Hedges serve as both functional and aesthetic elements in a garden, providing privacy, delineating boundaries, and adding a touch of green elegance. If you’re looking to establish a lush and quick-growing hedge, selecting the right plant species is crucial. This article explores some of the fastest growing hedge plants, ensuring you achieve a verdant screen in no time.
Fastest Growing Hedge Plants That are Great for Privacy
Leyland Cypress (Cupressocyparis leylandii)
The Leyland Cypress is renowned for its rapid growth and dense foliage, making it a popular choice for hedges. With an impressive growth rate of 3 feet or more per year, this evergreen conifer creates a formidable and visually appealing barrier. It thrives in well-drained soil and full sunlight, making it an ideal candidate for a fast-growing hedge.
Thuja Green Giant (Thuja standishii x plicata)
Often referred to as the “Green Giant,” this arborvitae hybrid is celebrated for its vigorous growth, achieving up to 3 feet per year under optimal conditions. With a pyramidal shape and vibrant green foliage, the Thuja Green Giant provides both privacy and a striking visual appeal. It is adaptable to various soil types and climates, thriving in full sun to partial shade.
Forsythia (Forsythia x intermedia)
Known for its vibrant yellow flowers that signal the arrival of spring, Forsythia is not only aesthetically pleasing but also a fast-growing deciduous hedge option. With an annual growth rate of 1-2 feet, Forsythia can quickly form a dense and colorful hedge. It thrives in well-drained soil and prefers full sun to partial shade.
Wax Myrtle (Morella cerifera)
Wax Myrtle, also known as Southern Bayberry, is a native evergreen shrub that grows rapidly, particularly in favorable conditions. With its aromatic leaves and a growth rate of 2 to 3 feet per year, Wax Myrtle forms an excellent hedge for both ornamental and functional purposes. It is adaptable to various soil types and is drought-tolerant once established.
Bamboo (Various species)
Certain bamboo varieties are known for their exceptionally fast growth, making them an unconventional but effective choice for hedges. Clumping bamboo varieties like Fargesia are non-invasive and can provide a dense, evergreen screen. Bamboo requires well-drained soil and benefits from regular watering, particularly during dry periods.
Privet (Ligustrum spp.)
Privet hedges are valued for their rapid growth and ability to tolerate various soil conditions. Common Privet (Ligustrum vulgare) and Japanese Privet (Ligustrum japonicum) are popular choices, boasting growth rates of 1 to 2 feet per year. Privet hedges are deciduous or semi-evergreen, depending on the species, and respond well to regular pruning for shaping and density.
Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus)
Rose of Sharon is a deciduous shrub that can be grown into a vibrant and fast-growing hedge. With an annual growth rate of 1 to 2 feet, this hibiscus variety offers beautiful blooms in a range of colors during the summer months. It prefers well-drained soil and thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Conclusion
Establishing a fast-growing hedge not only provides quick results but also offers an immediate transformation to your garden landscape. Consider the specific needs of each plant, including sunlight, soil, and watering requirements, to ensure a thriving hedge that meets both your practical and aesthetic preferences. With these swift-growing hedge plants, you can enjoy the benefits of privacy and greenery sooner than you might expect.
