Privacy hedges are incredibly popular in public and private gardens alike. They separate space and provide a backdrop to any lower plants placed around them. There’s plenty of ways to create a privacy border in your garden with different plants. We’ve curated a list of 14 great plants for this exact purpose. These plants are selected for their ability to form dense hedges, their fast growth, and their attractive foliage or flowers. One of these may be the perfect addition to your own garden at home!
Leyland Cypress (Cupressocyparis leylandii)
Leyland Cypress is a fast-growing evergreen that forms a dense hedge, providing excellent privacy. It has beautiful feathery foliage and can grow up to 3 feet per year.
Green Giant Arborvitae (Thuja standishii x plicata ‘Green Giant’)
Green Giant Arborvitae is a popular choice for privacy hedges due to its rapid growth and tall, columnar shape. It can reach heights of up to 60 feet and has dense, dark green foliage.
American Holly (Ilex opaca)
American Holly is an evergreen shrub with dense, glossy green leaves and vibrant red berries. It forms a thick hedge that provides year-round privacy and attracts birds with its berries.
Japanese Privet (Ligustrum japonicum)
Japanese Privet is a versatile hedge plant that grows quickly and forms a dense screen. It has glossy, dark green leaves and produces white flowers in summer.
English Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)
English Laurel is an evergreen shrub with large, glossy leaves that create a dense hedge. It can tolerate shade and grows well in various soil types.
Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens)
Boxwood is a classic choice for formal hedges due to its dense foliage and ability to be pruned into various shapes. It has small, leathery leaves and is easy to maintain.
Bamboo (Phyllostachys spp.)
Bamboo is a fast-growing plant that can create a dense privacy hedge. It has tall, sturdy culms and lush foliage that adds a tropical feel to the landscape.
Emerald Green Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’)Emerald Green Arborvitae is a compact evergreen shrub that forms a dense, narrow hedge. It has vibrant green foliage and maintains its color throughout the year.
Nellie R. Stevens Holly (Ilex x ‘Nellie R. Stevens’)
Nellie R. Stevens Holly is a hybrid evergreen shrub with spiny, dark green leaves and vibrant red berries. It grows quickly and forms a dense hedge that provides privacy and attracts birds.
Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera)
Wax Myrtle is a native shrub with aromatic foliage and grayish-green leaves. It forms a dense hedge and produces small, waxy berries that attract birds.
Purple-Leaf Sand Cherry (Prunus x cistena)
Purple-Leaf Sand Cherry is a deciduous shrub with deep purple foliage and pink flowers in spring. It can be used as a colorful privacy hedge, especially in combination with other plants.
Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus)
Rose of Sharon is a flowering shrub that can be pruned into a hedge for privacy. It produces large, showy flowers in various colors and attracts butterflies.
Red-Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea)
Red-Twig Dogwood is a deciduous shrub known for its bright red stems in winter. It can be used as a privacy hedge and provides year-round interest with its colorful stems and white flowers.
Privet (Ligustrum spp.)
Privet is a versatile hedge plant that comes in various species, such as Chinese Privet (Ligustrum sinense) and European Privet (Ligustrum vulgare). It grows quickly, has dense foliage, and can be easily pruned into a formal hedge.
