14 Best Bushes for Privacy (That Actually Look Good Too)
Alright, lets talk privacy screensbut make it green. Whether youre trying to block out the neighbors trampoline, create a quiet space on the patio, or just stop the dog next door from staring deep into your soul¦ shrubs are the unsung heroes.
Forget those harsh fencesnothing softens a space like a leafy wall thats alive, blooming, and maybe even buzzing with bees.
As Garden Design notes, Using shrubs to create privacy adds a living element that a fence or wall cant offer. Hedging can be used to create intimacy, define garden rooms, or block out unsightly views.
Lets dig into 14 of the best bushes thatll turn your yard into your own little hideawaywhether youre in Florida, California, or up in Michigan watching the seasons do their thing.
1. Viburnum
An absolute privacy all-star. Viburnums grow fast, bush out thick, and many bloom like mad in spring. Sweet Viburnum and Chindo Viburnum are top pickstall, lush, and perfect for hedging.
Best for: Mild to warm zones (think Southeast, Southwest, and coastal spots).
2. Boxwood
Your classic neat-and-tidy hedge. Boxwoods are slow to grow, but they shape beautifully. Great for low screens or formal gardens. If youre a bit extra and love symmetrythis is your plant.
US Bonus: English boxwood suits cooler zones, while American boxwood can handle heat better.
3. Pittosporum
Not as common in the States, but gaining fansespecially in California and the Pacific Coast. Silver Sheen pittosporum has gorgeous silvery leaves and gets tall fast.
Best in: USDA Zones 811. Does well with dry spells and salty air too.
4. Ligustrum (Privet)
Fast-growing and super denseLigustrum japonicum or Texanum is a favourite in Texas and the South. Itll give you privacy in just a season or two. Just keep it trimmed unless you want the yard swallowed whole.
Warning: Some types are invasive in parts of the U.S., so always check your local nurserys advice.
5. Camellia
Flowering privacy? Yes, please. Camellias are evergreen, glossy, and offer jaw-dropping blooms in winter or spring. Sasanqua varieties grow a bit faster and tallergreat for screening.
Best in: The South, Mid-Atlantic, and coastal WestZones 79.
6. Photinia
Recognize it by the red tips on new growth. Fast, flashy, and hardyespecially Red Tip Photinia. It grows tall and thick and handles all sorts of conditions.
Hot Tip: Give it airflow and space to avoid leaf spot.
7. Laurel (Cherry or Portuguese)
If you want something that feels lush, almost tropical, cherry laurels your pal. Fast-growing and super hardy, especially Schipkaensis and Otto Luyken varieties.
As Tammy Sons of TN Nursery explains, Schip laurel is a compact, evergreen shrub that thrives in partial shade and sun. Highly versatile, it grows to heights of 10-14 feet, making it perfect for privacy.
Zones: Most types suit Zones 69.
8. Clumping Bamboo
Dont panicthis isnt the horror story kind that invades your neighbors pool. Clumping bamboo like Alphonse Karr or Graceful stays in place and rockets up fast.
Good for: California, Southern states, and modern backyard designs.
9. Mock Orange (Philadelphus)
Smells like orange blossoms without the fruit. These make a romantic, flowering hedge and grow well in most parts of the U.S. Not evergreen, but thick when in season.
Zones: 48. Great for seasonal coverage.
10. Grevillea
For the West Coast crowdespecially SoCal and ArizonaGrevillea is a dry-climate champ. These Aussie natives are evergreen, fast, and flower like mad.
Best in: Zones 911. Loves hot, dry spots.
11. Feijoa (Pineapple Guava)
Yup, it grows fruit and keeps out the looky-loos. Evergreen and tidy, Feijoas grow fast with a little love and are drought-tolerant too.
Best in: USDA Zones 810.
12. Japanese Privet (Ligustrum japonicum)
This ones ideal for suburban screeningsturdy, glossy, evergreen. It handles shearing well, which is great if youre into shaping it up.
Grows best in: Zones 710.
13. Hebe
More compact than others, but a beaut if youre layering a privacy design. Hebes are tidy, evergreen, and flower in burstsgreat near the front yard or as a softener below taller screens.
Zones: Best in 710, depending on the variety.
14. Escallonia
Underrated and super reliable. Evergreen, with red, white, or pink blooms, and tidy growth. Ideal along coastal gardens or as a border hedge.
Zones: 810. Handles salt spray and drought like a pro.
Final Thoughts (and Maybe a Lemonade)
So yeah, fences are fine, but lets be honestthey dont give you butterflies and spring blossoms or edible fruit. Shrubs do it all. Whether youre trying to screen off a road, block an awkward view, or just make a space that feels like yours¦ these bushes will do the job without feeling like youre building a fortress.
Pick the ones that suit your zone, think about whether you want flowers, fruit, birds, or just dense coverageand plant away.
References
- 15 Best Privacy Shrubs for Your Garden Garden Design
- Best shrubs for privacy: the top 10 varieties Homes and Gardens
- Top 8 Plants for Privacy & Screening Hicks Nurseries
- Best Shrubs to Create Privacy in a Backyard The Landscape Library
- The 15 Best Trees and Shrubs to Grow for Backyard Privacy Bob Vila
- The Best Trees and Shrubs for Privacy Legendary Landscaping
- Privacy Trees for Sale FastGrowingTrees.com
- Privacy Hedges Cost HomeGuide
- Selecting the best Arizona plants for your privacy in KTAR
- Best Shrubs and Trees for Privacy and Curb Appeal NHC