When it comes to establishing privacy with shrubs, selecting the right plants involves balancing growth rate, maintenance needs, and appearance. The Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae stands out as the overall best for its fast growth and dense coverage. For those seeking an evergreen option with a compact size, the Highlander Boxwood offers a tidy, manageable hedge, while the Viburnum Odoratissimum provides fragrant blooms for added appeal. The main tradeoffs in this category include choosing between rapid growth that may require more maintenance and slower-growing plants that might need patience. Continue reading for a detailed breakdown of the top picks and what makes each unique.
Key Takeaways
- Fast-growing options like Leyland Cypress and Green Giant Arborvitae deliver quick privacy but require regular pruning.
- Evergreens such as boxwoods and Yews provide year-round coverage with lower maintenance but grow more slowly.
- Fragrant shrubs like Viburnum can add sensory value but may not offer the same density as dense conifers.
- Plant quantity and size influence overall coverage and initial cost, with larger or more plants offering immediate privacy.
- Tradeoffs between maintenance effort and growth speed are central in selecting the best privacy shrub for your needs.
| privacy shrub | Quantity | Growth Rate | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perfect Plants Thuja Green Gia | — | 3 feet per year | — |
| 20 Emerald Green Arborvitae Tr | 20 | — | Bareroot live plants |
| 6 Highlander Boxwood | 6 plants | — | — |
| Viburnum Odoratissimum | 3 Liv | — | Fast | Shrub |
| Podocarpus Maki Live Plant | — | — | — |
| Ligustrum Waxleaf Privet | 15 plants | — | Live Plants |
| Green Wall Willow Privacy Tree | 10 cuttings | Ultra fast | — |
| 20 Leyland Cypress Trees | 20 trees | 3-4 feet annually | — |
| Brighter Blooms Thuja Green Gi | — | 3-5 ft. per year | Evergreen Trees |
| Curled Leaf Privet | 10 Live Q | 10 plants | — | Evergreen flowering shrub |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae, 3 Gallon, Privacy Trees
This Thuja Green Giant stands out as the best overall choice for those seeking quick, reliable privacy. Its impressive growth rate of up to 3 feet per year, combined with its dense, evergreen foliage, makes it ideal for creating a tall, impenetrable screen in less time than most alternatives like the 20 Emerald Green Arborvitae. While it offers excellent privacy, it requires well-drained soil and regular watering, which could be a challenge in drought-prone areas. Compared to smaller plants, it provides instant impact once established, but planting and maintaining its size can be more labor-intensive initially. This pick is best for homeowners wanting fast results and long-term evergreen coverage, willing to invest in site prep and maintenance.
Pros:- Fast-growing with up to 3 feet per year, ensuring quick privacy
- Provides dense, year-round evergreen coverage
- Low-maintenance and drought-tolerant once established
Cons:- Requires well-drained soil and regular watering for optimal growth
- Cannot be shipped to California and Arizona due to restrictions
Best for: Homeowners seeking a fast-growing, maintenance-light privacy hedge that provides year-round screening.
Not ideal for: Residents in drought-prone zones or with limited space, since it needs regular watering and ample room to grow tall and wide.
- Size:3 gallons
- Growth Rate:3 feet per year
- Mature Height:40 feet
- Mature Width:20 feet
- Hardiness Zones:5-9
Our verdict“This tree is perfect for those who want rapid privacy screening with minimal ongoing effort, provided their soil and climate conditions are suitable.”
20 Emerald Green Arborvitae Trees/Shrubs – 6-12″ Tall Live Plants | Evergreen Privacy Screen Hedges/Bushes – Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’ – (20 Pack)
This 20-pack of Emerald Green Arborvitae offers a cost-effective way to establish a dense privacy barrier without waiting for plants to mature. Their compact height of 6-12 inches makes them suitable for immediate border definition or layered planting, but they won’t provide instant privacy like larger trees such as the Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant. Their natural pyramid shape means no pruning is needed, which benefits those seeking low-maintenance solutions, though it also means they may not fit more formal designs without shaping. These plants are best for those willing to wait a couple of seasons for full privacy and who prefer a uniform, manicured look.
Pros:- Creates dense, impenetrable privacy screens over time
- No pruning required due to natural shape
- Maintains vibrant green color year-round
Cons:- Size may be insufficient for immediate privacy needs
- Requires planting and care for establishment
Best for: Gardeners wanting to quickly establish a lush, uniform privacy hedge on a budget, with patience for growth.
Not ideal for: Buyers needing immediate privacy or planting in very small spaces where mature height is desirable right away.
- Quantity:20
- Height:6-12 inches
- Type:Bareroot live plants
- Species:Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’
- Shape:Pyramid
Our verdict“Ideal for budget-conscious landscapers willing to wait a few seasons for a lush, consistent hedge that needs minimal shaping.”
6 Highlander Boxwood – Fast-Growing Evergreen Shrub for Privacy Hedges, Screens & Borders
The Highlander Boxwood makes a strong case for classic, formal privacy borders. Reaching 6-7 feet tall, it offers a dense, evergreen presence that’s easy to shape through occasional pruning. Compared with taller, faster-growing trees like the Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant, the boxwood’s slower growth means it takes longer to establish full privacy, but it requires less space and is more manageable in smaller yards. Its minimal maintenance and cold-hardiness appeal to those seeking a refined look with less ongoing effort, though it may need regular pruning to keep a tidy shape. This shrub is best for gardeners prioritizing aesthetic control and a formal look over rapid screening.
Pros:- Fast-growing for a boxwood, providing quick privacy
- Evergreen and easily shaped for a polished look
- Cold-hardy and low-maintenance
Cons:- Growth may be uneven, requiring occasional shaping
- Limited to smaller scale or formal gardens due to size and shape
Best for: Homeowners wanting a neat, formal privacy hedge that is easy to maintain and shape.
Not ideal for: Those needing quick privacy or with large spaces where fast coverage is preferred, as it grows gradually.
- Quantity:6 plants
- Size:3.5-inch cubes
- Height:6-7 ft
- Width:2-3 ft
- USDA Zones:5-9
Our verdict“Best suited for those seeking a neat, evergreen border that can be maintained with minimal effort and shaped to fit formal landscapes.”
Viburnum Odoratissimum | 3 Live Plants | Fast Growing Shrub with Fragrant White Flowers
This Viburnum Odoratissimum adds sensory appeal to privacy plantings with its fragrant white flowers in spring. Its fast growth and dense foliage make it suitable for screening, but it’s less effective at immediate privacy compared to taller, denser options like the Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant or the Podocarpus Maki. Its drought tolerance and low upkeep appeal to gardeners wanting a versatile, fragrant hedge, though it may require pruning to maintain a specific shape or size. While it offers an attractive, aromatic alternative, it’s best for those who enjoy a natural, lush look and are patient for it to mature fully.
Pros:- Fragrant white flowers in spring add sensory appeal
- Low-maintenance and drought-tolerant
- Dense foliage provides good privacy
Cons:- May require pruning to maintain shape
- Growth speed can vary depending on soil and conditions
Best for: Gardeners seeking a fragrant, easy-care shrub for privacy and decorative landscaping.
Not ideal for: Buyers needing immediate privacy or a formal, shaped hedge that blocks out noise or wind effectively.
- Type:Shrub
- Number of Plants:3
- Foliage:Evergreen
- Flowers:White, fragrant, spring bloom
- Growth Rate:Fast
Our verdict“Ideal for those who want a fragrant, low-maintenance privacy shrub that offers aesthetic and sensory benefits over quick screening.”
Podocarpus Maki Live Plant, 1 Gallon, Japanese Yew
The Podocarpus Maki stands out for its polished, columnar form and high resistance to pests and pollution, making it ideal for urban or challenging environments. Growing to 8-10 feet tall with a width of 3-4 feet, this shrub provides a vertical privacy barrier that’s more refined than the broader, faster-growing Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant. While it requires well-draining soil and doesn’t ship to California or Arizona, its minimal maintenance and drought tolerance make it suitable for busy or less experienced gardeners. Its dense, upright habit provides year-round privacy with a sleek appearance, but the limited zones and shipping restrictions narrow its appeal.
Pros:- Low maintenance and drought-tolerant
- Provides year-round privacy and aesthetic appeal
- Highly resistant to pests, diseases, and pollution
Cons:- Does not ship to California or Arizona
- Requires well-draining soil and specific zones
Best for: Urban dwellers or busy homeowners needing a low-maintenance, high-resistance privacy hedge in Zones 7-11.
Not ideal for: Those in California or Arizona, or homeowners seeking rapid, tall screening in a short time frame.
- Size:1 Gallon
- Mature Height:8-10 feet
- Mature Width:3-4 feet
- Zones:7-11
- Growth Habit:Upright, dense
Our verdict“Best suited for urban or environmentally challenging settings where low maintenance and resilience are priorities, but not for immediate or zone-restricted planting needs.”
Ligustrum Waxleaf Privet – 15 Live Plants – Evergreen Privacy Hedge
The Ligustrum Waxleaf Privet earns its place as the best overall because it combines rapid growth with dense foliage, making it highly effective for privacy screens. Compared to the Green Wall Willow, which establishes even faster, the Privet offers more control through pruning, allowing for tailored shapes. However, it demands more maintenance—regular watering and pruning—to keep it looking its best. Its adaptability to hedges and container planting makes it ideal for homeowners seeking a flexible privacy solution that can be shaped and maintained over time. The tradeoff is that it requires consistent care, especially during its initial establishment phase.
Pros:- Fast-growing and dense for immediate privacy
- Responds well to pruning and shaping
- Highly versatile for hedges and containers
Cons:- Requires regular watering during initial growth
- Needs pruning 2-3 times per year to maintain shape
- May need mulching to retain moisture and deter weeds
Best for: Homeowners wanting a fast, dense, and shapable privacy hedge that can be maintained with regular pruning.
Not ideal for: Gardeners seeking low-maintenance, low-water plants or those who prefer natural, unmanaged privacy screens.
- Type:Live Plants
- Quantity:15 plants
- Growth Height:8-10 feet
- Season:Evergreen
- Features:Fast grower, responds well to pruning, suitable for hedges and containers
Our verdict“Ideal for those who want a customizable, quick-growing privacy hedge willing to commit to maintenance.”
Green Wall Willow Privacy Tree Cuttings – Fast Growing Hedge for Privacy and Windbreaks (10 Cuttings)
For immediate and eco-conscious privacy, the Green Wall Willow cuttings shine due to their ultra-fast growth and ease of planting. Compared to the smaller, slow-growing Curled Leaf Privet, these cuttings establish quickly and form dense foliage suitable for windbreaks and screens. This makes them excellent for new landscapes or quick fixes, but their growth rate can be unpredictable depending on climate, and they require space to grow in rows. Once established, their low maintenance is appealing, but during the initial phase, regular watering and spacing are essential. They are best suited for those who want fast results and are comfortable with some variability.
Pros:- Establishes quickly from cuttings
- Dense foliage provides excellent privacy and wind protection
- Low maintenance once established
Cons:- Requires space for planting in rows
- Growth rate may vary depending on climate
- Needs regular watering during initial establishment
Best for: Property owners needing rapid privacy solutions with minimal ongoing care after initial planting.
Not ideal for: Small gardens or those with limited space, as they need room for rapid growth and spreading.
- Quantity:10 cuttings
- Growth Rate:Ultra fast
- Planting Distance:2-3 feet apart
- Uses:Privacy screens, windbreaks, borders, property fencing
Our verdict“Perfect for those seeking a fast, eco-friendly privacy barrier with straightforward planting from cuttings.”
20 Leyland Cypress Trees – 6-12 inches Tall Live Plants – Fast-Growing Evergreen Privacy Screens
The Leyland Cypress pack delivers quick results with trees that are just 6-12 inches tall but will grow 3-4 feet annually, making them an excellent choice for immediate privacy. Compared to the Thuja Green Giant, which is slightly slower to establish, Leyland Cypress offers faster initial coverage, though it demands space for its rapid expansion. Once planted, they require minimal care aside from watering young trees, and their evergreen foliage ensures year-round privacy. The main tradeoff is that their fast growth can lead to shaping challenges later on, and they may need eventual pruning to keep them within desired bounds.
Pros:- Very fast-growing with 3-4 feet of annual growth
- Low-maintenance and easy to care for
- Evergreen foliage provides continuous privacy
Cons:- Requires ample space for rapid expansion
- Young trees need regular watering
- May need pruning as they mature to control shape
Best for: Landscapers or homeowners needing quick, dense privacy screens with low ongoing maintenance.
Not ideal for: Small yards or those worried about rapid growth overtaking other landscape elements.
- Quantity:20 trees
- Height:6-12 inches
- Growth Rate:3-4 feet annually
- Plant Type:Evergreen Cypress
- Usage:Privacy screens, windbreaks, focal points
Our verdict“Best suited for those who want a quick, evergreen privacy solution with minimal ongoing effort.”
Brighter Blooms Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae, 2-3 ft. | Tall Evergreen Trees for Instant Privacy
The Thuja Green Giant trees are excellent for immediate privacy, growing 3-5 feet per year, and are suitable for planting in straight lines or staggered arrangements. Compared to the Leyland Cypress, which can be more aggressive in growth, the Green Giant offers a more controlled and uniform appearance, making it easier to maintain. These trees are ideal for gardeners of all skill levels because they require no pruning and are largely maintenance-free after planting. However, their limited size at purchase means they take time to reach full height, and they cannot be shipped to some states like Alaska or Hawaii.
Pros:- Rapid growth for quick privacy
- Low-maintenance with no pruning needed
- Suitable for gardeners of all levels
Cons:- Cannot be shipped to certain states (AK, AZ, HI, OR)
- Limited height range at purchase (2-3 ft.)
Best for: Homeowners seeking quick, low-effort privacy screens that need minimal ongoing care.
Not ideal for: Those living in restricted areas like Alaska or Hawaii, or those wanting immediate full-height trees at planting.
- Height:2-3 ft.
- Type:Evergreen Trees
- Growth Rate:3-5 ft. per year
- Shipping Restrictions:Cannot ship to AK, AZ, HI, OR
Our verdict“Ideal for those wanting fast, easy-to-maintain privacy screens with minimal effort after planting.”
Curled Leaf Privet | 10 Live Quart Size Plants | Ligustrum Japonicum Recurvifolium
The Curled Leaf Privet offers a manageable size and full sun tolerance, making it a practical choice for those who want a low-maintenance hedge or border. Compared to the larger Waxleaf Privet, its smaller quart-sized plants are easier to handle initially but will take longer to reach full privacy height. It thrives with minimal watering and can be shaped with pruning, but requires consistent sunlight for optimal growth. Its potential invasiveness in some areas is a consideration, especially for gardeners seeking eco-friendly options. This shrub makes sense for gardeners with limited space or who prefer ornamental, manageable hedges.
Pros:- Low-maintenance and easy to care for
- Versatile for hedges, borders, or standalone use
- Thrives in full sunlight and is water-efficient
Cons:- Requires full sun for optimal growth
- May need pruning to maintain shape
- Potentially invasive in some regions
Best for: Gardeners wanting an easy-to-care-for, water-efficient shrub for sunny locations and decorative hedges.
Not ideal for: Those in shaded areas or seeking fast-growing, tall privacy hedges immediately.
- Quantity:10 plants
- Size:Quart size
- Species:Ligustrum japonicum recurvifolium
- Type:Evergreen flowering shrub
Our verdict“Best suited for sunny gardens needing a manageable, low-effort hedge or border plant.”
How We Picked
The selection process focused on evaluating each shrub’s growth rate, density, year-round foliage, ease of care, and suitability for different climates. We compared how quickly each plant develops a privacy screen, its maintenance requirements, and its overall durability. Cost-effectiveness and versatility also played roles, helping identify options suitable for various budgets and landscaping styles. By considering these factors, we ranked the plants to serve different priorities, from immediate privacy to low-effort solutions.| privacy shrub | Type |
|---|---|
| Perfect Plants Thuja Green Gia | — |
| 20 Emerald Green Arborvitae Tr | Bareroot live plants |
| 6 Highlander Boxwood | — |
| Viburnum Odoratissimum | 3 Liv | Shrub |
| Podocarpus Maki Live Plant | — |
| Ligustrum Waxleaf Privet | Live Plants |
| Green Wall Willow Privacy Tree | — |
| 20 Leyland Cypress Trees | — |
| Brighter Blooms Thuja Green Gi | Evergreen Trees |
| Curled Leaf Privet | 10 Live Q | Evergreen flowering shrub |
