11 Gorgeous Fast-Growing Evergreen Shrubs Perfect for Your Garden

Fast-growing evergreen shrubs bring life and color to any garden all year round. They are perfect for adding privacy, structure, and greenery quickly. These plants require less waiting time to fill in spaces compared to slower-growing varieties. Choosing the right shrubs can make your garden look full and vibrant sooner. This article introduces eleven stunning options that can thrive in various garden settings.

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Leyland Cypress

Leyland Cypress is known for its rapid growth, often adding 3 to 4 feet per year. It can take about 12 to 18 months to establish well in a garden. This shrub can grow up to 60 feet tall but can be pruned to maintain a smaller size. It is great for privacy screens and windbreaks due to its dense foliage.

This shrub thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It requires moderate watering, especially when young. Leyland Cypress adapts well to various climates but prefers mild winters. Regular trimming helps keep it neat and healthy.

Arizona Cypress

Arizona Cypress grows quickly, typically around 2 to 3 feet per year. It usually takes about a year to begin filling out nicely. This shrub can reach heights of 30 to 40 feet but can be trimmed to fit garden spaces. It is valued for its blue-green needles and aromatic scent.

This shrub prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant once established and needs less water than many other evergreens. Arizona Cypress works well as a screen or decorative specimen. It is resistant to many common pests.

Emerald Green Arborvitae

Emerald Green Arborvitae is a popular choice for fast growth, adding about 1 foot per year. It typically takes 12 to 15 months to develop a full shape. This shrub reaches around 12 to 15 feet tall and stays narrow, making it ideal for smaller spaces. Its bright green foliage stays vibrant year-round.

This shrub thrives in full sun to partial shade. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and regular watering. Emerald Green Arborvitae is low maintenance and tolerates cold climates well. It creates an attractive hedge or privacy screen.

Photinia Red Robin

Photinia Red Robin grows quickly, sometimes up to 3 feet in a single growing season. It usually takes 8 to 12 months to fill in and produce its signature red leaves. This shrub can grow 10 to 15 feet tall if left unpruned but can be shaped as needed. It adds color and texture with glossy green and red foliage.

This shrub prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It requires regular watering, especially in dry periods. Photinia Red Robin attracts birds and butterflies, adding life to the garden. It benefits from occasional pruning to maintain its form.

Viburnum Tinus

Viburnum Tinus grows moderately fast, reaching about 1 to 2 feet per year. It takes roughly one year to fill out and bloom with white to pink flowers. This shrub usually grows to 8 to 12 feet tall, providing dense foliage for privacy. Its evergreen leaves stay lush through winter.

This shrub grows well in full sun or partial shade. It prefers fertile, moist soil and consistent watering. Viburnum Tinus is resistant to many pests and diseases. It offers seasonal interest with flowers and berries.

Indian Hawthorn

Indian Hawthorn grows around 1 to 2 feet per year, establishing quickly within a year. This shrub typically reaches 4 to 6 feet tall and wide. It features glossy leaves and produces clusters of pink or white flowers in spring. Indian Hawthorn is favored for its neat, compact shape.

It grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. This shrub requires moderate watering and is drought tolerant once established. It is commonly used as a border or foundation plant. Indian Hawthorn is low maintenance and deer resistant.

Boxwood

Boxwood grows about 6 to 12 inches per year, which is fast compared to some other boxwood types. It can take 12 to 18 months to establish a full, dense shape. This shrub typically grows 3 to 6 feet tall but can be pruned to various sizes. Its small, dense leaves make it perfect for hedges and topiary.

Boxwood thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. It needs regular watering, especially during dry spells. This shrub tolerates shaping and responds well to pruning. Boxwood adds structure and elegance to any garden.

Japanese Holly

Japanese Holly grows at a moderate pace, adding about 1 foot per year. It usually takes around 12 months to develop a full, bushy appearance. This shrub grows 4 to 10 feet tall and features glossy, spiny leaves that stay green year-round. It is often used for privacy screens or foundation plantings.

It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Japanese Holly requires regular watering and benefits from occasional fertilizing. It is resistant to deer and many common pests. This shrub is low maintenance and adaptable.

Nandina Domestica (Heavenly Bamboo)

Nandina grows quickly, reaching about 2 to 3 feet per year once established. It takes about one year to fill out with its colorful foliage. This shrub usually grows 4 to 8 feet tall and offers red berries and delicate leaves that change color with the seasons. It adds interest throughout the year.

It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Nandina requires moderate watering but is fairly drought tolerant. It is deer resistant and works well as a border or accent plant. This shrub adds both texture and color to gardens.

Euonymus

Euonymus grows fast, around 1 to 2 feet per year in good conditions. It can take 12 to 15 months to establish a full shape. This shrub varies in size from 4 to 10 feet tall depending on the variety. It has attractive leaves that range from green to variegated patterns.

It grows well in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. Euonymus is drought tolerant once established but appreciates regular watering. It is versatile and can be used for hedges or foundation plantings. This shrub is easy to grow and maintain.

Sweet Box (Sarcococca)

Sweet Box grows about 1 foot per year and fills in nicely within 12 to 18 months. It typically grows 3 to 5 feet tall and has dense, glossy leaves. This shrub is known for its fragrant white flowers that bloom in winter, adding interest to colder months. It provides year-round greenery and scent.

Sweet Box prefers shade to partial sun and moist, well-drained soil. It requires regular watering, especially when young. This shrub is low maintenance and deer resistant. It works well in shady spots where other evergreens may struggle.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.