7 Privacy Plants That Grow Fast on Your Patio and Backyard

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In today’s world of close neighbors and shrinking yard sizes, privacy has become more of a luxury than ever. But instead of resorting to stark walls or high wooden fences, many homeowners are turning to plants—living, breathing barriers that offer both seclusion and style.

Fast-growing privacy plants are an easy, natural way to block unwanted views, reduce noise, and add character to your outdoor space. Whether you want to shield your patio from prying eyes or create a private nook in the backyard, certain plants can do the job quickly and beautifully.

Here are 7 of the best fast-growing plants that provide privacy while enhancing the look and feel of your outdoor living space.

1. Clumping Bamboo (Bambusa species)

If you want instant height and a modern aesthetic, bamboo is hard to beat. But forget the invasive running types—clumping varieties stay contained and grow in neat, upright clusters.

Clumping bamboo can shoot up 2 to 3 feet per year, reaching heights of 10 to 20 feet depending on the species. Its dense vertical growth makes it ideal for narrow spaces like along patios or between neighboring balconies. Plus, the gentle rustle of bamboo leaves in the breeze adds a peaceful ambiance.

Best for: Tight urban spaces, patios, or along fence lines
Growing conditions: Full to partial sun, consistent moisture
Tip: Trim yearly to control height and promote dense growth

2. ‘Green Giant’ Arborvitae (Thuja standishii × plicata)

This tall, conical evergreen is one of the most popular privacy plants for a reason—it grows fast and looks good all year long. The ‘Green Giant’ variety can grow up to 3 feet per year and eventually reach 30 to 40 feet tall if left untrimmed.

Its lush, dense foliage forms a thick green wall that effectively screens views, muffles sound, and withstands wind. Even better, it’s deer-resistant and adapts well to most soils.

Best for: Property boundaries, windbreaks, year-round privacy
Growing conditions: Full sun, moderate watering
Tip: Space about 5 to 6 feet apart for a solid hedge

3. Italian Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)

If you love a tall, slender, Mediterranean look, Italian Cypress might be your dream plant. These evergreen columnar trees grow straight up rather than out, making them perfect for tight borders or lining patios with elegance.

Italian Cypress grows roughly 2 to 3 feet per year and can reach 40 to 60 feet at maturity. They require very little maintenance once established and thrive in hot, dry climates.

Best for: Stylish vertical screening along driveways or patios
Growing conditions: Full sun, well-drained soil
Tip: Not ideal for cold or wet regions—check your zone

4. Wax Myrtle (Morella cerifera)

For those in the southeastern U.S., Wax Myrtle is a native gem. This semi-evergreen shrub grows quickly—up to 3 feet per year—and fills in beautifully to create a dense, fragrant barrier.

Wax Myrtle tolerates heat, salt, and even some flooding. Its glossy, aromatic leaves and ability to attract birds make it as functional as it is beautiful.

Best for: Informal hedges, coastal properties, wildlife-friendly yards
Growing conditions: Full sun to part shade, adaptable to many soils
Tip: Prune lightly in late winter to keep shape full and neat

5. Japanese Privet (Ligustrum japonicum)

This fast-growing shrub is often overlooked—but it shouldn’t be. Japanese Privet grows about 2 feet per year, quickly forming a thick, lush hedge. Its dark green leaves stay on year-round in warm climates, and in spring, it produces clusters of small white flowers.

With regular pruning, privet can be shaped into a tidy formal hedge or left a bit wilder for a more natural screen.

Best for: Suburban boundaries, shaped hedges, decorative screens
Growing conditions: Full sun to partial shade, moderate water
Tip: In some areas, privet can be invasive—check local guidelines before planting

6. Carolina Cherry Laurel (Prunus caroliniana)

This native evergreen shrub is a popular choice for Southern landscapes due to its adaptability and polished appearance. It grows 2 to 3 feet annually and forms a thick, glossy hedge that’s ideal for blocking views or creating green backdrops.

Carolina Cherry Laurel has small white blooms in spring and dark berries in the fall that attract birds. It also tolerates poor soil, drought, and pollution.

Best for: Fast, formal hedging in Southern regions
Growing conditions: Full sun to partial shade, drought-tolerant once established
Tip: Can be pruned into a tree form or kept as a dense hedge

7. Silver Sheen Pittosporum (Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Silver Sheen’)

For a lighter, airier privacy screen that still blocks views, Silver Sheen is a standout. Its tiny silvery-green leaves shimmer in sunlight and form a soft, elegant hedge. It grows up to 2 feet per year and can reach heights of 12 to 15 feet.

Unlike thick, heavy hedges, this one provides screening without feeling bulky—perfect for smaller patios or minimalist landscapes.

Best for: Stylish, semi-private spaces with modern design
Growing conditions: Full sun, well-drained soil, mild climates
Tip: Not frost-tolerant—best in zones 9 and above

How to Get the Most Out of Your Privacy Plants

Planting the right species is only half the job. Here are a few tips to make sure your green screen thrives:

Prepare the soil by loosening and enriching it with compost
Water deeply, especially during the first year of growth
Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Prune lightly and regularly to encourage bushier, denser growth
Leave space between plants for airflow and long-term health

Final Thoughts

Creating privacy in your outdoor space doesn’t have to be complicated—or take years. With fast-growing plants like bamboo, arborvitae, or cherry laurel, you can enjoy a lush, natural barrier that enhances your home’s beauty and function.

Whether your goal is to block a neighbor’s window, create a cozy retreat, or simply add green structure to your landscape, there’s a privacy plant that will rise to the occasion—literally.

Let nature do the screening, and enjoy your outdoor space the way it was meant to be: peaceful, personal, and beautifully green.