When you want fast, reliable privacy, choose evergreen or fast-growing deciduous shrubs that form dense screens quickly. This guide highlights five top options ideal for American yards, balancing speed, height, and maintenance. Perfect for homeowners seeking immediate screening, backyard retreats, or windbreaks without years of waiting. Each pick includes who it’s best for and why it stands out, plus practical cautions where relevant.
| Product | Best For |
|---|---|
| 6 Highlander Boxwood – Fast-Growing Upright Evergreen Shrub | Tense, tall hedges for year-round privacy in small to medium spaces |
| 4 Highlander Boxwood – Fast-Growing Upright Evergreen Shrub | Dense privacy screens with compact planting footprint |
| 6 Golden Vicary Privet Shrubs – Fast-Growing Golden Hedge | Bright, high-visibility privacy with bold color |
| Hybrid Willow Tree Plants for Growing | Quick, tall windbreaks and privacy from a single fast-growing tree |
| Sprinter Boxwood – Evergreen Hedge Shrub | Fast hedge with year-round greenery for formal borders |
6 Highlander Boxwood – Fast-Growing Upright Privacy Shrub
Brand: CitronellaKing
Features: READY TO PLANT: Includes 6 Highlander Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens ‘Highlander’) starter plants in 3.5″ cubes. Each plant is well-rooted and ready to thrive. Natural variations in size, color, or seasonal appearance may occur. ABOUT THIS SHRUB: A fast-growing, evergreen shrub reaching 6–7 ft tall × 2–3 ft wide. Its glossy foliage retains year-round color with minimal winter bronzing for structured forms, thriving in USDA Zones 5–9. Also known as American Boxwood. PERFECT FOR HEDGES: Ideal for tall, narrow hedges, privacy screens, foundation plantings, borders, or accents. Its dense, compact form provides continuous color and quick, lush coverage, adding elegance to any space.
Best for: Large, tall privacy screens where year-round greenery is desired and planting space allows a 6–7 ft height. Caution: Variations in size or color may occur; consider staggered planting for a dense barrier.
2 Highlander Boxwood – Fast-Growing Upright Privacy Shrub
Brand: CitronellaKing
Features: READY TO PLANT: Includes 2 Highlander Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens ‘Highlander’) starter plants in 3.5″ cubes. Each plant is well-rooted and ready to thrive. Natural variations in size, color, or seasonal appearance may occur. ABOUT THIS SHRUB: A fast-growing, evergreen shrub reaching 6–7 ft tall × 2–3 ft wide. Its glossy foliage retains year-round color with minimal winter bronzing for structured forms, thriving in USDA Zones 5–9. Also known as American Boxwood. PERFECT FOR HEDGES: Ideal for tall, narrow hedges, privacy screens, foundation plantings, borders, or accents. Its dense, compact form provides continuous color and quick, lush coverage, adding elegance to any space.
Best for: Small to mid-sized spaces needing a quick but compact privacy screen. Caution: Like other boxwoods, winter bronzing can occur in harsher climates.
4 Highlander Boxwood – Fast-Growing Upright Privacy Shrub
Brand: CitronellaKing
Features: READY TO PLANT: Includes 4 Highlander Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens ‘Highlander’) starter plants in 3.5″ cubes. Each plant is well-rooted and ready to thrive. Natural variations in size, color, or seasonal appearance may occur. ABOUT THIS SHRUB: A fast-growing, evergreen shrub reaching 6–7 ft tall × 2–3 ft wide. Its glossy foliage retains year-round color with minimal winter bronzing for structured forms, thriving in USDA Zones 5–9. Also known as American Boxwood. PERFECT FOR HEDGES: Ideal for tall, narrow hedges, privacy screens, foundation plantings, borders, or accents. Its dense, compact form provides continuous color and quick, lush coverage, adding elegance to any space.
Best for: A mid-size hedge with a taller profile that can be managed with pruning. Caution: Regular trimming helps maintain the narrow, vertical form.
6 Golden Vicary Privet Shrubs – Fast-Growing Golden Hedge
Brand: CitronellaKing
Features: READY TO PLANT: Includes 6 Golden Vicary Privet (Ligustrum vicaryi) starter plants in 3.5” cubes. Each plant is well-rooted and ready to thrive. Natural variations in size, color, or seasonal appearance may occur. DORMANT SHIPPING NOTICE: Plants will ship fully dormant during fall and winter and may arrive without leaves—this is normal. While dormant, energy is stored in healthy, living roots. New foliage will emerge naturally as temperatures warm and is covered by our replacement guarantee through the following April—if no new growth appears, simply send us a photo for a refund or replacement. ABOUT THIS SHRUB: A fast-growing deciduous shrub reaching 8–12 ft tall × 7–10 ft wide with dense, golden-yellow foliage, maturing to chartreuse. Thrives in USDA Zones 5–8 and enters winter dormancy, temporarily losing leaves before returning with fresh spring growth.
Best for: Bright, high-contrast privacy screens that stand out in landscape designs. Caution: Expect seasonal leaf drop; plan for seasonal gaps during dormancy.
Hybrid Willow Tree Plants for Growing
Brand: CZ Grain
Features: 🌲 FAST GROWING TREES: Austree Hybrid plants grow fast at rate of 12 feet per year with maximum height of 50-75 feet. But they can be trimmed to remain low and dense. Branches of hybrid willow trees are slim, and leaves that have slender green peaks. They have dense branches like a willow bush. They are very eye catching and unique. If your tired of the typical tree, these beautiful trees are the perfect fit, 🌲 EASY TO GROW: These are very low maintenance. Hybrid willow trees have a healthy root system that supports its rapid growth but are not invasive and produces oxygen which filters the air. If you only have space to grow one tree, you should grow this one. It reduces the effect of noise and controls erosion. These hybrid live trees will provide quick landscaping, shade, or privacy., 🌲 FRESH CUTTINGS: Hybrid willow Cuttings are easy to plant. Fill your hole with CZ Grain Soil or other quality garden soil. Please make sure to bury past the root line.
Best for: Large yards needing a rapid, tall privacy barrier or windbreak. Caution: Grows very tall; requires space and regular pruning to maintain lower, usable height.
Sprinter Boxwood – Evergreen Hedge Shrub
Brand: Blooming & Beautiful
Features: We cannot ship our plants to certain states. Sprinter Boxwood is an evergreen shrub known for its attractive glossy green foliage year-round. The prized lush green foliage provides fall and winter interest. This is an improved, fast growing form of ‘Winter Gem’. Its fast growth will help fill in quicker than other varieties and will be great for hedging, edging, or a low hedge in formal gardens. Also, it’s easy to grow in containers.
Best for: Fast, tidy hedges with year-round appeal for formal or container gardens. Caution: Shipping restrictions may apply to some states.
Buying Guide: Quick-Privacy Shrub Considerations
- Growth rate and final height: Choose based on how tall you want your screen in 1–3 years.
- Climate compatibility: Verify USDA zones and winter hardiness to avoid leaf drop or bronzing.
- Maintenance needs: Some evergreens require regular shaping; deciduous options may drop leaves seasonally.
- Soil and sun requirements: Most hedge shrubs prefer well-drained soil and full sun to light shade for best color and density.
- Longevity and replacement: Consider disease resistance and root behavior in confined spaces.
- Aesthetics: Evergreen screens provide year-round privacy; golden or variegated varieties add color contrasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the fastest evergreen hedge for privacy? – Boxwoods like Highlander and many privet varieties are among the quickest for year-round privacy, typically reaching screening height within a few seasons.
- Do fast-growing hedges require a lot of pruning? – Many do, especially to maintain shape and prevent legginess. Regular trimming helps achieve dense, uniform screens.
- Can these shrubs handle cold winters? – Most listed options are rated for USDA zones 5–9, but winter conditions can affect color and density. Check local climate compatibility.
- Are golden or variegated hedges harder to maintain? – They may show leaf scorch or color fading in harsh sun or drought; ensure adequate moisture and sun exposure.
- Is it better to plant in groups or singly for privacy? – Plant in screens or staggered rows to maximize density and reduce gaps over time.
- Do these shrubs require special soil amendments? – Well-drained soil with organic matter supports root establishment and growth; avoid heavy clay without amendment.