Our readers keep the lights on and my morning glass full of iced black tea. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.7 Best Fast Growing Bush For Privacy | Stop Peeping Neighbors

Neighbors who wave from six inches away. Dogs that bark at every passing leaf. That feeling of eating breakfast in a glass house. The right planting can turn your yard into a private sanctuary, but picking a shrub that won’t take a decade to fill out is the real trick. You need a screen that grows fast, stays dense from bottom to top, and doesn’t require a horticulture degree to keep alive.

I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I’ve spent years studying grow rates, root establishment patterns, and zone compatibility data, and I aggregate real owner experiences to separate the true performers from the sad twigs that claim to be privacy hedges.

Whether you need to block a two-story window or just create a quiet reading nook, this guide will help you choose the absolute best fast growing bush for privacy that suits your space, climate, and patience level.

How To Choose The Best Fast Growing Bush For Privacy

Not every fast grower creates an effective privacy screen. A shrub that reaches 40 feet tall but goes bare at the bottom leaves your yard exposed from the ground up. Choosing the right plant means balancing speed, density, mature dimensions, and your local climate conditions.

Evergreen vs. Deciduous: Year-Round vs. Seasonal Coverage

Evergreens like Thuja Green Giant and Emerald Green Arborvitae hold their foliage through winter, keeping your yard hidden every month of the year. Deciduous options like Rose of Sharon lose their leaves in cold months, so you get full privacy only during the growing season. For permanent screening, prioritize evergreens.

Mature Width and Spacing: The Overlap Factor

Bushes that spread to 15 feet wide can be planted farther apart, but they take longer to fill the gaps between plants. A narrow grower like Blue Arrow Juniper, which stays under 4 feet wide, needs tighter spacing to create a solid wall. Check the mature spread before deciding how many plants you need.

Growth Rate Per Year: Setting Realistic Expectations

A plant that claims 3 feet per year won’t deliver that speed until its second or third season after transplanting. The first year is spent establishing roots. Look for documented growth rates from multiple owner reports, not just the nursery tag. Consistent watering during the establishment phase directly affects how fast the plant fills out.

Sunlight and Soil Requirements

Full-sun plants like Juniper and Ligustrum Waxleaf Privet will grow thin and leggy in shade. Arborvitae tolerate partial shade but produce denser foliage with at least 6 hours of direct sun. Soil drainage matters more than soil type — most privacy bushes will rot in consistently wet ground. If your soil holds water, raise the planting bed or choose a drought-tolerant species.

Quick Comparison

On smaller screens, swipe sideways to see the full table.

Model Category Best For Key Spec Amazon
Thuja Green Giant 8-Pack Premium Ultimate tall screen 3 ft per year growth Amazon
Blue Arrow Juniper Trio Premium Narrow spaces 2-3 ft mature width Amazon
Ligustrum Waxleaf Privet 10-Pack Mid-Range Quick dense hedge 8-10 ft mature height Amazon
Proven Winners Blue Chiffon Rose of Sharon Mid-Range Flowering privacy screen 8-12 ft mature height Amazon
Green Promise Farms Smargd Arborvitae Mid-Range Classic columnar hedge 18-20 ft mature height Amazon
Perfect Plants Emerald Green Arborvitae Mid-Range Low-maintenance hedge 14 ft mature height Amazon
Thuja Green Giant 10-Pack Budget Value bulk planting 3 ft per year growth Amazon

In‑Depth Reviews

Best Overall

1. Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 2ft. Tall 8-Pack

8 PlantsZones 5-9

This is the pack that serious privacy planters reach for when they want a wall, not a row of twigs. Each plant arrives in a 2-gallon container with a well-developed root system, which dramatically reduces transplant shock compared to bare-root alternatives. Owner reports consistently note that the trees are close to the advertised 2-foot height and begin pushing noticeable new growth within weeks of planting.

The real draw here is the mature potential — up to 60 feet tall and 20 feet wide if left unpruned. That means you can plant these 6 to 7 feet apart and still get a solid screen within two to three growing seasons. The pyramidal shape ensures the lower branches stay full, so you won’t end up with exposed trunks and a floating green canopy. The rich evergreen foliage also gives off that Christmas-tree scent when brushed, a small but satisfying sensory bonus.

Several buyers reported shipping across the country with zero damage, thanks to the careful packaging that keeps each plant’s soil intact and moisture locked in. A few noted that not every plant was a full 2 feet tall, but the uniformity was better than most mail-order nursery stock. For anyone planting a long property line or a tall privacy hedge, this is the most reliable option in this lineup.

What works

  • Excellent root system for rapid establishment
  • Dense foliage from ground to tip
  • Remarkable packaging survives cross-country shipping

What doesn’t

  • Cost is higher per plant than smaller starter bundles
  • Eight-pack may be more than some yards need
Narrow Slot

2. Blue Arrow Juniper | 3 Live Plants

3 PlantsDrought Tolerant

Blue Arrow Juniper solves the problem every tight-city-lot owner faces: how to build privacy without eating up half the yard. This variety stays incredibly narrow, topping out at around 2 to 3 feet wide at maturity, which means you can plant it in strips that would choke a Green Giant. The blue-green foliage keeps its color through all four seasons and offers a visual contrast against the darker greens of typical arborvitae hedges.

The drought tolerance is a genuine asset for anyone who doesn’t want to babysit new plants through dry spells. Owners reported that the specimens arrived roughly 6 to 12 inches tall, with some reaching nearly 3 feet after a year in the ground. The root systems were described as robust, and the plants adapted well to clay soil — a common challenge for many privacy shrubs. The columnar shape also makes it a strong candidate for noise-buffering windbreaks along property corners.

A handful of buyers were surprised by the small initial size compared to container-grown options, but the growth trajectory eased those concerns after a few months. The packaging can be tight — all three plants come in one box — but the plastic wrapping held the soil in place during transit. For a narrow, upright, low-water privacy screen that doesn’t outgrow its space, this is a top-tier choice.

What works

  • Extremely narrow profile fits tight spaces
  • Thrives in full sun and poor soil
  • Maintains blue-green color in winter

What doesn’t

  • Starts smaller than expected for the price
  • Needs full sun to avoid becoming leggy
Good Value

3. Ligustrum Waxleaf Privet – 10 Live Plants

10 PlantsFast Hedge

If your goal is to create a dense, traditional hedge in the shortest possible time, the Waxleaf Privet delivers exactly that. This is the classic suburban privacy plant — fast growing, tolerant of heavy pruning, and capable of reaching 8 to 10 feet tall with an upright, bushy habit. The glossy dark green leaves create a thick wall that blocks sightlines effectively, and the creamy white summer flowers add a fragrance that some love and others find intense.

The 10-plant bundle gives you a head start on a full hedge line. Owners reported that most plants arrived in surprisingly good condition, with healthy foliage and moist root balls. Several buyers transplanted into larger pots before putting them in the ground and saw vigorous growth within weeks. The shrub adapts to both full sun and partial shade, and it handles sandy soil without complaint, which broadens its usability across different yard conditions.

Not every order was perfect — a small percentage of plants arrived with broken stems or sparse foliage, and customer service responses varied. This is a deciduous to semi-evergreen shrub, so in colder zones it may lose leaves in deep winter, reducing its privacy value during those months. For a budget-conscious buyer who wants a fast, formal hedge and doesn’t mind some seasonal leaf drop, this bundle offers solid coverage.

What works

  • Very fast growth for hedging
  • Responds well to shaping and pruning
  • Adaptable to various soil and light conditions

What doesn’t

  • Not fully evergreen in colder hardiness zones
  • Shipping can be inconsistent on larger orders
Flowering Screen

4. Proven Winners 2 Gal. Blue Chiffon Rose of Sharon

DeciduousUSDA 5-9

The Blue Chiffon Rose of Sharon is not an evergreen privacy plant, but it compensates with a spectacular seasonal display that few hedges can match. The ruffled blue blooms appear from mid-summer through fall, attracting pollinators and giving your screen a decorative element. At maturity, this shrub reaches 8 to 12 feet tall with a 4 to 6 foot spread, making it a substantial presence in a mixed privacy border.

Buyers praised the health of the plants upon arrival, noting moist soil and no broken branches. The 2-gallon pot size gives you a head start over smaller starter plugs, and several owners saw their first flowers within two to three weeks of unboxing. This variety is a Proven Winners selection, which means it has undergone trials for reliability and disease resistance. The upright, multi-stem growth habit fills in nicely if you space plants 8 to 10 feet apart.

The trade-off is clear: this bush drops its leaves in winter, leaving branches bare until spring. That means you need a secondary strategy — evergreens behind or a fence — if you demand year-round privacy. A few buyers were disappointed to discover it’s actually a Hibiscus syriacus, not a true Rose of Sharon, but the care requirements are identical. For a flowering privacy screen that steals the show in warm months, this is a strong contender.

What works

  • Stunning blue flowers from summer to frost
  • Fast grower with healthy shipping reviews
  • Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds

What doesn’t

  • Foliage drops in winter, no cold-season privacy
  • Can reach 12 feet tall, may overpower small gardens
Long Lasting

5. Green Promise Farms Smargd Emerald Green Arborvitae

#3 ContainerZones 3-8

The Smargd Emerald Green Arborvitae from Green Promise Farms offers the classic narrow pyramid shape that landscapers have relied on for decades. This is the same variety sold at garden centers under different brands, but arriving in a #3 container (3-gallon pot) gives it a survival advantage over smaller sizes. The larger root ball means less transplant shock and faster establishment in the ground.

Owners consistently reported healthy, bright green plants with no signs of stress despite the boxes taking a beating during shipping. The mature height of 18 to 20 feet with a 5 to 6 foot spread makes this ideal for a formal hedge that won’t swallow the entire yard. The cold hardiness down to zone 3 is a significant advantage for northern gardeners who struggle to find privacy options that survive harsh winters without dieback.

A few buyers noted the plants were smaller than expected for a 3-gallon container, but the growth in the following months compensated for the modest starting size. One repeated buyer ordered ten of these across two years and reported that the first batch was already thriving and pushing strong vertical growth. If you want the standard-bearer of residential privacy hedges in a larger container for faster results, this is a solid pick.

What works

  • Cold hardy to zone 3
  • Larger pot size reduces transplant risk
  • Classic narrow form fits most landscapes

What doesn’t

  • Some plants smaller than expected for container size
  • Slower initial growth than Green Giant varieties
Compact Choice

6. Perfect Plants Emerald Green Arborvitae

1 Gal PotZones 2-7

Perfect Plants offers a solid entry-level Emerald Green Arborvitae that balances cost and convenience for homeowners starting a hedge. The 1-gallon pot is manageable for planting without heavy equipment, and the tree arrives with a compact root system that establishes quickly. This variety is known for its columnar shape and dense foliage, making it a staple for formal hedges that need to stay under 15 feet tall.

Buyers praised the packaging for keeping the soil intact and the foliage fresh, even during longer shipping routes. The tree is advertised as low maintenance once established, which aligns with owner experiences — regular watering in the first season, then minimal intervention beyond annual pruning and fertilizing. The cold tolerance down to zone 2 makes this one of the hardiest privacy options available.

The primary complaint from a single buyer involved receiving a bag of fertilizer instead of the plant, but that appears to be a rare fulfillment error. Other owners were delighted with trees that exceeded the expected height and arrived in pristine condition. For a compact, cold-hardy evergreen that won’t overwhelm a small lot, this is a reliable choice.

What works

  • Thrives in zone 2 winters
  • Delivered healthy with minimal shock
  • Upright form perfect for tight hedges

What doesn’t

  • Single plant, not a bulk bundle
  • Some fulfillment issues reported
Best Value

7. 10 Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae 7-10 Inches Tall

10 PlantsFast Growing

For the buyer who needs maximum coverage on a tight budget, this 10-pack of starter Thuja Green Giants offers the lowest per-plant cost in this guide. Each tree ships as a small potted plant between 7 and 10 inches tall, which is about the size of a sturdy pencil. The value proposition is simple: buy more now, pay less now, and let time do the work.

Owner feedback confirms that these plants are hardy and resilient when given proper care. Multiple buyers in northern climates reported that the trees survived freezing winters and doubled in size within a single growing season. The Green Giant can push 3 feet of vertical growth per year after establishment, and spacing them 6 to 7 feet apart creates a solid screen within three to four years. Deer resistance is a bonus for rural properties.

The biggest ask here is patience. The small starting size means you won’t get privacy in the first year, and the plants need consistent watering 2 to 3 times per week during dry spells. Some trees arrived with minor browning or temporary dehydration due to shipping, but the majority recovered quickly with proper soil moisture. For the budget-conscious planter who can wait a season or two, this pack delivers unbeatable value.

What works

  • Lowest cost per plant in the list
  • Excellent survival rate with basic care
  • Grows up to 3 feet per year once established

What doesn’t

  • Very small at arrival, requires patience
  • Needs consistent watering in the first season

Hardware & Specs Guide

Mature Height and Spread

Thuja Green Giants can hit 60 feet tall and 20 feet wide if left unchecked, while Emerald Green Arborvitae tops out around 14 to 20 feet with a 4 to 6 foot spread. Blue Arrow Juniper stays under 15 feet with a 2 to 3 foot width. Always measure your planting zone’s overhead clearance — power lines and eaves create hard limits no growth rate can overcome.

Growth Rate Per Year

Green Giant varieties are the speed champions, adding up to 3 feet per year after the first season. Emerald Green Arborvitae and Waxleaf Privet grow at a moderate 1 to 2 feet annually. Rose of Sharon can add 2 feet per year in good conditions. Be aware that the first year in-ground is primarily root establishment, not visible top growth.

FAQ

How far apart should I plant fast growing privacy bushes?
For Thuja Green Giants, space them 6 to 7 feet apart for a quick solid screen. Emerald Green Arborvitae need 3 to 4 feet of spacing. Narrow Blue Arrow Junipers can be planted 2 to 3 feet apart. Tighter spacing fills in faster but increases competition for water and nutrients.
Will these privacy bushes grow in partial shade?
Arborvitae varieties tolerate partial shade but produce the densest foliage with at least 6 hours of direct sun. Blue Arrow Juniper and Waxleaf Privet need full sun to maintain their shape and avoid becoming thin. In heavy shade, consider a shade-tolerant option like certain viburnums or yews instead.
How long does it take for a privacy hedge to reach 6 feet tall?
A Green Giant planted as a 10-inch starter takes roughly 2 to 3 years to hit 6 feet. The same plant bought at 2 feet tall can reach 6 feet in 1 to 2 years. Emerald Green Arborvitae grows slower, typically needing 3 to 4 years from a 1-gallon pot to reach 6 feet.

Final Thoughts: The Verdict

For most gardeners, the best fast growing bush for privacy winner is the Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 8-Pack because it combines a proven 3-foot annual growth rate with dense foliage from ground level and excellent cold hardiness. If you need a narrow solution for a tight side yard, grab the Blue Arrow Juniper Trio. And for a budget-friendly bulk planting that rewards patience, nothing beats the 10-pack of Thuja Green Giant starters.

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