Struggling with nosy neighbours? Are you worried about the lack of privacy between your property and theirs? If so, you’re definitely not the only one.
Hedges are a fantastic and affordable option to increase the privacy in your garden but don’t want an unsightly fence ruining the aesthetics of their property.
Since you likely don’t want to wait for your hedges to grow, we’ve prepared this ultimate list of the best fast growing hedges for privacy.
Don’t forget to take a look at our favourite hedge trimmers for this year.
In This Guide
13 of the Fastest Growing Hedges in the UK
Bay Laurel
Bay laurel is known for a number of reasons, the most popular of which involves Apollo, the God of the Sun. In Ancient Greece, wreaths were made from bay laurel and were then presented to the winners of the Olympic Games.
Laurels tend to grow quickly. This hedge in particular can grow up to 40 centimetres in a short timeframe, so those who are looking for an immediate solution will be happy with this hedge.
Cherry Laurel
Cherry laurels are similar to the above bay laurels. The main difference is that a cherry laurel grows faster than a bay laurel and is a denser shrubbery.
Within the first year of growth, you can expect the cherry laurel to grow 30 centimetres. This hedge grows extraordinarily well when exposed to heat.
During warmer months, these hedges grow fruits that look similar to cherries. When the fruits mature, the colour transitions from red to black.
You’ll want to prune these hedges up to twice per year for optimal growth and plant health. The foliage will provide you with a glossy, evergreen finish.
While it will grow well when exposed to large amounts of sun, cherry laurel, otherwise known as English laurel, grows best in partial shade. This plant is also tolerant of drought, so it’ll survive during dry seasons.
Fuchsia
This hedge is popular due to its elegant and unique look. If you live in a mild area, you can expect fuchsia to flower. While the plant can grow up to 3 meters, you may want to prune it regularly to prevent it from growing too rapidly so that you can maintain your desired height for privacy.
While many hedges can grow adequately in the sun, you may want to consider growing your fuchsia in partial shade as this is where it will grow best.
Portuguese Laurel
Portuguese Laurel is ideal for those who want a hedge that will maintain their backyard’s elegant or classy aesthetic. This hedge will grow small white flowers that will beautify your backyard and add to its decor.
Within the first year, you can expect this hedge to grow up to 60 centimetres in total. The berries it grows also happen to be beloved by birds, so you’ll be treated to a beautiful display of nature every time you step outdoors.
Griselinia
Griselinia is more than just a pretty name: it’s a beautifully lush plant. If you’re planning to cultivate gardens on your property, it may be a good idea to invest in Griselinia.
It can provide excellent privacy from neighbouring yards in its maturity and will grow up to 30 centimetres a year. These plants should be grown in a sunny area for optimal growth rates.
Beech
Beech hedges are known for being denser than some other hedges on this list. Like many, though, it will grow up to 30 centimetres per year.
If you’re going to be pruning it, you should do so during the Fall. This way, the hedge will maintain its leaves throughout Winter and will regrow properly come Spring.
Privet
A few years ago, you could find privet on most properties in the UK. This is another formal hedge that is more appropriate for those looking for a classy hedge to spice up their backyard.
The hedge grows densely and provides homes with the utmost privacy. For those who like to have their hedges shaped, the density of privet makes this ideal, even for those with slightly more comedic or imaginative hedge trimming intentions.
You can expect these hedges to grow up to 60 centimetres per year.
Leylandii
Much like laurel and privet, leylandii is a classic when it comes to fast-growing hedges. With a little trimming, you can use these hedges to create the ultimate screen of protection between you and the properties surrounding you.
This hedge grows up to 90 centimetres in the first year, making it one of the fastest-growing shrubs on this list.
Bamboo
Bamboo is the perfect alternative for those who don’t have much space to work within their backyard.
It is also ideal for those who want to create a sense of privacy. You can even find bamboo that has already been prepared into makeshift hedges or screens.
Viburnum Tinus
Viburnum Tinus creates a comfortable atmosphere in backyards. Its flowers are scented and grow between Winter and Spring.
This shrub grows fastest when it’s young; in fact, it grows a minimum of 30 centimetres per year. After it matures, this rate drops significantly and won’t take much maintenance to maintain its shape.
Photinia
Photinia is also known as Red Robin and is popular because of its red colour when it grows in Spring.
Over time, this red will transition into a dark green. Like many hedges, it will grow up to 30 centimetres per year.
It should also be pruned or clipped in Summer if you want to ensure that it maintains its elegant aesthetic.
Western Red Cedar
If you’re looking for an alternative to leylandii, western red cedar is an excellent second option for you.
This is one of the hedges on the list that grows the fastest, ranging from a minimum of 45 centimetres to a maximum of 60 centimetres of growth per year.
If you crush or rub this hedge, you will be treated to a pleasant aroma.
Green Giant Arborvitae
Arborvitae shrubs have a reputation for growing slowly, but this hedge is an exception to the rule and can grow up to 3 feet per year. Some lucky Green Giant growers have even experienced growth of up to 5 feet per year, but this requires avid care and attention toward the hedge.
If you’re considering this hedge, you may want to keep in mind that it can be challenging to maintain, so you should only get these hedges if you have experience in landscaping or if you’re willing to invest time and money into doing so.
Final Thoughts
Having privacy within the comfort of your home is vital for those who seek peace of mind.
That’s why hedges can benefit you greatly. From western red cedars to bay laurels, any of the above hedges will be able to provide you with the privacy you deserve.
Looking for further reading? Why not read our guide to keeping your lawn looking lush and green.
We recommend visiting the Royal Horticultural Society’s page on hedges for more tips and tricks to keeping your hedges looking healthy!
Now that you’ve had the chance to read all about them, we have a question to ask you!
What do you look for in your hedges?
