offer beautiful, effective, and eco-friendly ways to screen your space from prying eyes while enhancing the natural beauty of your landscape. Whether you prefer towering evergreens, colorful shrubs, or flowering climbers, there’s a plant on this list for every style and backyard size. With the right selection and care, you can enjoy your very own green sanctuary in no time.