Who has the patience to wait years for a lush, beautiful yard? If you’re looking to add instant greenery, privacy, or vibrant blooms, fast-growing plants are the way to go. Whether you want a full hedge, a burst of flowers, or a tree that gives you shade ASAP, these plants will give your landscape a serious upgrade in no time.
Here are 13 of the fastest-growing plants that will turn your yard into a paradise before you know it!
1. Bamboo
Bamboo isn’t just for pandas—it’s also one of the fastest-growing plants in the world. Some species can grow up to 3 feet per day in ideal conditions! It’s perfect for creating a natural privacy screen or adding an exotic touch to your yard.
Be warned, though: running bamboo spreads aggressively and can take over your garden if not contained. Opt for clumping varieties if you want a more manageable option. Either way, bamboo is a fantastic way to add height and greenery almost instantly.
2. Hybrid Poplar Tree
If you need instant shade, hybrid poplar trees are the solution. These trees can grow up to 8 feet per year, reaching maturity in just a few years. They’re perfect for blocking wind, creating privacy, or cooling down your yard with much-needed shade.
While they grow fast, they also have relatively short lifespans (around 30-50 years). They’re great if you need a quick-growing tree but might not be a permanent solution. Plant them away from sidewalks and driveways, as their roots can be aggressive.
3. Wisteria (Wisteria sinensis)
If you want a fast-growing vine that adds elegance and color to your yard, wisteria is a showstopper. Its cascading purple or white blooms look stunning on pergolas, fences, or trellises.
Wisteria grows quickly—up to 10 feet per year—and once established, it’s incredibly hardy. However, it needs regular pruning to keep it from becoming invasive. If you’re patient, you’ll be rewarded with a fragrant, fairytale-worthy yard in no time.
4. Sunflowers
For an instant burst of color, sunflowers are unbeatable. These cheerful giants grow several feet in just a few months, making them a fun and fast way to add beauty to your yard.
Not only do sunflowers grow quickly, but they also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Plant them along fences for a dramatic, towering display that brings a smile to everyone who sees them.
5. Silver Maple
Need a fast-growing shade tree? The silver maple is one of the quickest you can plant, growing up to 6 feet per year. Its beautiful silvery leaves shimmer in the breeze, adding a graceful touch to any yard.
Silver maples are tough and adaptable, but they do have weak wood, which makes them prone to storm damage. If you’re looking for a tree that grows fast and gives immediate impact, just plant it away from your house and power lines.
6. Clematis
Clematis is another fast-growing vine that can completely transform your yard in a season. With vibrant blooms in shades of purple, pink, white, and red, it turns fences and trellises into floral masterpieces.
This vine grows up to 10 feet per year, and once established, it will keep coming back for years. Give it something to climb, and you’ll have a gorgeous wall of flowers in no time.
7. Virginia Creeper
Want a fast-growing ground cover or climbing vine? Virginia creeper is the answer. It can grow up to 20 feet per year, covering fences, walls, or the ground with lush green foliage that turns a brilliant red in the fall.
It’s great for erosion control and requires little maintenance, but be careful—it will spread aggressively if not managed. If you need to quickly cover a bare spot, though, this is the plant for you.
8. Morning Glory
Few plants grow as fast and bloom as beautifully as morning glories. These vines shoot up at a rate of 6-10 feet per season, covering fences, trellises, and even mailboxes with vibrant trumpet-shaped flowers.
They’re low-maintenance, thrive in poor soil, and reseed themselves easily. If you need a quick-growing vine that adds a pop of color, morning glories are a perfect choice.
9. Weeping Willow
The ultimate fast-growing tree, weeping willows can add a dreamy, dramatic look to any landscape in no time. They can grow up to 10 feet per year, providing shade and a graceful, flowing aesthetic.
Weeping willows thrive near water but also grow well in average soil. Just be mindful of their aggressive roots, which can invade pipes or foundations if planted too close to structures.
10. Forsythia
Forsythia is one of the earliest bloomers of spring, exploding with bright yellow flowers before most plants even wake up. Growing up to 2-4 feet per year, it quickly fills in garden spaces, making it a fantastic privacy hedge or focal point.
It’s low-maintenance, deer-resistant, and thrives in various conditions. If you want a fast-growing shrub that brings instant spring cheer, this is a great pick.
11. Mexican Sunflower
Not to be confused with regular sunflowers, Mexican sunflowers grow even faster and reach heights of 6 feet in a single season. Their bright orange-red blooms attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees.
They love hot, sunny conditions and thrive in poor soil, making them a great addition to any low-maintenance garden. If you need a tall, fast-blooming plant, give them a try!
12. Privet
If you need a quick-growing hedge, privet is one of the best options. It grows up to 3 feet per year, filling in bare spaces fast and creating a lush green privacy screen.
Privet hedges require occasional trimming to keep them neat, but they’re otherwise drought-tolerant and low-maintenance. Whether you want to block out noisy neighbors or add a green backdrop to your yard, privet will get the job done fast.
13. Castor Bean Plant
For instant tropical vibes, nothing beats the castor bean plant. It can grow up to 10 feet tall in a single season, with massive, palm-like leaves that create a bold statement.
While it’s stunning, be aware that all parts of the plant are toxic, especially the seeds. If you have pets or small children, you may want to choose another fast-growing plant. But if you’re looking for dramatic foliage, it’s hard to beat!
*This article was created with the help of AI.