When it comes to adding privacy, beauty, and protection to your garden, hedges are a fantastic choice. The key to a successful hedge is choosing the right type that not only suits your space but also grows quickly.

Whether you’re looking to create a privacy fence or add a decorative border, fast-growing hedges provide quick results without the wait.

In this article, we’ll explore 10 of the best and quickest hedges to grow, each offering unique benefits and features to suit various gardening needs.

Related: Best Fertilizer For Hedges

What Is The Quickest Hedge To Grow? Find 10 Best

1. Leylandii Cypress (Cupressocyparis leylandii)

Leylandii Cypress is one of the most popular choices for a fast-growing hedge. With its dense evergreen foliage and rapid growth rate, it can grow up to 3 feet per year.

It’s a perfect choice for those looking for a high hedge with year-round coverage. However, it requires regular trimming to keep its shape in check, as it can easily become too large if not maintained.

The Leylandii Cypress thrives in various soil conditions and climates, making it versatile and easy to plant. It works well as a windbreak, privacy screen, or noise barrier. Due to its rapid growth, it’s ideal for those seeking immediate results in creating a hedge.

Pros:

• Fast growth rate
• Year-round greenery
• Easy to grow
• Versatile use
• Excellent privacy screen
• Low maintenance
• Disease-resistant

Cons:

• Needs regular trimming
• Can become invasive
• May discolor in winter

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2. Privet (Ligustrum vulgare)

Privet is a classic hedge plant known for its fast growth and adaptability. It can grow up to 2 feet per year, quickly creating a dense and lush green fence. Additionally, it’s a deciduous hedge, meaning it sheds its leaves in the winter, but it still provides solid structure throughout the colder months.

Privet hedges are extremely versatile, thriving in various soil types and locations. They’re often used for formal garden designs or privacy fences, and they can be easily shaped with regular pruning. Although it’s easy to maintain, privet can sometimes suffer from pest infestations if not cared for properly.

Pros:

• Fast growth
• Easy to shape
• Adaptable to soil
• Good privacy hedge
• Tolerates pruning
• Low-maintenance
• Resilient

Cons:

• Susceptible to pests
• Loses leaves in winter
• Needs frequent pruning

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3. Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens)

Boxwood is a great choice for a neat, formal hedge that grows quickly when properly cared for. Although its growth rate isn’t as fast as Leylandii or Privet, it still offers impressive results at about 6 to 12 inches per year. Boxwood is prized for its dense foliage and compact growth habit, which makes it an excellent choice for both small and large gardens.

This evergreen hedge is easy to shape and maintains a beautiful, lush green appearance year-round. Boxwood is perfect for creating defined borders or adding structure to garden beds. It thrives in well-drained, fertile soil and does best in partial sun to full shade conditions.

Pros:

• Compact growth
• Easy to shape
• Evergreen
• Neat appearance
• Low maintenance
• Tolerates pruning
• Versatile placement

Cons:

• Slower growth rate
• Prone to disease
• Sensitive to extreme weather

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4. Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)

Cherry Laurel is another fast-growing hedge that thrives in both sun and partial shade. It can grow up to 2 feet per year, making it an excellent choice for quick privacy screening or hedging. With its glossy, dark green leaves, it adds a sleek and elegant look to any garden.

This hedge is particularly popular for creating tall, thick barriers due to its dense foliage and rapid growth. It’s also relatively low-maintenance, though it benefits from occasional trimming to maintain its shape. Cherry Laurel is tolerant of a wide range of soils, including clay, loam, and sand.

Pros:

• Fast-growing
• Dense foliage
• Low-maintenance
• Easy to trim
• Tolerates various soils
• Evergreen
• Pest-resistant

Cons:

• Can become invasive
• Requires occasional trimming
• May need protection from frost

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5. Photinia (Photinia x fraseri)

Photinia, often known for its stunning red foliage, is a beautiful, fast-growing hedge that provides both color and privacy. It grows rapidly, reaching up to 3 feet per year under optimal conditions, and its striking red leaves provide an attractive contrast to green spaces. Photinia can be planted in sun or partial shade and is known for its dense growth.

This hedge is perfect for adding visual interest to your garden and is especially effective in temperate climates. It’s easy to prune, and regular cutting ensures it remains dense and well-shaped. While the plant is hardy and resilient, it does require some attention to avoid potential disease issues.

Pros:

• Stunning red foliage
• Fast-growing
• Easy to prune
• Great for privacy
• Pest-resistant
• Evergreen
• Vibrant color

Cons:

• Requires pruning
• Can suffer from diseases
• Needs good sunlight

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6. Yew (Taxus baccata)

Yew is a popular evergreen hedge known for its dense, dark green foliage and relatively fast growth. It can grow up to 12 inches per year, making it an excellent choice for a privacy hedge or boundary. While the growth rate is slower than other hedges, Yew’s longevity and resilience make it a great long-term option for your garden.

Yew hedges thrive in well-drained, acidic soil and are particularly tolerant of both sun and shade. It is also a great option for topiary and can be shaped into various forms with ease. Regular pruning is needed to maintain a tidy, dense hedge, but the plant is low-maintenance overall.

Pros:

• Dense foliage
• Evergreen
• Tolerates pruning
• Low-maintenance
• Great for topiary
• Tolerates sun/shade
• Long-lasting

Cons:

• Slower growth
• Requires pruning
• Toxic to pets

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7. Holly (Ilex aquifolium)

Holly is a popular evergreen hedge known for its striking, spiny leaves and vibrant red berries. With a growth rate of 12 to 24 inches per year, it creates a dense, impenetrable barrier for privacy or security. It’s perfect for those looking to add both beauty and function to their gardens.

Holly thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, providing year-round coverage with its attractive green foliage and colorful berries. Although relatively low-maintenance, holly requires occasional pruning to maintain its shape and prevent it from becoming too large. Its ability to tolerate cold temperatures makes it a great option for colder climates.

Pros:

• Evergreen
• Attractive berries
• Great for privacy
• Low-maintenance
• Tolerates cold
• Dense foliage
• Pruning-friendly

Cons:

• Spiny leaves
• Slow initial growth
• Needs space

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8. Bamboo (Fargesia murielae)

Bamboo is a unique, fast-growing hedge that can reach up to 3 feet in height annually. It’s particularly known for its tall, upright growth habit and ability to form a dense, privacy-enhancing screen. Bamboo thrives in sunny or partially shaded locations, providing a tropical feel to gardens.

While bamboo is low-maintenance and quick to grow, it can spread rapidly if not contained. Planting it in a container or using root barriers can help manage its growth and prevent it from becoming invasive. Bamboo is ideal for those who want an exotic, privacy-producing hedge without extensive upkeep.

Pros:

• Very fast growth
• Low-maintenance
• Adds tropical feel
• Excellent privacy hedge
• Tolerates various soils
• Evergreen
• Low water needs

Cons:

• Can be invasive
• Needs containment
• Prone to pests

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9. Laurel (Prunus lusitanica)

Laurel is another versatile hedge that grows quickly and can be maintained easily. It thrives in a variety of soil conditions and can grow up to 2 feet per year, forming a dense, evergreen hedge. With glossy, dark green leaves and white flowers in the spring, Laurel is as beautiful as it is practical.

This hedge is perfect for privacy screening, providing a solid and attractive fence year-round. Laurel requires little attention once established, though it benefits from occasional trimming to keep its shape. Its rapid growth rate makes it a great option for homeowners looking for quick results.

Pros:

• Fast-growing
• Low-maintenance
• Evergreen
• Attractive flowers
• Tolerates various soils
• Pest-resistant
• Dense coverage

Cons:

• Needs occasional pruning
• Can spread
• Susceptible to frost

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10. Beech (Fagus sylvatica)

Beech is a deciduous hedge that grows rapidly, reaching up to 18 inches per year. Its dense growth and smooth, shiny leaves provide excellent coverage for privacy or boundary purposes. While it loses its leaves in the winter, Beech still offers great structure and privacy through its remaining brown foliage.

Beech thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, making it a great option for sunny gardens. It’s ideal for large spaces and can be pruned to create a clean, formal hedge. With its rapid growth and easy maintenance, Beech is perfect for gardeners who need a quick and beautiful hedge.

Pros:

• Fast-growing
• Low-maintenance
• Great structure
• Tolerates pruning
• Dense coverage
• Versatile placement
• Pest-resistant

Cons:

• Sheds leaves in winter
• Needs regular trimming
• Can be slow initially

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What Is The Quickest Hedge To Grow FAQs

1. What is the fastest-growing hedge?
The fastest-growing hedge is the Leylandii Cypress, which can grow up to 3 feet per year.

2. Are privet hedges easy to maintain?
Yes, privet hedges are relatively easy to maintain but require frequent pruning to keep them in shape.

3. Can I grow a quick hedge in a shady area?
Yes, many hedges like Boxwood and Holly thrive in partial shade and still grow quickly.

4. How long does it take to grow a privacy hedge?
Most hedges can provide privacy within 1 to 2 years, depending on the type and growth rate.

5. Are there any hedges that are pest-resistant?
Yes, many fast-growing hedges like Holly and Laurel are resistant to common garden pests.

6. Can I grow hedges in containers?
Yes, hedges like Bamboo and Boxwood can be grown in containers for smaller spaces.

7. What hedge is best for cold climates?
Holly and Yew are perfect for cold climates as they can withstand freezing temperatures.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, selecting the right hedge depends on your specific needs, whether it’s privacy, beauty, or quick growth. Quick-growing options like Leylandii, Privet, and Bamboo offer rapid results with minimal effort.

However, it’s essential to maintain regular pruning and consider the space required for each plant.

With the right care and planning, you can enjoy a beautiful and functional hedge in no time. Start planning your hedge today and transform your garden into a private oasis!