Are you looking to add some additional privacy to your garden or yard, but don’t want the hassle of installing or maintaining a fence? One solution could be to look into installing privacy shrubs.

These are shrubs that have been specifically chosen and strategically placed in order to provide a natural barrier between the inside of your yard and the outside world.

Not only do privacy shrubs offer concealment from prying eyes but they can also add color, texture, and interest to a garden or yard. In addition, unlike fences and walls, you can easily change the location of your privacy shrubs if you want to create a different look.

The type of shrub that you choose for your privacy hedge will depend on where it’s going to be located in relation to the sun and wind as well as what type of maintenance you’ll be comfortable with doing.

Some popular types of privacy shrubs include evergreens such as yew, boxwood, and arborvitae; broadleaf evergreens such as holly and rhododendron; and deciduous shrubs such as dogwood and lilac. Selecting a variety of different plants can help provide year-round color and interest in your garden or yard.

Strategically positioning your new privacy hedge is one of the most important steps in the process. Depending on the size of your yard and the amount of sun available you may want to place taller or denser plants on the outer edges of your yard while opting for shorter more airy varieties closer to the center.

You should also leave a few gaps between plants so that air can circulate around them, which will help keep them healthy.

If you’re looking for an attractive way to boost your home’s privacy without having to invest in fencing or walls, then consider investing in privacy shrubs. They’re easy to maintain, last for years without needing replacing and create a beautiful barrier between your home and the outdoors.

Read on to learn more about privacy shrubs – from selecting the right plants for your needs to positioning them correctly – so you can create a lush and natural privacy screen for your property.

What Is a Privacy Shrub?

When you think of privacy shrubs, what comes to mind? Perhaps you think of a line of impenetrable bushes blocking nosy neighbors from peeking into your backyard.

Maybe you envision a secluded seating area surrounded by dense foliage, where you can enjoy a good book without fear of being disturbed. Or perhaps you simply associate privacy shrubs with loud noises and scratchy branches – after all, not all shrubs are created equal!

But whether you love them or hate them, there’s no denying that privacy shrubs can be a great addition to any property. So what exactly is a privacy shrub?

A privacy shrub is simply a type of plant that is used for creating privacy screens or blocking unwanted views. There are many different types of privacy shrubs, and the best type for you will depend on your specific needs and conditions.

Some common privacy shrubs include boxwood, holly, yew, and evergreens. When choosing a privacy shrub, you should consider the plant’s height, spread, and growth rate to make sure it will fit the space you have available. You should also consider the plant’s needs in terms of sunlight, water, and soil type.

How Do Privacy Shrubs Work?

When it comes to creating privacy in your yard, one of the best options is to plant privacy shrubs.

These shrubs can provide a natural barrier between your yard and your neighbor’s yard, and they can also add some beauty to your landscape.

But how do privacy shrubs work? Privacy shrubs are typically evergreen, which means they will keep their leaves year-round.

This is important because it means they will provide a consistent barrier between your yard and your neighbor’s yard. Privacy shrubs are also typically fast-growing.

This is important because you want to be able to enjoy the privacy they provide as soon as possible. Finally, they are typically dense which makes them an ideal choice for privacy.

The Benefits of Using Shrubs For Privacy 

When you want to add privacy to your home, one option is to plant shrubs. Here are some benefits of using privacy shrubs: One benefit of using shrubs is that they can provide year-round privacy.

Unlike privacy fences, which can be an eyesore, shrubs can blend in with your landscaping and add beauty to your yard. Another benefit of using privacy shrubs is that they can provide noise reduction.

If you live on a busy street or near a loud neighbor, planting shrubs can help muffle some of the noise. Privacy shrubs can also provide protection from the sun and wind. If your yard is exposed to harsh sunlight or strong winds, planting shrubs is a great way to help protect your other plants.

The shrubs will act as a barrier, shielding the other plants from the worst of the weather. Not only will this help your other plants to survive, but it will also help them to thrive. Shrubs can also help to prevent soil erosion and can provide homes for wildlife.

How to Choose The Best Privacy Shrub Hedge That Is Right for Your Needs

When selecting privacy bushes, there are a few factors to consider: their growth rate and eventual size, their ornamental attributes, how much interest they provide throughout the year, and the amount of maintenance they require.

If you desire all-season privacy, evergreen shrubs may be a good choice. For a blend of seasonal privacy and natural lighting in the winter months, you may prefer deciduous shrubs (those that lose their leaves).

Additionally, determine if you prefer a neatly clipped formal hedge or a loose, naturalized look that requires less upkeep.

Top 15 Privacy Shrubs to Add Curb Appeal to Your Garden

1. Mock Orange (Philadelphus coronarius)

Mock orange is a deciduous shrub that is native to Europe. It can grow to be about 10 feet tall and has beautiful, fragrant white flowers. The leaves are dark green and the branches are somewhat brittle.

Mock orange is a popular landscaping plant and does well in full sun to part shade. It is important to water mock orange regularly, especially when it is first transplanted.

2. Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea)

Red twig dogwood (Cornus sericea) is a flowering shrub with multi-season interest. In spring, the plant produces small, white flowers. These are followed by white berries in summer.

The fall foliage is a beautiful red, orange, or yellow. The stems of the red twig dogwood are a deep red, providing winter interest.

This shrub grows in a variety of habitats, including wetland margins and forest edges. It is a versatile plant that can be used in landscape design as a specimen plant, in mass plantings, or in naturalized areas.

3. Forsythia (Forsythia spp.)

The forsythia is a beautiful yellow-flowering shrub that is native to Asia. It is named after William Forsyth, a Scottish botanist.

The forsythia is a popular plant in the United States and is often used as a landscape plant. Forsythia is widely used as a privacy shrub.

The plant is known for its glossy green leaves and its ability to produce an abundance of yellow flowers. The Forsythia is a fast-growing shrub that can reach a height of 6 feet. The plant is also known for its drought tolerance.

The forsythia blooms in the spring and its flowers are about an inch in diameter. The forsythia is a hardy shrub and can tolerate cold temperatures.

4. Lilac (Syringa vulgaris) 

Lilac (Syringa vulgaris), a flowering plant in the olive family, is native to the Balkan Peninsula. Lilac flowers are fragrant and range in color from white to purple.

The most common lilac in North America is the French lilac (S.vulgaris), which was introduced in the late eighteenth century. Lilacs are popular garden plants and are often used as hedges or as specimen plants.

5. Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster horizontalis)

Cotoneaster horizontalis, also known as the rock cotoneaster, is a low-growing deciduous shrub native to China. A member of the rose family, it is closely related to the crabapple and hawthorn.

The rock cotoneaster is a popular landscaping plant due to its hardiness, drought tolerance, and ability to thrive in a wide range of soil types. It is often used as a ground cover or in rock gardens.

The small, oval-shaped leaves of the rock cotoneaster are dark green and turn red in the fall. Clusters of white or pink flowers bloom in spring, followed by small red or blackberries.

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6. Diablo Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)

The Diablo Ninebark is a beautiful shrub that is perfect for any garden. It is easy to grow and care for, and it is very tolerant of different soil types.

This shrub can grow to be up to six feet tall and eight feet wide, so it is perfect for use as a privacy hedge or as a focal point in a garden.

The Diablo Ninebark has dark green leaves that are shaped like hearts, and in the spring and summer, these leaves are covered in small white flowers.

This shrub is also one of the few that can tolerate full sun or partial shade, so it is perfect for any location.

7. Pussy Willow (Salix discolor)

Pussy willows are a type of deciduous shrub that is commonly used for privacy hedges. They are characterized by their long, slender leaves and silvery-white buds that bloom in the spring.

Pussy willows are relatively easy to care for and can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. They are an excellent choice for those looking for an attractive, low-maintenance shrub for their landscape.

8. Loropetalum (Loropetalum chinense)

Loropetalum (Loropetalum chinense) is an evergreen shrub that is native to China. It is a member of the Hamamelidaceae family.

The Loropetalum has simple, alternate leaves that are elliptical in shape and have a serrated margin. The leaves are dark green in color and are 2-4 inches long.

The Loropetalum also has small, fragrant, white flowers that bloom in the spring. The Loropetalum is an easy-to-care-for shrub that does well in full sun to partial shade and is drought tolerant. It can be pruned to maintain its size and shape.

9. Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus)

The Burning Bush is a deciduous shrub native to China, Japan, and Korea. It is most commonly found in the wild in these countries, but it has been introduced to North America and Europe as an ornamental plant.

The Burning Bush gets its name from the bright red color of its leaves in the fall. The leaves are opposite, oblong- oval, and serrated. The shrub can grow 6 to 15 feet tall and 8-10 feet wide.

The Burning Bush is a popular landscaping plant because it is easy to care for and is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions. It can be propagated by seed, cuttings, or division.

10. Leylandii (Cupressus × leylandii)

Leylandii is a hybrid between the Monterey cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa) and the Nootka cypress (Cupressus nootkatensis).

It is a fast-growing evergreen conifer that can reach up to 40 m in height.

Leylandii is often used as a hedge or screen because of its dense foliage. However, it can be difficult to control and can become invasive.

11. Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)

Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) is an evergreen shrub or small tree that is common in many yards and gardens. It has dark green, glossy leaves and white flowers that bloom in the spring.

This plant is also known as English Laurel, Common Laurel, or simply Laurel. Cherry Laurel can grow to be 20-30 feet tall and is often used as a hedge or privacy screen.

12. Arborvitae (Thuja spp.)

Arborvitae (Thuja spp.) is an excellent choice of privacy shrub. These evergreen trees can be used as living fences or evergreen screens to provide privacy in backyards, on decks and patios, or in other outdoor spaces.

Their low-maintenance nature and fast-growing habit make them a popular choice for privacy screens. They can reach heights of 10 to 12 feet after 10 years of growth and even taller heights with proper care and pruning.

Arborvitae also provides year-round beauty to any landscape with their glossy foliage which is available in a variety of shades from deep green to yellow. They require little watering and can tolerate a range of soils making them easy to care for and maintain throughout the year.

Arborvitae is a great choice for anyone looking for an attractive yet low-maintenance way to ensure their privacy.

13. Beautyberry

Beautyberry is a great shrub for anyone looking for a way to add some privacy to their yard. With its bright purple berries and lush foliage, this shrub can easily act as a natural fence blocking out unwanted noise, prying eyes, and other distractions.

Beautyberry requires minimal care and is evergreen, so it will retain its lush green color all year round. Plant them in rows to create a hedge that can be up to 14 feet tall and 7 feet wide when mature. With its unique beauty and low maintenance beautyberry will make an excellent addition to any home landscape.

14. Privet (Ligustrum spp.)

Privet also known by its scientific name Ligustrum spp., is a type of shrub often used to provide privacy in yards and gardens. Privet shrubs are fast-growing and tolerate a wide variety of growing conditions making them ideal for many different landscaping applications.

They come in many different varieties with varying heights, widths, and leaf colors, providing plenty of options for homeowners looking for privacy and visual appeal. Privet is also easy to trim and maintain which makes it an excellent choice to create lush, green hedges and borders.

15. Red Tip Photonia (Photonia x fraseri)

Red Tip Photinia (Photinia x fraseri) is a stunning privacy shrub that is perfect for garden landscaping. This evergreen shrub is an attractive plant, featuring deep green foliage and bright red new growth that are sure to liven up any garden space.

Red Tip Photinia bushes are known for their tall and upright form, a fast grower up to 10 feet or more in height when mature, and can be pruned to a desired size if needed. It tolerates both sunny and shady locations and will produce clusters of small white flowers in the early spring.

Red Tip Photinia is also very low maintenance requiring little pruning and trimming, making it a great choice for creating a natural-looking privacy hedge around the garden or property.

16. Skip laurel

Skip laurel is a great option when it comes to providing privacy in the garden. This evergreen shrub grows quickly eventually reaching heights of between 10 to 15 feet, and 5-7 feet wide with an average growth rate of roughly 24 inches per year.

It provides an effective barrier against noise and prying eyes and looks great as a backdrop for any garden.

Its large, leathery leaves are deep green in color, which adds to its appeal as an attractive garden feature. Skip laurel is tolerant of a variety of soil conditions and requires minimal maintenance making it an ideal choice for those looking to add a bit of privacy without a lot of maintenance.

The Best 12 Evergreen Privacy Shrubs 

1. American holly (Ilex opaca)

The American holly (Ilex opaca) is a beautiful, evergreen shrub that is native to the eastern United States.

It is a popular plant for landscaping because of its glossy green leaves and bright red berries.

The American holly can grow up to 30 feet tall and is often used as a hedge or privacy screen. It is also a popular Christmas decoration because of its festive appearance.

2. Dwarf English boxwood (Buxus sempervirens ‘Suffruticosa’)

Dwarf English boxwood (Buxus sempervirens ‘Suffruticosa’) is a small, evergreen shrub that is perfect for use as a low hedge or border plant.

It has dense, glossy green leaves and grows slowly to only 2-3 feet tall and wide. This plant is very low-maintenance and is tolerant of both full sun and shade. It is also resistant to deer and rabbits.

3. Dwarf Flanders holly (Ilex crenata ‘Convexa’)

The Dwarf Flanders holly is a slow-growing, evergreen shrub that is native to Japan.

It has a compact, rounded shape and dark green leaves that are serrated along the edges.

The Dwarf Flanders holly produces small, white flowers in the spring, followed by black berries in the fall.

This plant is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions and prefers full sun to partial shade. It is an excellent choice for use as a hedge or foundation planting.

4. Dwarf yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria ‘Nana’)

The Dwarf yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria ‘Nana’) is a small, evergreen shrub for privacy that is native to the southeastern United States. It has dark green leaves and small white flowers that appear in the spring.

The Dwarf yaupon holly is a popular landscaping plant because it is easy to care for and can be used in a variety of ways.

It can be planted as a hedge, in a foundation planting, or as an accent plant. It is also tolerant of salt and drought, making it a good choice for coastal areas and a great privacy shrub evergreen.

5. Emerald arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Emerald’)

Emerald arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Emerald’) is a beautiful, evergreen tree that is perfect for adding privacy and beauty to your landscape.

This fast-growing tree reaches a mature height of 40-60 feet, with a spread of 15-20 feet.

Emerald arborvitae is easy to care for and is tolerant of a wide range of conditions, making it a great evergreen privacy shrubs choice for even the novice gardener.

This tough tree is also resistant to deer and other pests, so you can enjoy its beauty without worry. Plant emerald arborvitae in full sun to partial shade for best results.

6. Green mountain boxwood (Buxus sempervirens ‘Vardar Valley’)

Green mountain boxwood (Buxus sempervirens ‘Vardar Valley’) is a beautiful, evergreen shrub that is perfect for adding structure and interest to your garden.

This tough plant is easy to care for and can tolerate a wide range of conditions, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced gardeners alike.

Green mountain boxwood is a versatile privacy shrubs evergreen that can be used as a hedge, border, or specimen plant. It is also deer and rabbit-resistant, which is an added bonus!

7. Italian cypress

The Italian cypress is an evergreen privacy shrub that can add both beauty and functionality to your outdoor space. This dramatic tall and slender tree is perfect for creating a formal look in your garden or lining a driveway.

Its dark green foliage provides a good screen to provide privacy without blocking out light or taking up too much space. For landscapes with limited room, this small tree is an ideal choice because it can grow up to 40 ft in height but only reach a spread of 4-7 ft.

This striking shrub also has low water requirements making it an ideal choice for drought prone areas. The Italian cypress is an excellent choice for those looking to add a touch of elegance and seclusion to their landscape.

8. Rocky mountain juniper

The Rocky Mountain juniper (Juniperus scopulorum) is an evergreen shrub that grows throughout parts of the western United States and Canada. It is an excellent choice for providing privacy around a home, as it grows quickly and can reach heights of up to 20 feet.

The needles of the Rocky Mountain juniper are bluish-green in color with a distinct tuft at the end of each branch. Not only does this provide year-round privacy but the foliage has a very attractive look that adds to any landscape.

Additionally, since it is evergreen it will retain its color even in the colder months – making it a great choice for winter landscaping.

9. White spruce

White spruce is an evergreen privacy shrub that is commonly used to create a natural look and feel in landscapes. It has a tall full form and can reach heights of up to 40 feet. Its branches are full and dense, making it an ideal choice for screening out unwanted sights or providing extra privacy.

White spruce offers a distinct texture to any space with its dark green needles and purplish cones. It offers year-round color making it a great choice for those who want to add beauty and interest to their outdoor spaces. White spruce is drought-tolerant and can survive most climates making it easy to care for and maintain.

10. Hicksii yew

The Hicksii yew is an evergreen shrub with dark green, glossy leaves, making it an excellent choice for privacy or screening. This type of yew has a dense growth habit forming a hedge in just a few years which is why it is often used for hedges and topiary.

Hicksii yews are drought tolerant once established and can tolerate poor soil conditions, so they can thrive in many different climates. As with other yews, this species has few disease and pest problems, making it a great low-maintenance choice. Perfect for creating an effective living fence, the Hicksii yew is an ideal choice for landscape privacy.

11. Western red cedar

Western Red Cedar is an evergreen privacy shrub that makes an attractive addition to any yard. This versatile shrub is both fast-growing and long-lasting creating a dense wall of foliage when mature.

Its bright green foliage provides year-round beauty and privacy for landscapes, forming a thick barrier that can block out noise, wind, and prying eyes. The foliage of the Western Red Cedar is also intensely fragrant with a pleasant woodsy scent that adds another layer of interest to the landscape.

It is highly adaptable to different soil types and can tolerate a variety of light conditions from full sun to deep shade. Its dense evergreen foliage also helps to reduce erosion and flooding in the area in which it’s planted.

12. Nigra arborvitae

The Nigra arborvitae is an excellent evergreen shrub for providing privacy to your garden or yard. This non-native, drought-tolerant shrub grows quickly reaching up to 10 feet in height in just a few years.

It features a robust, pyramidal shape with fan-like branches spreading out in stepped layers. The dark green foliage of the Nigra arborvitae gives it a distinguished appearance and makes it an ideal choice for a hedge, screen, or border.

Able to withstand any type of soil, even those with poor drainage, this shrub will not only provide lush greenery all year round but also can thrive in partially sunny or fully shaded areas.

Common Questions People Ask About Privacy Shrubs

What is the fastest-growing shrub for privacy?
“The fastest growing shrub for privacy is the Leyland Cypress. It is a fast-growing, evergreen tree that can grow up to 3 feet per year.

It is a popular choice for privacy hedges because it is dense and grows tall. It is also relatively low-maintenance and can tolerate a variety of conditions.

If you are looking for fast growing privacy shrubs, the Leyland Cypress is a good option.”

What shrubs make good privacy?
There are a number of shrubs that make good privacy screens. Some of the more popular choices include boxwood, holly, and yew. These shrubs are all evergreen, meaning they will keep their leaves year-round.

This is important for privacy screening, as you don’t want gaps in your hedge that would allow people to see through. Evergreen shrubs also tend to be fairly dense, which further aids in providing privacy.

What can I plant to block the neighbor’s view?
If you’re looking to block your neighbor’s view, there are a few plants you can choose from. Weigela, yews, and boxwoods are all good options.

Weigela grows quickly and can get up to 8 feet tall. Yews are slower growing but can get up to 12 feet tall.

Boxwoods are slow growers as well, but only get to be about 3-4 feet tall. All of these plants will provide you with the privacy you’re looking for.

What can I plant for immediate privacy?
There are a few options for plants that can provide immediate privacy. Bamboo is one option that can grow quickly and provide a lot of privacy.

Another option is a fast-growing evergreen, like Leyland cypress, which can provide privacy in just a few years.

If you have a large space to fill, planting a mix of evergreens and deciduous trees can give you privacy now and in the future as the evergreens provide privacy while the deciduous trees are growing.

How can I make my backyard private?
Most backyards are private since they are surrounded by the home.

However, if there is not a fence or other natural barrier between your backyard and your neighbor’s property, it can be difficult to keep your backyard private.

There are a few things you can do to make your backyard more private.

You can install a fence around your backyard. This will give you a physical barrier between your property and your neighbor’s property. You can also plant trees or shrubs around the perimeter of your yard.

This will give you a natural barrier between your yard and your neighbor’s yard. Finally, you can put up privacy screens or curtains around your patio or deck. This will give you a little bit of privacy while you are in your backyard

What is the best tree or shrub for privacy?
The best tree for privacy is a fast-growing evergreen, such as the Leyland cypress.

It can grow up to 3 feet per year and can reach a height of 60 feet, making it an ideal choice for screening.

Another good option is the Thuja Green Giant, which can reach a height of 40 to 60 feet.

How fast does arborvitae grow?
The arborvitae tree is known for its rapid growth rate. In fact, it is one of the fastest-growing trees in North America.

It can grow up to 3 feet per year and can reach a height of over 50 feet. The tree is also known for its thick, green foliage which makes it a popular choice for landscaping.

What is a good privacy hedge?
A good privacy hedge is a barrier, either living or man-made, that is used to separate different areas or block views. Common privacy hedges include trees, shrubs, and fences.

What kind of shrub grows fast?
There are many types of shrubs that grow quickly. Some include the hybrid willow, Japanese privet, and common boxwood.

All three of these shrubs can grow up to 2 to 3 feet per year. The hybrid willow is a popular choice for privacy hedges because it is fast-growing and can reach up to 10 feet tall.

The Japanese privet is also a good choice for hedges because it is evergreen and can reach up to 8 feet tall. The common boxwood is a slower-growing shrub, but it can still reach up to 6 feet tall.

What is a quick-growing hedge?
A quick-growing hedge is a type of hedge that grows quickly. They are usually made out of fast-growing plants that are trimmed regularly. Quick-growing hedges can be used for privacy, to block out noise, or to line a walkway.

Are lilac bushes good for privacy?
Lilac bushes can be good for privacy because they are fast-growing and can get quite tall.

They have dense foliage, which can make it difficult to see through them. Lilacs can also be quite fragrant, which can be a nice bonus if you enjoy the smell of lilacs.

What is the fastest-growing evergreen for privacy?
Nordmann fir is the fastest-growing evergreen for privacy. It is a popular choice for Christmas trees because of its excellent needle retention and pleasant scent.

Nordmann fir can grow up to 3 feet per year, so it is an ideal choice for creating a fast-growing privacy hedge.

In conclusion, privacy shrubs are an important tool for maintaining privacy in your yard or garden. They can provide visual and physical barriers to keep nosy neighbors or passersby from seeing into your yard.

When choosing privacy shrubs, be sure to consider the size, shape, and growth habits of the plant to make sure it will fit in the space you have available and meet your privacy needs.