A privacy screen that stays green all winter sounds like a dream, but choosing the wrong variety can mean years of sparse, disappointing growth. The difference between a thriving hedge and a costly mistake often comes down to one factor: how well the shrub matches your site conditions and growth expectations. You need a plant that delivers vertical height quickly, tolerates your soil, and requires minimal fuss once established.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. My recommendations come from months of cross-referencing nursery databases, studying growth-rate trials, and synthesizing hundreds of verified owner reports to find the most reliable performers.
Whether you need a screening hedge or a foundation plant that adds structure, choosing the right variety saves time and money. Based on owner feedback, the clear choice for best fast growing evergreen shrubs is the Thuja Green Giant for its rapid height and dense privacy screen.
How To Choose The Best Fast Growing Evergreen Shrubs
Not every fast grower fits every yard. Some varieties shoot up three feet per year but demand full sun, while others prefer partial shade and offer seasonal flowers. Before you buy, consider three critical factors that determine long-term success.
Growth Rate vs. Mature Size
A shrub that grows three feet annually sounds perfect — until it reaches forty feet tall and overwhelms your house. Always check the mature height and width listed by the grower. Thuja Green Giants can hit 40 feet, while Emerald Green Arborvitae stays tighter at 18–20 feet. Match the mature size to your available space so you are not constantly pruning.
USDA Hardiness Zone & Site Conditions
Every plant has a zone range where it thrives. Planting a zone 5–8 shrub in zone 9 may cause heat stress, while a zone 3–8 plant in zone 2 may not survive winter. Also note sun exposure: most evergreens prefer full sun to partial shade, but Rhododendrons tolerate full shade well. Soil drainage matters too — Arborvitae need well-drained soil and struggle in heavy clay.
Privacy vs. Ornamental Value
Decide whether your priority is a dense screen or visual interest. Arborvitae varieties (Thuja) create thick, uniform hedges that block views year-round. Rhododendrons offer spring flowers and broad evergreen leaves but grow more slowly and may not provide full coverage. A mix of both can deliver privacy plus seasonal color if you have the space.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae | Arborvitae | Large privacy screens | 3 ft/year growth; 40 ft mature height | Amazon |
| Emerald Green Arborvitae #3 Container | Arborvitae | Narrow hedges & specimens | 18–20 ft mature height; zone 3–8 | Amazon |
| 5 Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae 6–12″ | Arborvitae | Budget-friendly starter hedge | 5 plants per pack; low maintenance | Amazon |
| Rhododendron ‘Aglo’ #2 Container | Flowering Evergreen | Shade-tolerant color | Pink flowers in May; 5–6 ft mature | Amazon |
| Thuja Green Giant Lot of 6, 3″ Pots | Arborvitae | Entry-level multi-pack | 6 plants; zones 5–8; 2–3 ft/year | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. 10 Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae 7–10 Inches Tall Trees
The Thuja Green Giant earns its reputation as one of the fastest growing evergreens available, pushing up to three feet per year once established. This bundle of 10 young trees, each 7–10 inches tall in their pots, offers an economical way to start a large privacy screen or windbreak without the premium price of mature specimens. The trees are shipped as potted plants with soil, ready to go into the ground as soon as weather permits.
Owner reports consistently highlight the exceptional value compared to buying individual trees at big-box stores. Many note that the trees arrived healthy and well-packaged, with several surviving weeks in nursery pots before planting. Verified buyers share success stories of trees growing from 8 inches to over 3 feet in 16 months under full sun, with partial sun locations reaching 2–3 feet in the same period. The recommended spacing of 6–7 feet apart still yields a dense screen within a few seasons.
Hardiness zones 5–9 make this a versatile choice for most of the continental US. The mature height reaches 40 feet with a 15-foot spread, so plan accordingly. Some owners caution that deer may browse young plants despite the species’ general resistance, so fencing is wise during the first year. Winter browning of inner foliage is normal for this variety and should not cause concern.
What works
- Exceptional growth rate of 3 feet per year after establishment
- Excellent value per tree compared to nursery prices
- Versatile hardiness across zones 5 through 9
What doesn’t
- Mature height of 40 feet may overwhelm small properties
- Young trees need protection from deer and trampling
- Winter bronzing of inner foliage can be mistaken for disease
2. Green Promise Farms Thuja occidentalis ‘Smargd’ Emerald Green Arborvitae #3 Container
The Emerald Green Arborvitae is the go-to choice for gardeners who want a polished, narrow evergreen that fits tighter spaces. This #3 size container (3-gallon pot) delivers a fully rooted plant ready for immediate installation. Its upright, narrow growth habit reaches 18–20 feet tall with only a 5–6 foot spread, making it ideal for property lines, driveways, or foundation plantings where width is limited.
Unlike the Green Giant, which expands to 15 feet wide, the Emerald Green maintains a compact columnar shape that requires little to no pruning. The rich emerald green foliage holds its color well through winter without the bronzing seen in other Arborvitae varieties. Hardiness spans zones 3 through 8, giving it one of the widest adaptation ranges among evergreens. Owners appreciate that it thrives in both full sun and partial shade, offering flexibility for different garden layouts.
Because this is a single plant in a larger container, it is best suited for those who need a specimen tree or a few accent plants rather than a large hedge. The 12-pound shipping weight reflects the substantial root system, which reduces transplant shock. Pair it with Green Giants for a layered screen, or use it alone where space is at a premium.
What works
- Narrow 5–6 foot spread fits tight spaces
- Rich emerald color holds through winter without bronzing
- Wide hardiness range from zone 3 to zone 8
What doesn’t
- Slower growth rate than Green Giant varieties
- Single plant per container — less cost-effective for large screens
- Heavier shipping weight increases delivery cost
3. 5 Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae 6–12″ Tall Live Plants — 2.5″ Pots (5 Pack)
This five-pack of Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae offers a middle ground between buying a single premium plant and a bulk lot. Each plant stands 6–12 inches tall in a 2.5-inch pot, giving you a head start over bare-root options while keeping the price accessible. The natural pyramid shape means no pruning is required to maintain a classic evergreen silhouette, saving time over the long term.
Verified buyers report high satisfaction with the packaging and health of the plants upon arrival. Several owners mention that the trees settled in quickly and showed new growth within weeks. One reviewer noted that all five plants survived and thrived, while another experienced losses, which can happen with any live plant shipment depending on local conditions and planting timing. The dark green foliage takes on a bronze tint in winter, adding seasonal interest.
These plants are listed as low maintenance and adapt to clay soil, full sun, or partial shade — a forgiving combination for novice gardeners. Hardiness is rated for zone 5, so gardeners in colder northern regions should confirm their zone before ordering. For best results, plant in spring after the last frost and water moderately until established.
What works
- No pruning needed for natural pyramid form
- Adaptable to clay soil and partial shade
- Compact pot size reduces transplant shock
What doesn’t
- Hardiness limited to zone 5 — not for colder regions
- Mixed owner reports on survival rate
- Small pot size means slower initial establishment
4. Rhododendron ‘Aglo’ (Rhododendron) Evergreen — #2 Size Container
The Rhododendron ‘Aglo’ brings something most Arborvitae cannot: vivid pink flowers that nearly cover the branches in early May. This is a broadleaf evergreen, meaning it keeps its leaves all winter while offering a completely different texture than needle-bearing conifers. The #2 size container holds a fully rooted plant that can go straight into the ground, with a mature height and spread of 5–6 feet — a manageable size for foundation beds or mixed borders.
Unlike the sun-loving Thuja varieties, ‘Aglo’ thrives in partial sun or full shade, making it the top choice for shaded corners where other evergreens struggle. The small, evergreen leaves provide year-round structure, while the flower display in spring adds a seasonal highlight that privacy-focused shrubs cannot match. Hardiness spans zones 4–8, giving it broad appeal across most of the country.
Gardeners should note that Rhododendrons have different care requirements than Arborvitae. They prefer acidic, well-drained soil and moderate watering. The growth rate is slower than Green Giants — expect 6–12 inches per year under good conditions. Use ‘Aglo’ as an ornamental accent or a low hedge, not as a primary privacy screen where rapid vertical growth is needed.
What works
- Spectacular pink flowers in early May
- Thrives in full shade where conifers fail
- Compact 5–6 foot size suits smaller gardens
What doesn’t
- Slower growth than Arborvitae varieties
- Requires acidic soil and careful watering
- Not suitable as a tall privacy screen
5. Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae Lot of 6 — 3 Inch Pots
This six-pack of Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae in 3-inch pots is the most accessible entry point for gardeners who want to test the waters before committing to a large planting. Each pot contains a young, well-rooted starter plant from Sandys Nursery Online, a known grower of fast-growing evergreens. The growth potential is identical to larger Green Giants — 2–3 feet per year once established, with a mature height of 30–50 feet and a spread of 12–16 feet.
The 3-inch pot size means these plants are smaller than the 2.5-inch pot competitors in this guide, but the six-count quantity offsets that with sheer volume. Recommended spacing for a privacy screen is 5 feet apart, so this lot covers approximately 25 linear feet. The plants are adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions, though they prefer deep, well-drained soil. Once established, they show good drought tolerance.
One limitation to note: these do not ship to Arizona, so gardeners in that state will need to look at alternative options. Hardiness is listed for zones 5–8, and the plants prefer full sun to partial shade. Fertilize with a balanced formula in spring for best results. Because the pots are small, expect a longer establishment period compared to larger container sizes.
What works
- Six plants per order for extended hedge coverage
- Proven fast growth of 2–3 feet per year
- Adaptable to wide range of soil conditions
What doesn’t
- Small 3-inch pots require longer establishment
- Does not ship to Arizona
- Limited to zones 5–8 only
Hardware & Specs Guide
Growth Rate
Fast growing evergreens typically add 2–3 feet per year after the first season of root establishment. Thuja Green Giants lead the category with documented 3-foot annual gains, while Emerald Green Arborvitae and Rhododendrons grow at a more moderate pace of 6–12 inches per year. Always check the specific variety’s growth rate before planting, as “fast” can mean different things across species.
Mature Dimensions
Mature height and width vary dramatically between varieties. Green Giants can reach 40–50 feet tall with a 12–16 foot spread, making them unsuitable for small lots. Emerald Green Arborvitae stays tighter at 18–20 feet tall and 5–6 feet wide. Rhododendrons max out around 5–6 feet in both dimensions. Measure your planting area and subtract clearance from structures before choosing.
USDA Hardiness Zones
Hardiness zones indicate the coldest temperatures a plant can survive. Most Arborvitae varieties thrive in zones 5–8, while the Emerald Green extends down to zone 3. Rhododendron ‘Aglo’ covers zones 4–8. Planting outside the recommended zone risks winter kill or heat stress. Check your local zone at planthardiness.ars.usda.gov before ordering.
Sun & Soil Requirements
Thuja Green Giants perform best in full sun to partial shade and need well-drained soil. They tolerate clay but not standing water. Rhododendrons prefer acidic, well-drained soil and thrive in full shade — a unique trait among evergreens. All varieties listed require moderate watering during the first season, becoming more drought tolerant once established.
FAQ
What is the fastest growing evergreen shrub for privacy?
How far apart should I plant evergreen shrubs for a hedge?
Do fast growing evergreens need full sun?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most gardeners, the best fast growing evergreen shrubs winner is the 10 Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae because it combines rapid 3-foot annual growth, excellent value per plant, and broad hardiness across zones 5–9. If you want a narrower, polished look with richer winter color, grab the Emerald Green Arborvitae #3 Container. And for shaded spots where spring flowers matter more than breakneck speed, nothing beats the Rhododendron ‘Aglo’.