Evergreen shrubs are the backbone of a well-designed landscape. They provide year-round color, structure, and privacy—even in the depths of winter. But when you’re starting a new garden, filling bare spaces, or creating a privacy screen, waiting years for shrubs to mature can be frustrating.
That’s where fast-growing evergreen shrubs come in. According to horticulture experts, choosing the right fast-growing varieties can transform your landscape in just a few seasons—without sacrificing beauty or durability.
Below are 12 expert-recommended fast-growing evergreen shrubs that combine speed, reliability, and year-round appeal.
Why Choose Fast-Growing Evergreen Shrubs?
Fast-growing evergreens offer several benefits:
- Immediate privacy and screening
- Reduced erosion and wind protection
- Year-round greenery
- Lower maintenance once established
- Increased curb appeal
Experts note that while fast growers require proper spacing and occasional pruning, their benefits far outweigh the extra attention they may need early on.
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1. Leyland Cypress (× Cuprocyparis leylandii)
Growth rate: 3–4 feet per year
Leyland cypress is one of the fastest-growing evergreen shrubs or small trees available, making it a top choice for privacy screens and windbreaks.
Why Experts Recommend It
- Dense, feathery foliage
- Excellent for large properties
- Tolerates a range of soils
Best for: Tall hedges, privacy barriers
Tip: Allow plenty of space to prevent overcrowding.
2. Green Giant Arborvitae (Thuja ‘Green Giant’)
Growth rate: 3 feet per year
A favorite among landscape professionals, Green Giant arborvitae combines fast growth with excellent disease resistance.
Why It Stands Out
- Low-maintenance
- Cold-hardy
- Resistant to deer damage
Best for: Formal or informal hedges
Tip: Prune lightly to maintain shape—heavy pruning isn’t necessary.
3. Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)
Growth rate: 2–3 feet per year
Cherry laurel is known for its glossy, dark green leaves and dense growth habit.
Expert Appeal
- Excellent screening plant
- Tolerates shade better than many evergreens
- Produces fragrant spring flowers
Best for: Privacy hedges, shaded gardens
Tip: Prune after flowering to maintain size.
4. Skip Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus ‘Schipkaensis’)
Growth rate: 2 feet per year
A compact relative of cherry laurel, skip laurel grows quickly while maintaining a more manageable size.
Why Experts Love It
- Dense, upright habit
- Performs well in partial shade
- Tolerates urban conditions
Best for: Medium-height hedges
Tip: Water regularly during establishment.
5. Wax Myrtle (Morella cerifera)
Growth rate: 3–5 feet per year
Wax myrtle is a native evergreen shrub prized for its adaptability and rapid growth.
Benefits According to Experts
- Excellent salt tolerance
- Nitrogen-fixing roots improve soil
- Attractive to birds
Best for: Coastal landscapes, natural screens
Tip: Can be pruned into a hedge or left natural.
6. Privet (Ligustrum spp.)
Growth rate: 2–3 feet per year
Privet is a classic fast-growing evergreen or semi-evergreen shrub widely used for hedging.
Why It’s Still Popular
- Extremely adaptable
- Dense foliage
- Responds well to pruning
Best for: Formal hedges, privacy walls
Tip: Check local guidelines—some varieties are invasive in certain regions.
7. Photinia (Photinia × fraseri ‘Red Tip’)
Growth rate: 2–3 feet per year
Photinia is best known for its striking red new growth that matures into glossy green foliage.
Expert Highlights
- Bold seasonal color
- Dense screening habit
- Fast recovery after pruning
Best for: Decorative hedges
Tip: Provide good air circulation to prevent leaf spot.
8. Japanese Euonymus (Euonymus japonicus)
Growth rate: 2 feet per year
Japanese euonymus is a versatile evergreen shrub that thrives in various conditions.
Why Experts Recommend It
- Tolerates sun and shade
- Variegated options add interest
- Good for foundation plantings
Best for: Low hedges, borders
Tip: Prune regularly to prevent legginess.
9. Boxwood (Buxus spp.) – Fast-Growing Varieties
Growth rate: 1–2 feet per year
While traditional boxwoods are slow growers, newer varieties grow much faster.
Why It’s Worth Considering
- Classic appearance
- Excellent for formal gardens
- Year-round structure
Best for: Formal hedges, garden borders
Tip: Choose disease-resistant cultivars for best results.
10. Pittosporum (Pittosporum tobira)
Growth rate: 2–3 feet per year
Popular in warmer climates, pittosporum offers thick foliage and fragrant flowers.
Expert Advantages
- Drought tolerant once established
- Attractive rounded form
- Glossy evergreen leaves
Best for: Foundation plantings, screens
Tip: Protect from hard freezes.
11. Viburnum (Evergreen Varieties)
Growth rate: 2–3 feet per year
Evergreen viburnums combine fast growth with ornamental value.
Why Experts Love Viburnum
- Spring flowers and fall berries
- Dense growth
- Wildlife-friendly
Best for: Mixed hedges, privacy screens
Tip: Choose species suited to your climate zone.
12. Juniper (Juniperus spp.)
Growth rate: 2–3 feet per year
Junipers are rugged, drought-tolerant evergreens with a wide range of shapes and sizes.
Expert Benefits
- Low maintenance
- Excellent ground coverage or screening
- Highly adaptable
Best for: Slopes, hedges, foundation plantings
Tip: Avoid overwatering—junipers prefer drier conditions.
How to Help Fast-Growing Evergreens Thrive
Experts emphasize that fast growth depends on proper planting and care.
Planting Tips
- Space plants according to mature size
- Use well-draining soil
- Mulch to retain moisture
Maintenance Tips
- Water deeply during the first year
- Prune lightly to encourage dense growth
- Fertilize sparingly—too much fertilizer causes weak growth
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Planting too close together
- Over-pruning young shrubs
- Ignoring soil drainage
- Choosing invasive species
Final Thoughts
Fast-growing evergreen shrubs are a smart investment for any landscape. Whether you need privacy, structure, or year-round greenery, these expert-recommended options can deliver dramatic results in a short time.
By choosing the right shrub for your climate and giving it proper care during establishment, you can enjoy a lush, green landscape that looks mature and polished far sooner than you might expect.