Waiting years for a privacy screen to fill in is the single most frustrating part of landscaping. You want a living wall that blocks the neighbor’s view or muffles road noise, but the wrong shrub choice means another season of staring at bare ground. The solution is picking species bred for aggressive vertical gain.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I’ve spent countless hours analyzing growth-rate data, mature-height claims, and aggregated owner feedback to separate the genuinely fast performers from the so-called “fast growing” varieties that stall out after year one.
Your search for the most reliable, vigorous landscape plants ends with this analysis of the best-rated specimens on the market. This guide delivers the top options for the best quick growing tall shrubs that deliver measurable vertical gains each season.
How To Choose The Best Quick Growing Tall Shrubs
Buying a “fast growing” shrub without digging into the hardiness zone and mature height is a common mistake. A plant that gains 4 feet per year in the Pacific Northwest may struggle to survive in a dry, cold zone 4 winter. Focus on three factors before any other detail.
Match the USDA Hardiness Zone First
Every seller lists the recommended zone range. If your zone falls outside that range, the shrub will either suffer winterkill or fail to set buds. A shrub rated for zones 5-9 planted in zone 3 will likely die back to the roots every winter, losing all vertical progress. Always confirm your zone before the growth rate.
Prioritize Annual Growth Rate in Feet
Manufacturers often claim “fast growing” loosely. Look for a specific number — a shrub that adds 2-3 feet per year is genuinely fast. Slower species add 6-12 inches annually, which means a 6-foot privacy screen takes 6 to 12 years to establish. Hybrid willows, Thuja Green Giants, and certain Rose of Sharon cultivars are documented at 3+ feet per season under ideal conditions.
Choose Between Evergreen and Deciduous for Your Use Case
Evergreen species like Thuja Green Giant hold foliage year-round, blocking views even in deep winter. Deciduous shrubs like Rose of Sharon lose leaves in autumn, leaving your property exposed for 4-5 months. If year-round privacy is non-negotiable, evergreens are mandatory. If seasonal screening and summer flowers are the goal, deciduous options offer faster growth and more bloom color.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae | Evergreen | Year-round Privacy Screen | 3 ft/year growth rate | Amazon |
| Hybrid Willow Trees | Deciduous | Rapid Erosion Control | 20 ft in 3 years | Amazon |
| Blue Chiffon Rose of Sharon | Deciduous | Summer Blooms + Height | Mature height 96–144 in | Amazon |
| Double Play Doozie Spirea | Deciduous | Low Hedge with Color | 24–36 in mature height | Amazon |
| Obsession Nandina | Evergreen | Year-Round Foliage Color | 48 in mature height | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae (10-Pack)
Thuja Green Giant is the gold standard for a living privacy fence. This cultivar adds up to 3 feet of height per year and reaches 40 feet at full maturity, which means a 6-foot screen is realistic within 2 to 3 growing seasons. The 10-pack gives you enough material to cover a 60-foot stretch when spaced 6-7 feet apart, making it the most efficient density-per-dollar option.
The trees ship as potted plants with soil, which reduces transplant shock compared to bare-root alternatives. Owners in zones 5-9 consistently report that these evergreens hold dense foliage year-round, blocking sightlines even in January. Consistent watering 2-3 times per week during the first season is critical — many failures trace back to insufficient irrigation while the root system establishes.
The evergreen habit is the decisive advantage here. Deciduous alternatives leave you exposed for half the year, but Thuja maintains full coverage through all four seasons. Several verified buyers report that trees doubled in size within 12 months when planted in full sun with regular water, confirming the 3-foot annual gain claim under normal conditions.
What works
- Reliable 3 ft/year vertical growth for fast screening
- Evergreen foliage provides year-round privacy
- Mature height up to 40 ft suits tall screening needs
What doesn’t
- Requires consistent watering schedule especially in first season
- Some units may fail if soil drainage is poor or climate is extreme
2. CZ Grain Hybrid Willow Trees (18-Pack)
Hybrid willows from CZ Grain are famous for explosive growth that few other shrubs can match. Verified owners report measurements of 20 feet in just three growing seasons, which translates to roughly 6-7 feet per year under good conditions. This makes them one of the fastest biomass producers in the landscaping category, ideal for anyone who needs immediate visual impact.
The 18-pack is specifically designed for mass planting along property lines or wet areas. Willows are known for aggressive root systems that excel at erosion control and bog drying, making this a dual-purpose solution for drainage problems. The seller includes detailed instructions and a video tutorial link, which helps first-time willow growers avoid the common mistake of over- or under-watering during the first month.
Some buyers experienced mortality with a portion of the cuttings, which is not unusual for bare-root willow stock that sits in transit during hot or cold extremes. The majority of reviewers, however, note that the surviving specimens grow so fast they quickly compensate for any losses. Deer resistance is an added benefit that many deciduous shrubs lack.
What works
- Extreme growth rate up to 6+ ft per year reported
- Excellent for erosion control and wet soil areas
- Deer resistant foliage reduces animal damage
What doesn’t
- Some cuttings may fail to root, reducing initial count
- Loses leaves in winter, no cold-season privacy
3. Proven Winners Blue Chiffon Rose of Sharon
Rose of Sharon delivers a rare combination of tall stature and continuous summer blooms. The Blue Chiffon variety reaches a mature height of 96 to 144 inches (8-12 feet), putting it in the tall shrub category while producing double blue flowers from spring through fall. Proven Winners is a trusted nursery brand, and the plant ships in a 2-gallon pot with established root mass.
Owner reports consistently confirm that this shrub establishes quickly when planted in full sun. One verified buyer saw the first bloom within two weeks of planting, and the plant continued flowering through the season. The deciduous habit means foliage drops in winter, but the upright branching structure still provides a visual barrier even without leaves. USDA zones 5-9 cover most of the continental US, making this a widely compatible choice.
The primary complaint centers on shipping stress — some plants arrived with loose soil or heat-damaged blooms that fell off shortly after unboxing. This is a common issue with any large-leaf deciduous shrub shipped during high temperatures. Proper acclimation and consistent watering usually resolve the stress, and the plant rebounds with new growth in subsequent weeks.
What works
- Blooms continuously spring through fall in blue color
- Reaches 8-12 ft mature height for vertical screening
- Strong root system from 2-gal pot reduces transplant shock
What doesn’t
- Deciduous — loses leaves and screening in winter
- Shipping heat stress may cause temporary bloom loss
4. Proven Winners Double Play Doozie Spirea
Spirea Double Play Doozie is a shorter option here, but its growth habit is notably fast for its size class. This shrub reaches a mature height of 24-36 inches and spreads to a similar width, making it ideal for low hedges, foundation plantings, or foreground layers in front of taller shrubs. The red-to-purple flowers appear from spring through fall, offering long-season color that taller privacy shrubs often lack.
USDA zones 3-8 coverage is exceptionally wide, meaning this spirea thrives in cold northern climates where many fast-growing options struggle. Verified buyers consistently describe the plant as arriving full, healthy, and already showing buds. One reviewer reported that after one month in the ground, the shrub was thriving and blooming continuously — a sign that the root system established quickly with minimal dieback.
The trade-off is the height ceiling. At 3 feet maximum, this is not a privacy screen shrub. It functions as a low border or filler that creates visual depth in a layered planting design. Paired with a tall backdrop like Thuja or hybrid willow, the spirea adds dense lower coverage that blocks sightlines at ground level where taller shrubs often remain leggy.
What works
- Fast establishment with blooms appearing within weeks
- Wide hardiness zone 3-8 suits cold climates
- Long bloom season spring through fall
What doesn’t
- Only reaches 24-36 in — not a privacy screen
- Deciduous foliage drops in winter
5. Southern Living Obsession Nandina
Nandina Obsession is an evergreen shrub with multicolor foliage that shifts through red, orange, and green tones throughout the year. The mature height of 48 inches places it in the mid-size category, but its growth rate is moderate compared to the willows and Thuja on this list. This shrub earns its place through low maintenance needs and year-round visual interest rather than sheer vertical speed.
Suitable for USDA zones 6-10, the Obsession Nandina flowers only in warmer regions, but the foliage color remains the primary draw. Owners praise the packaging quality — plants arrive with intact soil and no broken branches, even when shipped across the country. The shrub fits well in flowerbeds, along walkways, or as a low border that does not require annual pruning to stay compact.
Buyers looking for a true fast-growing tall screen should look elsewhere, as the Nandina does not push 3+ feet per year. Its role is complementary: providing evergreen structure and color variation in the foreground of a taller hedge. The moderate watering schedule and minimal pruning make it a good entry-level choice for gardeners who want low-effort year-round greenery without aggressive growth to manage.
What works
- Evergreen foliage retains color through all seasons
- Low maintenance with minimal pruning required
- Excellent packaging with intact soil in transit
What doesn’t
- Moderate growth rate, not a fast vertical gainer
- Mature height only 48 in limits screening capability
Hardware & Specs Guide
Annual Growth Rate
The most important spec for quick growing shrubs is the number of feet added per year. Thuja Green Giant and hybrid willows are documented at 3-6 feet per year under full sun and regular water. Deciduous shrubs like Rose of Sharon add 2-3 feet per year but waste half the year without foliage. Always look for a specific feet-per-year claim rather than a vague “fast growing” label.
Mature Height and Spacing
Mature height varies wildly across species — Thuja reaches 40 feet while Nandina tops at 4 feet. Match the mature height to your goal: an 8-foot screen needs a shrub that reaches at least 12 feet to avoid gaps. Spacing is equally critical: Thuja should be planted 6-7 feet apart for a dense screen, while willows can be planted 4-5 feet apart for faster infill. Overcrowding causes competition for water and stunts growth.
FAQ
How fast does a Thuja Green Giant grow per year?
Can hybrid willows survive winter in zone 4?
What is the best quick growing shrub for year-round privacy?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most gardeners, the best quick growing tall shrubs winner is the Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae because it combines 3-foot annual growth with evergreen foliage for year-round privacy in zones 5-9. If you need the fastest possible growth and are willing to accept winter leaf drop, grab the CZ Grain Hybrid Willow. And for a tall shrub that adds summer color, nothing beats the Blue Chiffon Rose of Sharon.