Best 5-6 foot evergreen shrubs for privacy offer the perfect balance of height, density, and low maintenance for creating natural screens in your landscape.

Whether you need to block unsightly views, reduce noise, or simply add structure to your garden, these 5-6 foot evergreen mid-sized shrubs provide year-round coverage without overwhelming smaller yards.

Creating a natural privacy screen with 5-6 foot evergreen shrubs is an excellent way to enhance your landscape while maintaining year-round coverage. These shrubs provide dense foliage, require minimal upkeep, and thrive in various climates.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the 20 best 5-6 foot evergreen shrubs for privacy, providing detailed descriptions, pros and cons, and essential care tips to help you make informed decisions for your landscape

20 Best 5 6 Foot Evergreen Shrubs For Privacy

1. Boxwood (Buxus spp.) – Best 5-6 Foot Evergreen Shrubs for Privacy in Small Gardens

Boxwood is a classic choice for 5-6 foot evergreen shrubs, offering dense foliage and easy shaping. Its slow growth rate (3-6 inches per year) makes it ideal for small gardens where space is limited. These shrubs thrive in USDA Zones 5-9 and adapt well to both sun and partial shade.

With a mature height of 5-6 feet, Boxwood provides excellent privacy while maintaining a neat appearance. It responds well to pruning, allowing for formal hedges or natural shapes. Additionally, Boxwood is resistant to most pests, making it a low-maintenance option for privacy screens.

Boxwood’s evergreen nature ensures year-round coverage, making it perfect for winter privacy. It prefers well-drained soil and benefits from mulching to retain moisture. For small gardens, varieties like Buxus sempervirens ‘Suffruticosa’ are ideal due to their compact growth.

Pros:

• Dense foliage
• Easy shaping
• Pest-resistant
• Year-round privacy
• Adaptable to sun/shade
• Slow growth
• Low maintenance

Cons:

• Slow growth
• Needs pruning
• Sensitive to drought

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2. Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata) – Fast-Growing 5-6 Foot Evergreen Shrubs for Privacy Fences

Japanese Holly is a fast-growing 5-6 foot evergreen shrub, reaching maturity in just 3-5 years. It resembles Boxwood but grows faster (up to 12 inches per year) and thrives in USDA Zones 5-8. Its small, glossy leaves create a thick barrier, perfect for privacy fences.

This shrub tolerates heavy pruning, making it ideal for formal hedges or natural screens. Japanese Holly prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Unlike traditional hollies, it lacks sharp spines, making it safer for high-traffic areas.

With a mature height of 5-6 feet, Japanese Holly provides excellent coverage without overwhelming smaller yards. It’s also deer-resistant, reducing the risk of damage in rural areas. For best results, plant in groups of 3-5 for a seamless privacy screen.

Pros:

• Fast growth
• Deer-resistant
• Glossy foliage
• No sharp spines
• Tolerates pruning
• Adaptable
• Dense coverage

Cons:

• Needs acidic soil
• Susceptible to root rot
• Requires watering

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3. Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia) – Low-Maintenance 5-6 Foot Evergreen Shrubs for Backyard Privacy

Mountain Laurel is a low-maintenance 5-6 foot evergreen shrub, prized for its stunning spring blooms and year-round foliage. It thrives in USDA Zones 4-9 and grows well in partial shade, making it ideal for wooded backyards. The shrub’s broad leaves provide excellent privacy screening.

This shrub grows at a moderate pace (6-12 inches per year) and reaches a mature height of 5-6 feet. Mountain Laurel is drought-tolerant once established, reducing watering needs. Its flowers attract pollinators, adding ecological benefits to its privacy function.

Mountain Laurel prefers acidic, well-drained soil and benefits from occasional mulching. It’s resistant to deer and rabbits, making it a durable choice for rural landscapes. For a natural privacy hedge, space plants 4-5 feet apart.

Pros:

• Stunning blooms
• Drought-tolerant
• Deer-resistant
• Moderate growth
• Year-round foliage
• Low maintenance
• Pollinator-friendly

Cons:

• Needs acidic soil
• Slow establishment
• Toxic if ingested

4. Dwarf Alberta Spruce (Picea glauca ‘Conica’) – Best Drought-Tolerant 5-6 Foot Evergreen Shrubs for Privacy

The Dwarf Alberta Spruce is one of the best drought-tolerant 5-6 foot evergreen shrubs, perfect for dry climates and low-water landscapes. It grows in a compact, pyramidal shape, reaching 5-6 feet in height over 10-15 years (growing 2-4 inches per year). This slow-growing conifer thrives in USDA Zones 2-8, making it extremely cold-hardy.

Its dense, blue-green needles provide year-round privacy and a soft texture compared to other evergreens. The Dwarf Alberta Spruce requires minimal pruning, maintaining its shape naturally. It performs best in full sun and well-drained soil but struggles in high humidity or extreme heat.

Despite its slow growth, this shrub is an excellent long-term privacy solution for small spaces. It’s resistant to deer and rarely suffers from pest issues. For best results, avoid overwatering and plant in a location with good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.

Pros:

• Drought-tolerant
• Cold-hardy
• Deer-resistant
• Low pruning needs
• Compact growth
• Year-round color
• Pest-resistant

Cons:

• Slow growth
• Hates humidity
• Sensitive to overwatering

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5. Inkberry Holly (Ilex glabra) – 5-6 Foot Evergreen Shrubs for Privacy in Full Sun

Inkberry Holly is a top choice for 5-6 foot evergreen shrubs in full sun, offering deep green foliage and black berries that attract wildlife. It grows at a moderate pace (6-12 inches per year) and thrives in USDA Zones 4-9. Unlike other hollies, it lacks sharp leaves, making it safer for families and pets.

This shrub adapts well to wet or poorly drained soils, making it ideal for rain gardens or swampy areas. Inkberry Holly reaches a mature height of 5-6 feet and spreads 4-5 feet wide, forming a dense hedge. It requires minimal pruning but benefits from occasional shaping to maintain fullness.

Inkberry Holly is highly resistant to pests and diseases, ensuring long-term privacy with little maintenance. It tolerates salt spray, making it a great coastal privacy shrub. For a seamless hedge, plant 3-4 feet apart and mulch to retain moisture.

Pros:

• Full sun tolerant
• Wet soil adaptable
• Wildlife-friendly
• No sharp leaves
• Salt-tolerant
• Disease-resistant
• Low pruning needs

Cons:

• Needs acidic soil
• Slow to establish
• Berries stain

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6. Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus ‘Otto Luyken’) – Best Deer-Resistant 5-6 Foot Evergreen Shrubs for Privacy Hedges

Cherry Laurel is one of the best deer-resistant 5-6 foot evergreen shrubs, featuring glossy leaves and fragrant white flowers in spring. It grows rapidly (12-24 inches per year) and thrives in USDA Zones 6-9, making it ideal for warmer climates. Its dense foliage creates an impenetrable privacy hedge.

This shrub tolerates heavy shade but grows best in partial to full sun. Once established, Cherry Laurel is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering. Its thick leaves also provide excellent noise reduction, making it perfect for urban or roadside privacy screens.

Cherry Laurel is highly resistant to deer, rabbits, and most pests. However, it can be invasive in some regions, so check local restrictions before planting. For a 5-6 foot hedge, space plants 3-4 feet apart and prune annually to control growth.

Pros:

• Deer-resistant
• Fast-growing
• Drought-tolerant
• Fragrant blooms
• Noise-reducing
• Shade-tolerant
• Pest-resistant

Cons:

• Can be invasive
• Needs pruning
• Toxic if ingested

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7. Wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei ‘Emerald Gaiety’) – Hardy 5-6 Foot Evergreen Shrubs for Cold Climates Privacy

Wintercreeper is a hardy 5-6 foot evergreen shrub that thrives in cold climates (USDA Zones 4-9). Its variegated green-and-white leaves add visual interest, while its dense growth provides excellent privacy. This shrub grows moderately (6-12 inches per year) and can also climb if supported.

It tolerates poor soil, pollution, and urban conditions, making it ideal for city landscapes. Wintercreeper is drought-resistant once established and requires little maintenance. However, it can become invasive if not pruned regularly, so containment is necessary.

For a 5-6 foot privacy hedge, plant Wintercreeper 3 feet apart and trim annually. It works well as a low hedge or foundation planting. Avoid planting near natural areas where it may spread uncontrollably.

Pros:

• Cold-hardy
• Drought-resistant
• Urban-tolerant
• Variegated foliage
• Low maintenance
• Fast-growing
• Adaptable

Cons:

• Can be invasive
• Needs containment
• Pruning required

8. Dwarf Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria ‘Nana’) – Best Flowering 5-6 Foot Evergreen Shrubs for Privacy Screening

Dwarf Yaupon Holly stands out as one of the best flowering 5-6 foot evergreen shrubs, offering delicate white blooms in spring alongside its dense foliage. This native North American shrub thrives in USDA Zones 7-10, growing at a moderate pace of 6-10 inches per year to reach its mature 5-6 foot height. Its small, dark green leaves create a perfect privacy screen while requiring minimal maintenance.

What makes this shrub exceptional is its exceptional drought tolerance once established, making it ideal for water-wise landscapes. The Dwarf Yaupon Holly produces bright red berries in fall that persist through winter, providing visual interest and food for birds. It performs best in full sun to partial shade and adapts well to various soil types, including sandy and clay soils.

For optimal privacy screening, plant these shrubs 3-4 feet apart to allow for proper air circulation. They respond well to pruning and can be shaped into formal hedges or left to grow naturally. Unlike some hollies, this variety is less prone to pest problems, making it a reliable choice for long-term privacy solutions.

Pros:

• Drought-tolerant
• Wildlife-friendly
• Salt-resistant
• Low maintenance
• Adaptable
• Year-round interest
• Pest-resistant

Cons:

• Slow growth
• Needs sun
• Berries stain

9. Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Hetz Midget’) – Best 5-6 Foot Evergreen Shrubs for Privacy with Low Watering Needs

The ‘Hetz Midget’ Arborvitae is perfect for those seeking 5-6 foot evergreen shrubs with low watering needs, as it’s exceptionally drought-tolerant once established. This compact cultivar grows in a neat, rounded form, reaching exactly 5-6 feet tall over 10-15 years in USDA Zones 3-7. Its soft, scale-like foliage maintains a rich green color year-round, providing consistent privacy coverage.

This arborvitae variety requires minimal care beyond occasional watering during extreme droughts. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and adapts to various soil conditions, though it prefers well-drained sites. Unlike larger arborvitae varieties, ‘Hetz Midget’ naturally maintains its shape without extensive pruning.

For effective privacy screening, plant these shrubs 3 feet apart to create a dense barrier. They’re particularly useful in small yards where space is limited but privacy is desired. Their natural resistance to deer browsing makes them ideal for rural landscapes where wildlife pressure is high.

Pros:

• Drought-tolerant
• Cold-hardy
• Deer-resistant
• Low pruning
• Compact
• Year-round color
• Adaptable

Cons:

• Slow growth
• Hates wet feet
• Needs sun

10. Azalea (Rhododendron spp.) – Best 5-6 Foot Evergreen Shrubs for Privacy in Shaded Areas

Evergreen azaleas are unmatched as 5-6 foot evergreen shrubs for shaded areas, offering spectacular spring blooms alongside year-round foliage. Many cultivars, like ‘Formosa’ and ‘George Lindley Taber’, naturally grow to 5-6 feet in USDA Zones 7-9, thriving where other evergreens struggle. Their shallow root systems make them perfect for planting under trees where grass won’t grow.

These acid-loving shrubs prefer dappled shade and moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. While they grow slowly (4-8 inches annually), their dense branching creates excellent privacy once mature. The spring floral display adds exceptional beauty to functional privacy screens.

For best results, plant azaleas in groups of 3-5 with 4 feet spacing between plants. Mulch heavily to maintain soil moisture and acidity. While they require specific growing conditions, their payoff in beauty and function makes them worth the extra care in suitable climates.

Pros:

• Shade-loving
• Stunning blooms
• Acid soil adaptable
• Compact
• Year-round leaves
• Wildlife-friendly
• Low pruning

Cons:

• Needs acidic soil
• Slow growth
• Pest-prone

11. Chinese Fringe Flower (Loropetalum chinense) – Compact 5-6 Foot Evergreen Shrubs for Privacy Near Fences

Chinese Fringe Flower offers unique appeal as compact 5-6 foot evergreen shrubs, featuring striking purple foliage and pink spring flowers. The ‘Purple Daydream’ cultivar reaches exactly 5-6 feet in USDA Zones 7-10, growing 12-18 inches annually. Its dense, arching branches create excellent privacy when planted along fences or property lines.

This shrub thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers slightly acidic, well-drained soil. It’s remarkably drought-tolerant once established, requiring minimal supplemental watering. The foliage provides year-round interest, transitioning from deep purple in summer to burgundy in winter.

For fence-line privacy, plant 3-4 feet apart and prune lightly after flowering. Chinese Fringe Flower has few pest problems and adapts well to urban conditions. Its colorful presence makes it one of the most attractive privacy shrubs available.

Pros:

• Colorful foliage
• Drought-tolerant
• Fast-growing
• Compact
• Year-round interest
• Pest-resistant
• Urban-tolerant

Cons:

• Needs acidic soil
• Limited cold hardiness
• Pruning needed

12. Dwarf Japanese Cedar (Cryptomeria japonica ‘Globosa Nana’) – Best Wind-Resistant 5-6 Foot Evergreen Shrubs for Privacy Barriers

The Dwarf Japanese Cedar excels as wind-resistant 5-6 foot evergreen shrubs, with dense, spiraled foliage that withstands strong gusts. This slow-growing conifer (3-6 inches annually) reaches 5-6 feet in USDA Zones 5-9, forming a perfect natural windbreak. Its blue-green foliage takes on bronze hues in winter, maintaining privacy year-round.

This cultivar thrives in full sun and moist, well-drained acidic soil. It’s remarkably resistant to windburn and salt spray, making it ideal for coastal properties. The natural globe shape requires little pruning, making it low-maintenance compared to other evergreens.

For wind protection, plant in staggered rows with 4-5 feet between plants. Dwarf Japanese Cedar has few pest issues and develops a beautiful, shredding bark with age. Its unique texture adds visual interest beyond typical privacy shrubs.

Pros:

• Windproof
• Salt-tolerant
• Low pruning
• Year-round color
• Pest-free
• Drought-tolerant
• Compact

Cons:

• Slow growth
• Needs acidic soil
• Hates wet feet

13. Skimmia (Skimmia japonica) – 5-6 Foot Evergreen Shrubs for Privacy That Attract Birds

Skimmia stands out among 5-6 foot evergreen shrubs as a wildlife-friendly privacy solution with exceptional ornamental value. This shade-loving shrub grows slowly (4-6 inches annually) to reach 5-6 feet in USDA Zones 6-8, perfect for woodland gardens. Its glossy, aromatic leaves and bright red berries create year-round visual interest while providing shelter for birds.

Female varieties produce stunning clusters of red berries that persist through winter when planted near a male pollinator. Skimmia thrives in acidic, moist but well-drained soil with dappled shade protection. The fragrant white spring flowers attract pollinators, adding ecological benefits to its privacy function.

For optimal bird habitat and privacy screening, plant Skimmia in groups of 3-5 with 4 feet spacing. It requires minimal pruning beyond occasional shaping and benefits from annual mulching. This low-maintenance shrub is particularly effective for creating secluded garden rooms in shaded areas.

Pros:

• Bird-friendly
• Shade-tolerant
• Fragrant blooms
• Year-round berries
• Low pruning
• Pest-resistant
• Compact growth

Cons:

• Needs acidic soil
• Slow growth
• Requires pollinator

14. Sweet Box (Sarcococca confusa) – Best 5-6 Foot Evergreen Shrubs for Privacy Along Driveways

Sweet Box excels as 5-6 foot evergreen shrubs for driveway borders, offering unparalleled winter fragrance in shady locations. This underused gem reaches exactly 5-6 feet in USDA Zones 6-9, growing 6-10 inches annually to form dense, glossy hedges. Its tiny white winter flowers perfume the air for yards around, making it ideal for high-traffic areas.

The shrub’s arching branches and leathery leaves create excellent screening even in deep shade where most plants struggle. Sweet Box tolerates urban pollution and root competition from trees, performing well in challenging driveway conditions. Black berries add ornamental interest and attract wildlife without creating mess.

Plant Sweet Box 3 feet apart for continuous screening along driveways. It requires virtually no pruning and thrives with minimal care once established. For year-round fragrance and privacy with zero fuss, few shrubs can match Sweet Box’s performance in shady spots.

Pros:

• Winter blooms
• Deep shade tolerant
• Fragrant
• Low maintenance
• Urban-tolerant
• Mess-free
• Wildlife-friendly

Cons:

• Slow growth
• Needs moisture
• Limited sun tolerance

15. Indian Hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis indica) – Best Pest-Resistant 5-6 Foot Evergreen Shrubs for Privacy Landscaping

Indian Hawthorn ranks among the most pest-resistant 5-6 foot evergreen shrubs, offering worry-free privacy in warm climates. This Southern favorite reaches 5-6 feet in USDA Zones 7-11, growing 8-12 inches annually to form dense, rounded mounds. Its leathery leaves and pink spring flowers provide year-round beauty with exceptional disease resistance.

This shrub thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating heat, drought, and salt spray once established. Newer cultivars like ‘Eleanor Taber’ offer improved resistance to leaf spot, making them nearly bulletproof in the landscape. The blue-black berries attract birds without creating excessive litter.

Space plants 4 feet apart for seamless privacy screening. Indian Hawthorn requires minimal pruning – just occasional shaping after flowering. For low-maintenance beauty in coastal or urban settings, few shrubs match its combination of toughness and ornamental appeal.

Pros:

• Disease-resistant
• Drought-tolerant
• Salt-proof
• Long blooming
• Wildlife value
• Heat-loving
• Low pruning

Cons:

• Limited cold hardiness
• Needs drainage
• Slow establishment

16. Dwarf Pittosporum (Pittosporum tobira ‘Wheeleri’) – Best 5-6 Foot Evergreen Shrubs for Privacy With Minimal Pruning

Dwarf Pittosporum delivers perfect 5-6 foot evergreen shrubs for those seeking privacy without constant pruning. This compact cultivar grows 6-10 inches annually to reach exactly 5-6 feet in USDA Zones 8-11. Its dense, rounded form requires only occasional trimming to maintain shape, making it ideal for low-maintenance landscapes.

The leathery, dark green leaves create excellent visual screening and noise reduction. Fragrant white spring flowers add seasonal interest without creating messy litter. Pittosporum thrives in full sun to partial shade and tolerates poor soil, drought, and salt spray once established.

Plant 3-4 feet apart for continuous privacy hedges. This tough shrub withstands urban conditions and requires no special care beyond occasional watering during droughts. For effortless elegance in warm climates, Dwarf Pittosporum is a top-performing choice.

Pros:

• Low pruning
• Drought-tolerant
• Fragrant blooms
• Salt-resistant
• Urban-tough
• Pest-free
• Compact form

Cons:

• Cold-sensitive
• Slow growth
• Limited color

17. False Cypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Soft Serve’) – Best 5-6 Foot Evergreen Shrubs for Privacy in Humid Climates

‘Soft Serve’ False Cypress excels as 5-6 foot evergreen shrubs in humid regions where other conifers struggle. This unique cultivar grows 6-12 inches annually to reach 5-6 feet in USDA Zones 4-8, maintaining a perfect conical shape without pruning. Its feathery, blue-green foliage resists fungal diseases common in muggy climates.

The shrub thrives in full sun and moist, well-drained acidic soil. Unlike many evergreens, it maintains excellent color and density even in high humidity. Deer typically avoid its aromatic foliage, making it ideal for rural landscapes with wildlife pressure.

Space plants 4 feet apart for privacy screening. ‘Soft Serve’ requires virtually no maintenance beyond occasional watering during drought. For year-round structure and color in challenging humid conditions, few conifers perform as reliably.

Pros:

• Humidity-tolerant
• Disease-resistant
• Deer-proof
• Low maintenance
• Colorful
• Formal shape
• Pest-free

Cons:

• Needs acidic soil
• Hates drought
• Limited heat tolerance

18. Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium ‘Compacta’) – Best 5-6 Foot Evergreen Shrubs for Privacy With Year-Round Foliage

Compact Oregon Grape offers unique appeal as 5-6 foot evergreen shrubs with spectacular seasonal color changes. This Northwest native reaches exactly 5-6 feet in USDA Zones 5-8, growing 6-10 inches annually. Its holly-like leaves transition from green to burgundy, providing year-round visual interest and privacy.

Bright yellow spring flowers give way to edible blue berries that attract birds. The shrub thrives in dry shade where most plants fail, making it perfect for woodland privacy screens. Its exceptional drought tolerance once established reduces maintenance in challenging sites.

Plant 3-4 feet apart for optimal coverage. Oregon Grape spreads slowly by rhizomes but isn’t invasive. For four-season interest with native plant benefits, this tough shrub outperforms many traditional privacy choices.

Pros:

• Year-round color
• Drought-proof
• Shade-loving
• Wildlife value
• Native benefits
• Edible fruit
• Disease-free

Cons:

• Slow growth
• Prickly leaves
• Needs drainage

19. Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera) – Best 5-6 Foot Evergreen Shrubs for Privacy With Fragrant Flowers

Wax Myrtle stands out among 5-6 foot evergreen shrubs for its aromatic foliage and exceptional adaptability. This fast-growing native (12-24 inches annually) reaches 5-6 feet in USDA Zones 7-11, forming dense screens quickly. Its olive-green leaves release a bayberry fragrance when brushed, enhancing outdoor spaces.

The shrub thrives in wet or dry soils, from sand to clay, and tolerates salt spray beautifully. Female plants produce waxy gray berries that attract birds and provide winter interest. Wax Myrtle’s rapid growth makes it ideal for quick privacy solutions in new landscapes.

Space plants 4-5 feet apart for screening. Though fast-growing, it responds well to heavy pruning if needed. For fragrant, wildlife-friendly privacy in tough sites, Wax Myrtle is a top-performing native choice.

Pros:

• Fast-growing
• Fragrant
• Salt-tolerant
• Adaptable
• Wildlife value
• Drought-proof
• Pest-resistant

Cons:

• Needs pruning
• Messy fruit
• Limited cold hardiness

20. Compact Hinoki Cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Nana Gracilis’) – Best 5-6 Foot Evergreen Shrubs for Privacy for Beginners

Compact Hinoki Cypress is the perfect 5-6 foot evergreen shrubs for novice gardeners seeking foolproof privacy. This slow-growing conifer (3-6 inches annually) reaches exactly 5-6 feet in USDA Zones 4-8, maintaining a graceful pyramidal form without pruning. Its rich green, fan-shaped foliage offers year-round beauty with zero maintenance.

The shrub thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It’s resistant to most pests and diseases, and deer typically avoid its aromatic foliage. Unlike many evergreens, it maintains dense branching from top to bottom without developing bare legs.

Space plants 3 feet apart for privacy screening. For gardeners wanting attractive, care-free evergreen privacy, Compact Hinoki Cypress delivers exceptional results with minimal effort.

Pros:

• Beginner-friendly
• Pest-proof
• Deer-resistant
• No pruning
• Year-round color
• Disease-free
• Compact form

Cons:

• Slow growth
• Hates wet feet
• Limited heat tolerance

How to Choose the Best 5-6 Foot Evergreen Shrubs for Privacy

When selecting 5-6 foot evergreen shrubs for privacy, several factors must be considered to ensure they thrive and provide the dense, year-round coverage you desire.

Below are the essential 5-6 foot evergreen shrubs for privacy, and buying tips to help you make the best choice for your landscape.

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1. Choose the Right Growth Rate for Your Needs

• Fast-growing 5-6 foot evergreen shrubs (like Cherry Laurel or Wax Myrtle) provide quick privacy but may need frequent pruning.
• Slow-growing varieties (such as Boxwood or Dwarf Alberta Spruce) require less maintenance but take longer to fill in.
• If you need immediate screening, opt for fast-growing 5-6 foot evergreen shrubs and space them closer together.

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2. Consider Your USDA Hardiness Zone

• Cold climates (Zones 3-6): Choose hardy 5-6 foot evergreen shrubs like Dwarf Alberta Spruce or Wintercreeper.
• Moderate climates (Zones 7-9): Cherry Laurel, Indian Hawthorn, and Azaleas perform well.
• Warm climates (Zones 10-11): Wax Myrtle and Dwarf Pittosporum are excellent choices.
• Always verify the USDA zone compatibility before purchasing to ensure long-term survival.

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3. Evaluate Sunlight Requirements

• Full sun (6+ hours/day): Arborvitae, Inkberry Holly, and Indian Hawthorn thrive in bright conditions.
• Partial shade (3-6 hours/day): Azaleas, Mountain Laurel, and Sweet Box are ideal.
• Full shade (<3 hours/day): Skimmia and Oregon Grape work best.
• Planting 5-6 foot evergreen shrubs in the wrong light conditions leads to poor growth and sparse foliage.

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4. Check Soil and Water Needs

• Well-drained soil: Most 5-6 foot evergreen shrubs (like Boxwood and Arborvitae) prefer good drainage.
• Wet soil tolerance: Inkberry Holly and Sweet Box handle moist conditions well.
• Drought-resistant options: Dwarf Yaupon Holly, Wax Myrtle, and Mountain Laurel need less watering once established.
• Test your soil’s pH—some 5-6 foot evergreen shrubs (like Azaleas) require acidic soil.

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5. Determine Maintenance Level

• Low-maintenance 5-6 foot evergreen shrubs: Dwarf Hinoki Cypress, Inkberry Holly, and Mountain Laurel need minimal pruning.
• Higher-maintenance shrubs: Cherry Laurel and Wax Myrtle grow fast and may need regular trimming.
• If you dislike pruning, choose slow-growing 5-6 foot evergreen shrubs that maintain their shape naturally.

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6. Decide on Aesthetic Preferences

• Flowering shrubs: Azaleas, Loropetalum, and Sweet Box add seasonal color.
• Berry-producing shrubs: Skimmia, Inkberry Holly, and Oregon Grape attract birds.
• Fragrant options: Sweet Box, Wax Myrtle, and Dwarf Pittosporum offer pleasant scents.
• Pick 5-6 foot evergreen shrubs that match your landscape style—formal (Boxwood) vs. natural (Mountain Laurel).

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7. Space Them Properly for Optimal Privacy

• Fast growers: Plant 4-5 feet apart (e.g., Cherry Laurel, Wax Myrtle).
• Slow growers: Space 3-4 feet apart (e.g., Boxwood, Dwarf Alberta Spruce).
• For instant privacy, buy larger 5-6 foot evergreen shrubs and plant them closer together.

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8. Look for Pest and Disease Resistance

• Deer-resistant 5-6 foot evergreen shrubs: Boxwood, Cherry Laurel, Arborvitae.
• Disease-resistant options: Indian Hawthorn, Dwarf Yaupon Holly, False Cypress.
• Avoid shrubs prone to pests (like Azaleas, which can get lace bugs) if you want low-maintenance privacy.

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9. Buy from Reputable Nurseries

• Purchase healthy, well-rooted 5-6 foot evergreen shrubs from trusted growers.
• Check for signs of disease (yellow leaves, weak stems) before buying.
• Consider container-grown shrubs for easier transplanting success

Best 5-6 Foot Evergreen Shrubs for Privacy FAQs 

1. What Are the Best Fast-Growing 5-6 Foot Evergreen Shrubs for Privacy?

If you need quick privacy, consider fast-growing 5-6 foot evergreen shrubs like Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) or Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera), which grow 12-24 inches per year. Other great options include Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata) and Arborvitae (Thuja spp.), which fill in quickly while maintaining a dense, 5-6 foot height.

2. Which 5-6 Foot Evergreen Shrubs Are Best for Small Yards?

For small spaces, compact 5-6 foot evergreen shrubs like Boxwood (Buxus spp.), Dwarf Alberta Spruce (Picea glauca ‘Conica’), and Dwarf Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria ‘Nana’) work best. These shrubs grow slowly, require minimal pruning, and fit well in tight landscapes while still providing excellent privacy.

3. What Are the Most Low-Maintenance 5-6 Foot Evergreen Shrubs for Privacy?

If you want low-maintenance 5-6 foot evergreen shrubs, choose Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia), Inkberry Holly (Ilex glabra), or Dwarf Pittosporum (Pittosporum tobira ‘Wheeleri’). These shrubs need little pruning, resist pests, and thrive with minimal watering once established.

4. Which 5-6 Foot Evergreen Shrubs Work Best in Shade?

For shaded areas, Azaleas (Rhododendron spp.), Sweet Box (Sarcococca confusa), and Skimmia (Skimmia japonica) are top choices. These 5-6 foot evergreen shrubs tolerate partial to full shade while still providing dense foliage for privacy.

5. What Are the Best Deer-Resistant 5-6 Foot Evergreen Shrubs?

If deer are a problem, opt for deer-resistant 5-6 foot evergreen shrubs like Boxwood (Buxus), Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus), and Arborvitae (Thuja). These shrubs have foliage that deer typically avoid, ensuring your privacy screen stays intact.

6. Can 5-6 Foot Evergreen Shrubs Survive Cold Climates?

Yes! Cold-hardy 5-6 foot evergreen shrubs like Dwarf Alberta Spruce (Picea glauca ‘Conica’), Wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei), and Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia) thrive in USDA Zones 3-7, providing year-round privacy even in freezing temperatures.

7. How Far Apart Should I Plant 5-6 Foot Evergreen Shrubs for Privacy?

For a dense privacy hedge, plant 5-6 foot evergreen shrubs 3-5 feet apart, depending on their spread. Fast growers like Cherry Laurel can be spaced 4-5 feet apart, while slow growers like Boxwood should be planted 3 feet apart for quicker coverage.

Conclusion

Choosing the right 5-6 foot evergreen shrubs for privacy depends on your climate, soil, and maintenance preferences.

Whether you need fast-growing, drought-tolerant, or flowering varieties, this list provides the best options for every need.

By incorporating these shrubs into your landscape, you can enjoy year-round privacy and beauty.

For optimal results, consider USDA hardiness zones, sunlight exposure, and spacing requirements when planting. With proper care, these 5-6 foot evergreen shrubs will create a lush, private retreat in your garden.