Low Maintenance Fast Growing Hedge Plants for Privacy: 8 Quick Growers for Your Secret Garden Sanctuary

Finding the perfect privacy hedge can feel like searching for the gardening equivalent of a unicorn. I’ve spent years experimenting with different shrubs and trees in my own yard. Some zoomed to impressive heights while others seemed to grow at a snail’s pace.

There’s something deeply satisfying about creating a natural boundary. A boundary that not only shields your space from prying eyes but also adds beauty to your landscape. All this without demanding hours of your precious weekend time.

The ideal privacy hedge combines rapid growth with minimal maintenance requirements. It gives you the seclusion you crave without the constant pruning, watering, and fussing that some high-maintenance plants demand.

I’ve discovered that several varieties like Thuja Green Giant and Leyland Cypress can grow an impressive 3-5 feet per year, while others such as Portuguese laurel offer slightly slower but still impressive growth with even less maintenance.

Whether you’re looking to block an unwanted view or create a cozy outdoor room, these green giants can transform your space with surprising speed.

1) Thuja Green Giant

I’ve tried many privacy hedges over the years, but Thuja Green Giant has become my absolute favorite for folks who want quick results without constant maintenance. These magnificent evergreens are truly impressive growers, shooting up 3-5 feet per year under ideal conditions!

When I planted my first row of Thujas along my property line, they were just tiny 3-foot saplings. Within two summers, they had nearly doubled in height. Now they form a gorgeous living wall that blocks my neighbor’s view of my hammock napping sessions.

What makes these trees so special is their resilience. I’ve found them to be surprisingly drought-resistant once established, and they rarely suffer from pest problems that plague other hedges. Even my gardening-challenged friends have managed to keep them thriving.

The dense, pyramidal growth habit means you don’t need to prune them constantly. I give mine a light trimming once a year to maintain the width, but that’s about it. They’re low maintenance champions in my garden.

These giants can eventually reach heights of up to 60 feet tall, though most home landscapes will see them top out around 30-40 feet. The rich green color stays vibrant year-round, which I love for constant privacy.

In my experience, Thuja Green Giants prefer full sun but have done surprisingly well in partial shade areas of my yard too. They’re adaptable that way! I’ve found they grow best when spaced about 5-6 feet apart for a solid privacy screen.

I started with small plants from Home Depot that were around 5 feet tall, and they’ve all thrived with minimal care. Just make sure to water them regularly during their first growing season to establish strong roots.

2) Leyland Cypress

I’ll never forget the day my neighbor planted a row of tiny Leyland Cypress trees along our property line. I chuckled to myself, wondering if he knew what he was getting into. Those little green sticks turned into a 20-foot privacy wall in just a few years!

Leyland Cypress is the superstar of fast-growing privacy trees, shooting up an impressive 3-5 feet per year. When I’m helping friends who need privacy yesterday, this is often my go-to suggestion. The dense, feathery foliage creates a living wall that blocks nosy neighbors and street noise alike.

What I love most about these evergreen wonders is their adaptability. In my own garden, they’ve thrived in less-than-perfect soil conditions where other plants would have thrown a fit. They’re pretty unfussy as long as they get decent drainage.

I do warn my gardening buddies about spacing, though. I’ve seen too many folks plant these trees too close together, creating a maintenance nightmare down the road. Give them at least 6-8 feet between trees—they’ll still create a solid screen.

One drawback I’ve noticed in my years of growing these beauties is their susceptibility to certain diseases, especially in humid areas. I’ve found that providing good air circulation helps tremendously with keeping them healthy.

If you’re considering Leyland Cypress for your garden, they work well in zones 6-10. I’ve seen them form impressive privacy screens in just a few years, making them perfect for impatient gardeners like me who don’t want to wait a decade for privacy.

3) Cherry Laurel

I’ve grown to love Cherry Laurel as my go-to privacy hedge for friends who claim they kill everything they touch. This resilient evergreen shrub is practically bulletproof! It’s become my recommendation for gardening newbies who want something that grows quickly without demanding constant attention.

Cherry Laurels are fast-growing, dense, and glossy evergreen shrubs that add year-round privacy to your yard. What I adore most is their adaptability – they’ll happily grow in full sun or partial shade, making them perfect for those tricky spots where other plants struggle.

When I planted my first Cherry Laurel hedge, I was amazed at how quickly it filled in the gaps. These vigorous plants can grow around 60cm per year in average conditions, eventually reaching heights of up to 8 meters if left unchecked. But don’t worry – they respond beautifully to pruning!

I’ve found Cherry Laurels to be incredibly forgiving about soil conditions. They’ll grow in a range of well-drained soil types, though I give mine a scoop of balanced fertilizer in fall to keep them looking their best.

My neighbor’s neglected Cherry Laurel hedge still looks fantastic despite receiving virtually no care. That said, I’ve noticed my own hedge looks lusher with fixed watering during establishment. The first year is key for developing strong roots.

Be aware that Cherry Laurel is toxic if ingested, so I wouldn’t recommend it for yards where small children or pets might nibble. I always wear gloves when pruning, just to be safe.

In spring, my Cherry Laurel hedge surprises me with clusters of fragrant white flowers that pollinators adore. It’s like getting a bonus feature on an already fantastic plant!

4) Wax Myrtle

I’ve been growing Wax Myrtle in my backyard for years, and I’m constantly impressed by how little attention it needs while still looking fantastic. This evergreen shrub is a privacy superstar that grows quickly to about 10-15 feet tall, making it perfect for creating natural screens between you and your neighbors.

What I love most about Wax Myrtle is its versatility. I’ve planted it as both a formal hedge and as a natural-looking border. Its dense growth habit creates a solid wall of green that blocks unwanted views year-round.

When it comes to maintenance, this plant is truly a dream. I barely need to do anything! It thrives in all kinds of soil conditions – even in sandy, wet, or coastal areas. I’ve never had to baby my Wax Myrtles, even during those crazy hot summer months.

If you’re like me and enjoy having wildlife visit your garden, you’ll appreciate that Wax Myrtle produces small, waxy berries that birds love. I often spot various songbirds feasting on them during winter months when food is scarce.

Planting them is super easy too. I usually space mine about 4-5 feet apart when creating a hedge. They fill in quickly, typically forming a solid screen within just a couple of growing seasons.

One tip I’ve learned: while Wax Myrtle doesn’t require much pruning, I give mine a light trim in early spring to maintain the shape I want. They respond really well to pruning, so don’t be afraid to shape them to your liking.

For the best results, I plant my Wax Myrtles in groups of three or five – it creates a more natural-looking privacy screen that blends beautifully into the landscape.

5) Privet

I’ve always found Privet to be the reliable workhorse of hedge plants. It’s astonishingly fast-growing, putting on 30-60cm of growth per year, especially if you give it a little fertilizer. This rapid growth means you can establish a privacy screen much quicker than with other shrubs.

One thing I love about Privet is how wonderfully it responds to pruning. You can shape it into almost any form your heart desires. I’ve seen everything from simple, clean lines to more elaborate shapes in formal gardens. My own Privet hedge has a gentle curve that adds character to my otherwise straight garden border.

Privet also produces delicate white flowers that pollinators absolutely adore. The first time I noticed my hedge buzzing with bees, I realized it was offering more than just privacy – it was supporting my garden ecosystem too! The flowers have a sweet fragrance that wafts through the garden on summer evenings.

I should mention that Privet requires regular trimming to stay neat. I usually give mine a haircut about 2-3 times during the growing season. Left unchecked, this vigorous shrub will quickly outgrow its space!

For a dense, lush hedge, I plant my Privet specimens fairly close together – about 12-18 inches apart. Within a couple of seasons, they’ve grown together to form a solid green wall that keeps prying eyes out of my garden sanctuary.

Privet isn’t fussy about soil conditions, which makes my life easier. I’ve seen it thrive in both sun and partial shade in my garden, though I’ve noticed it grows most vigorously in full sun.

6) Arborvitae

I’ve always been a huge fan of Arborvitae for privacy hedges. These evergreen workhorses are like the reliable friends of the garden world—they show up, do their job beautifully, and ask for very little in return.

Arborvitae comes in several varieties, but they all share that gorgeous, dense foliage that stays green year-round. This makes them THE hedge tree for privacy in colder regions. I love how they look in winter when everything else has gone dormant.

The growth rate on these beauties is impressive. Some varieties like the American Pillar can grow more than 3 feet each year. In my own garden, I’ve watched them shoot up seemingly overnight!

What really sells me on Arborvitae is how little space they need. Despite creating such a dense screen, they have a relatively narrow spread. I’ve managed to fit them in spaces I thought were too tight for a privacy hedge.

The American Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis) has been my go-to for years. It forms a tall, dense, fast-growing screen with dark green foliage all year long. I’ve found it to be incredibly forgiving of my occasional neglect.

For those with bigger spaces, ‘Green Giant’ Arborvitae is amazing. This variety can reach 50 to 60 feet tall with a spread of 12 to 20 feet. I planted a row at my previous home and was amazed at how quickly they created privacy.

Best of all, Arborvitae are easy-to-care-for. I typically water them regularly during their first year, then they largely fend for themselves. They rarely need pruning unless you want a more formal look.

7) Yew

I’ve always had a soft spot for yew hedges in my garden. They remind me of those stately English gardens I once visited, where yews have stood for centuries! These evergreen beauties are amazingly versatile and perfect for privacy hedges.

Yews grow rather slowly, typically less than 1 foot per year, which might sound like a drawback. But I’ve found this slow growth to be a blessing in disguise. It means far less pruning and maintenance compared to those faster-growing monsters that seem to need trimming every other week.

The Hicks Yew variety has become my go-to recommendation for privacy screens. Its dense, deep green foliage creates a solid wall that effectively blocks unwanted views. When I planted mine, I spaced them about 3 feet apart, and they’ve filled in beautifully.

One thing I absolutely love about yews is their longevity. While a wooden fence might need replacing after a decade or two, a yew hedge can last much longer than 50 years with proper care. Talk about a long-term investment for your landscape!

Yews are also surprisingly adaptable. I’ve grown them in partial shade and full sun, and they’ve thrived in both conditions. Just make sure they have well-draining soil – they don’t like wet feet!

Another bonus? Yews are deer resistant, which has saved my sanity in my woodland-adjacent garden. The deer that munch on practically everything else tend to leave my yew hedge alone.

8) Mock Orange

I’ve always had a soft spot for Mock Orange shrubs. The first time I planted one near my patio, I thought the name was just cute marketing. Then it bloomed, and wow—the fragrance really does smell just like orange blossoms!

These deciduous shrubs make fantastic privacy hedges for the lazy gardener (like me on busy weeks). They grow at a decent clip without becoming invasive monsters that need constant trimming. I’ve found they typically reach about 6-8 feet tall, perfect for screening out nosy neighbors.

The best part? Mock Orange produces these gorgeous white flowers that light up the garden in late spring to early summer. When they’re in full bloom, I sometimes just stand next to them with my eyes closed, breathing in that sweet citrusy scent.

What makes Mock Orange a true winner in my garden is its adaptability. I’ve seen these tough plants thrive in all sorts of conditions, from slightly acidic soil to alkaline, and even in my friend’s yard with heavy clay soil that nothing else would grow in.

For a privacy hedge, I space them about 4-5 feet apart. They’ll fill in nicely within a couple of seasons. I’ve found they look particularly nice when mixed with other fragrant hedge plants for a sensory privacy screen.

Care-wise, they’re blissfully simple. I give mine a good pruning right after flowering ends, cutting back some of the older stems to encourage new growth. Other than that, they mostly fend for themselves—my kind of plant!

9) Camellia

I’ll admit that camellias might not be the quickest privacy solution, but these gorgeous evergreens deserve a spot on any low-maintenance hedge list. Their glossy leaves create a beautiful backdrop year-round, and when they bloom—wow! Those rose-like flowers in winter or early spring always make me smile on dreary days.

In my experience, sasanqua camellias grow a bit faster than their japonica cousins. They’re better suited for warmer climates and might establish more quickly in your garden. I’ve noticed they need less babysitting than many flowering shrubs.

What I love most about camellia hedges is their versatility. They thrive in partial shade, making them perfect for those tricky spots where other privacy plants struggle. Plus, they provide year-round privacy with their dense foliage.

When I’m planning a camellia hedge, I space plants about 3-4 feet apart. They’ll eventually fill in to create a solid screen up to 10 feet tall, depending on the variety. The key is patience—they’re moderate growers that reward you over time.

Care-wise, camellias are surprisingly low-maintenance after establishment. I give mine a light pruning after flowering and make sure they have acidic soil with good drainage. A layer of mulch helps retain moisture and keeps their shallow roots cool.

10) Hawthorn

I’ve always had a special place in my garden (and heart) for hawthorn hedges. These delightful plants offer an incredible combination of beauty and function that’s hard to beat. With their dense growth habit, hawthorns create what I like to call a “living wall” that gives wonderful privacy without feeling too imposing.

What makes hawthorn particularly special to me is how it changes throughout the seasons. In spring, my hawthorn hedge bursts into a cloud of white flowers that literally hum with visiting bees and butterflies. It’s like having a wildlife party right in my yard!

By summer, the flowers give way to glossy green leaves that provide excellent screening. Then comes fall when many varieties develop bright red berries (called “haws”) that add a pop of color and attract birds. Even in winter, the bare branches have an architectural quality that I find quite beautiful.

The best part? Hawthorn is surprisingly easy to maintain compared to other hedges I’ve grown. I typically only need to trim it once or twice a year to keep it looking tidy. It’s quite forgiving if I miss a pruning session too!

I’ve found hawthorn to be remarkably tough and adaptable. It handles different soil types well and doesn’t mind a bit of drought once established. I’ve even seen hawthorn hedges thriving in [coastal areas](https://www.southernliving.com/hedge-plants-8624284?srsltid=AfmBOopXxVT2_LupW8iWDJ2D-KKCCwf09a

Understanding Low Maintenance Hedge Plants

Finding the perfect hedge plants for privacy can be a game-changer for your outdoor space. I’ve found that the sweet spot is plants that grow quickly but don’t demand constant attention from my pruning shears and watering can.

What Makes a Plant Low Maintenance?

When I look for low-maintenance hedge plants, I focus on a few key characteristics.

First, drought tolerance is essential – nobody wants to drag the hose around daily! Plants like Leyland cypress and laurel fit this bill perfectly.

Disease resistance is another must-have quality. Nothing’s more frustrating than watching your beautiful hedge succumb to pests or fungus. I’ve learned this the hard way!

The best low-maintenance hedges also have:

• Minimal pruning needs (once or twice a year is ideal)
• Adaptability to soil conditions (picky plants are high maintenance!)
• Long lifespan (who wants to replace plants every few years?)
• Natural density that requires less shaping

I’ve found that Portuguese laurel is particularly easygoing, requiring less maintenance than its English or Schip laurel cousins.

Benefits of Fast Growing Hedges

The main appeal of fast-growing hedges is obvious – privacy, and quickly! After moving into my last home, I planted some rapid growers and had a decent screen within just two seasons.

These speedy plants offer multiple advantages beyond just privacy:

• Wind breaking capacity to protect delicate garden plants
• Noise buffering from busy streets (a lifesaver for my afternoon garden naps!)
• Creating defined outdoor living spaces that feel cozy and intimate

Fast-growing hedges like Leyland cypress can transform a bare yard into a secluded retreat in record time. I’ve used them to hide my compost area and create a green backdrop for flowerbeds.

The best part? Many fast growers will act as visual barriers with their naturally dense foliage, so you don’t need to constantly shape them to get that privacy you’re craving.

Growing Conditions for Optimal Hedge Growth

I’ve learned through years of trial and error that hedges need the right environment to thrive and provide that privacy we’re all looking for. Getting these conditions right from the start saves so much heartache later on!

Soil and Sunlight Requirements

Most privacy hedges aren’t too picky about soil, but they do have their preferences!

I’ve found that most fast-growing varieties like well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH (around 6-7). Before planting my own hedges, I always do a simple soil test to check the pH and drainage.

Most privacy hedge plants love sunshine! Thuja Green Giant and Leyland Cypress need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to maintain their rapid growth rate. I planted a few Thujas in a partially shaded area once, and they grew at half the pace of their sun-bathing siblings!

If your yard is shadier, don’t worry! Some hedges like Yew and certain Holly varieties tolerate partial shade quite well. Just match the plant to your conditions rather than fighting nature.

Watering and Fertilizing Tips

New hedges need consistent moisture during their first year – this is super important!

I water my newly planted hedges deeply twice a week during the growing season, but I’m careful not to overdo it. Too much water can lead to root rot, which I learned the hard way with my first hedge attempt.

For established hedges, I’ve found that applying a high-nitrogen, slow-release fertilizer really boosts growth, especially for those fast-growing varieties.

I typically fertilize in early spring as new growth emerges and sometimes again mid-summer.

My watering schedule changes with the seasons:

• Spring/Fall: Once weekly (unless it rains)
• Summer: Twice weekly during hot periods
• Winter: Only during extended dry spells

Remember to water at the base rather than spraying the foliage, which helps prevent fungal issues. I use a soaker hose for my long hedge line – it was a game-changer for efficient watering!

Frequently Asked Questions

Many gardeners ask me about privacy hedges that won’t take over their lives with maintenance. I’ve tried dozens of varieties over the years and discovered some wonderful options that balance growth speed with manageability.

What varieties of hedges can offer privacy without needing constant care?

My go-to recommendation is usually the American Arborvitae. I planted these along my back fence five years ago, and they’ve been incredibly low-maintenance while providing excellent privacy.

Thuja Green Giant is another favorite of mine. I’ve found it grows about 3-5 feet per year when young, and only needs trimming once annually. It’s like having the perfect neighbor – present when you need privacy but never demanding attention!

Wax Myrtle has been a revelation in my humid garden beds. It grows quickly but doesn’t throw a fit if I forget to prune it for a season.

Can you recommend any hedges that grow quickly but won’t take over my garden?

Leyland Cypress was my first privacy hedge experiment, and I was impressed with how quickly it established a green screen without becoming invasive.

Cherry Laurel has been surprisingly well-behaved in my side yard. I was worried about its growth rate (up to 2 feet per year!), but it’s stayed exactly where I planted it without sending runners everywhere.

Privet can grow up to 3 feet annually in my experience, but with one good pruning session per year, it maintains a tidy shape and defined boundary.

Which shrubs can provide a quick privacy screen without breaking the bank?

I’ve had great luck with Privet as a budget-friendly option. The bare-root plants I purchased five years ago were inexpensive but established themselves quickly.

Arborvitae varieties give excellent value, especially when purchased as younger plants. Yes, you’ll wait a bit longer for full privacy, but my wallet thanked me!

When I was really pinching pennies, I discovered that buying hedges that are a few years old gave me instant privacy at a lower cost than building a fence.

Are there any evergreen shrubs that offer year-round privacy and require minimal upkeep?

Absolutely! My Cherry Laurel hedge stays lush and green all year in my zone 7 garden. I’ve only had to trim it twice a year, and it looks fantastic through all seasons.

Laurel varieties make excellent evergreen hedges with minimal fuss. I’ve fallen in love with their glossy leaves that stay put even during winter storms.

Thuja Green Giant doesn’t drop its foliage in winter, which means I get year-round screening without seasonal cleanup. It’s been a real timesaver in my busy schedule.

What options are available for creating a fast-growing natural fence in colder climates?

I’ve had tremendous success with Arborvitae in my friend’s Zone 4 garden. It’s remarkably hardy even when temperatures drop well below freezing.

For really brutal winter areas, I suggest American Arborvitae over other varieties. I watched my neighbor’s plants sail through -20°F temperatures without browning.

Privet has surprised me with its cold hardiness. While not evergreen in the coldest zones, it leafs out early in spring and grows rapidly to restore privacy.

Could you suggest some privacy plants that are ideal for busy homeowners with limited gardening time?

Thuja Green Giant has been my secret weapon for time-strapped friends. I helped my cousin plant a row three years ago, and she’s only needed to prune them once since then!

Cherry Laurel wins my personal award for “most privacy with least effort.” Mine has flourished with almost criminal neglect, requiring only occasional shaping.

Wax Myrtle has been particularly forgiving when I’ve gone weeks beyond my planned pruning schedule. It doesn’t get leggy or thin out, making it perfect for gardeners who can’t stick to rigid maintenance calendars.