If you want to fill up your yard quickly, fast-growing shrubs are a smart choice. They can create privacy, add color, and shape your garden in no time. Knowing which shrubs grow fast helps you pick the right plants for your space.
These shrubs are great because they spread quickly and can change your outdoor area fast, giving you the look you want without waiting years. They also vary in size and type, so you can find options that fit your style and needs.
Japanese Knotweed
If you find Japanese knotweed in your yard, be careful. It spreads fast with roots that can grow 1 meter deep.
The stems look like bamboo and grow tall, making it easy to spot. Once it takes hold, it’s hard to get rid of.
You might need to cut and dry the stems carefully. Burning them is often recommended to stop it from spreading more.
English Ivy
English ivy grows fast and can quickly cover your garden or walls. It does well in both sun and shade, but it prefers shade to keep leaves healthy.
Once it starts spreading, it’s hard to stop. You might find it taking over flower beds, trees, or fences if you’re not careful. Watch out if you want to keep control.
Privet Hedge
If you want a shrub that grows fast and fills up space, privet is a good pick. It can quickly spread and form a thick hedge that blocks views.
You’ll find it easy to shape by trimming, but if left alone, it might grow wild and take over your yard. Be ready to keep it in check if you don’t want it everywhere.
Forsythia
If you want a shrub that grows fast, forsythia is a good pick. It bursts with bright yellow flowers in spring, adding color quickly.
Forsythia can handle some drought and clay soil if you improve it with organic matter. You’ll see it fill your space in no time.
Arborvitae
If you want a fast-growing shrub, arborvitae is a solid choice. You can expect it to grow about three feet a year until it reaches 15 to 20 feet tall.
These evergreens work great for privacy because they keep their color all year. Just be ready for it to take up a lot of space as it grows.
Photinia Red Robin
If you want a shrub that grows fast, Photinia Red Robin is a good pick. You’ll notice its bright red new leaves stand out against dark green older ones.
It’s easy to care for and can quickly fill your space if you don’t trim it. You can shape it into a hedge or even a small tree to suit your yard.
Snowball Viburnum
If you plant a Snowball Viburnum, be ready for it to grow fast and fill your space. It can reach up to 12 feet tall and become quite dense.
You’ll like the big, round white flowers that bloom in spring. They start light green and change to cream and white.
This shrub also shows bright red leaves in the fall, adding color to your yard after the flowers fade.
Royal Cape Plumbago
If you want a shrub that spreads fast, Royal Cape Plumbago is a good choice. It grows up to 5 feet tall and spreads 6 to 8 feet wide.
This plant loves full sun but can handle some shade. It blooms from spring to fall and is evergreen, so it stays green most of the year.
You can use it as ground cover or to cover fences. Just leave 2 to 3 feet between plants to let them grow.
Crepe Myrtle
If you want a fast-growing shrub that fills your yard quickly, crepe myrtle is a good choice. It can grow up to 20 feet tall and spread out wide.
Just be careful where you plant it. If it’s too close to your house, it might block windows or touch the siding. It grows fast, so give it room to breathe.
French Hydrangea
If you want a shrub that grows fast, French hydrangea is a good choice. It can grow about 2 feet a year, filling your yard quickly.
Its big, bright blooms add color and charm to your space. Just plant them 3 to 4 feet apart to give them room to grow well.
North Privet
If you want a shrub that fills up space fast, north privet is a good pick. It can grow 8 to 12 feet tall and spreads wide, giving you plenty of coverage for privacy.
You’ll find it easy to care for and great if you need a quick hedge. Just watch it so it doesn’t get too big for your yard!
Weigela
If you want a shrub that grows fast and fills in your garden, weigela is a solid choice. It loves full sun but can handle some shade too.
You’ll see lots of flowers that attract hummingbirds and other pollinators. It also works well for adding some privacy without much fuss.
Just make sure the soil drains well. Weigela adapts to many soil types as long as it’s not sitting in water.
Limelight Hydrangea
If you plant a Limelight Hydrangea, be ready for it to spread. It can grow up to 7 feet tall and wide, which might take over your garden quickly.
This shrub shows off big, colorful flowers that last all season. If you want to keep it in check, you will need to prune it regularly.
Old-Fashioned Weigela
You’ll find weigela is a great bush if you want something that fills space quickly. It grows fast and produces lots of flowers in spring.
It needs at least four hours of sun to bloom well. If it’s in too much shade, it won’t flower as much and may look a bit loose.
Caring for it is pretty easy. Just water it occasionally and prune to keep the shape you want.