Get privacy quickly in your garden with these 7 fast-growing plants
In gardens, achieving the desired privacy and blocking unwanted views is most effectively done by relying on the assistance of plants. That said, plants often have slow growth, requiring several years to reach the desired height.
Whether you're moving to a new residence or revitalizing the garden of your established home, putting up a boundary for privacy is a common desire. By selecting the appropriate plant species, you can speed up this process, achieving the desired privacy within a few months rather than a couple of years. Each commonly used hedge plant has distinct characteristics that make it more or less suitable for specific needs.
For those seeking a fast solution to privacy concerns, we recommend the following seven plant species known for their rapid growth:
1. Cupressocyparis leylandii
This graceful evergreen conifer, characterized by its conical and columnar structure, is a popular choice for growing dense hedges. Its speedy growth enables it to reach significant heights in a short time, swiftly forming a captivating green barrier. With resilience against extremely cold temperatures, this plant thrives in cool climates and can endure high humidity, making it well-suited for coastal and lakeside regions.
2. Pittosporum tobira
Krzysztof Ziarnek/Wikimedia Commons
Hailing from Asia, the Pittosporum - whether in the form of a shrub or small tree - is a popular choice for hedging. Its robust, glossy leaves on the upper side and matte undersides, coupled with small, highly aromatic cream-white flowers in early summer, make it a popular option. Widely used in coastal locales, it's also appreciated for urban landscaping. When planted in your garden, it swiftly develops into a hedge reaching 2-3 meters in both height and width.
3. Photinia red robin
This evergreen plant is a popular choice for hedges, boasting a high decorative appeal. It exhibits rapid growth during its initial years, tapering off as it reaches maturity. What sets it apart is its wonderful leaves, with a range of colors throughout the year - from springtime red to vibrant summer green, before returning to red in the autumn.
4. Bamboo
Bamboo, renowned for its exceptionally fast growth and resilience to both summer heat and winter cold, is a popular choice for hedging. Nevertheless, it demands careful management to prevent excessive spreading. Young plants benefit from winter protection with a layer of mulch, which also contributes to maintaining optimal humidity levels.
5. Thuja smaragd
The Thuja, characterized by a moderately fast growth, is a popular choice for growing compact, thick, and resilient hedges. It thrives in diverse climates, as long as it receives direct sunlight. However, it is not suitable for coastal environments due to its intolerance of high salt concentration in the air
6. Eleagnus
The Eleagnus, a compact evergreen shrub with even growth, finds extensive use in forming windbreak hedges, particularly near coastal regions. Characterized by leathery and undulating leaves, it graces the surroundings with small, fragrant flowers blooming from October to November. It doesn't have specific soil preferences and thrives when positioned in full sunlight.
7. Pyracantha coccinea
Also known as agazzino, this evergreen plant is a hardy and thorny shrub that forms hedges taller than 2 meters. Its brightly colored fruit, ranging from red to orange, add vibrancy to the winter season from October to February. This plant thrives in a warm and sunny climates and only requires moderate watering.
How about you? What plants have you selected for your garden?