Privacy hedges are incredibly popular in public and private gardens alike. They separate space and provide a backdrop to any lower plants placed around them. There’s plenty of ways to create a privacy border in your garden with different plants. We’ve curated a list of 14 great plants for this exact purpose. These plants are selected for their ability to form dense hedges, their fast growth, and their attractive foliage or flowers. One of these may be the perfect addition to your own garden at home!
Leyland Cypress (Cupressocyparis leylandii)
Leyland Cypress is a fast-growing evergreen that forms a dense hedge, providing excellent privacy. It has beautiful feathery foliage and can grow up to 3 feet per year.
Green Giant Arborvitae (Thuja standishii x plicata ‘Green Giant’)
Green Giant Arborvitae is a popular choice for privacy hedges due to its rapid growth and tall, columnar shape. It can reach heights of up to 60 feet and has dense, dark green foliage.
American Holly (Ilex opaca)
American Holly is an evergreen shrub with dense, glossy green leaves and vibrant red berries. It forms a thick hedge that provides year-round privacy and attracts birds with its berries.
Japanese Privet (Ligustrum japonicum)
Japanese Privet is a versatile hedge plant that grows quickly and forms a dense screen. It has glossy, dark green leaves and produces white flowers in summer.
English Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)
English Laurel is an evergreen shrub with large, glossy leaves that create a dense hedge. It can tolerate shade and grows well in various soil types.
Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens)
Boxwood is a classic choice for formal hedges due to its dense foliage and ability to be pruned into various shapes. It has small, leathery leaves and is easy to maintain.