What are the fastest-growing screening plants?

Adding privacy to your garden can seem tricky – especially if you don’t want to spoil its appearance with unsightly manmade structures. Privacy is particularly elusive in gardens that are overlooked from all directions (which applies to a large proportion of British homes). We all want a little peace, quiet and isolation from the world around us – a zen-like outdoor space where we can fully relax.

Happily, there is a solution to this problem, a solution that doesn’t involve building walls or installing additional fencing. Screening plants are fast-growing species that can be used to create a natural barrier, blocking prying eyes from being able to see you in your garden.

A wide range of different shrubs and trees can be used to create a screen, but if you’d like quick results, your selection is narrowed down a little. Below, we’ve put together a list of fast-growing varieties that are ideal if you need privacy in a hurry.

Bamboo

If you know your plants, this one should come as no surprise! Bamboo is the fastest-growing plant out there, making it perfect for this use. Bamboo canes can reach heights of up to 5m, and each one sprouts attractive yellow-green leaves to further add to the screening effect. If you want quick results, bamboo is hard to match; certain species can grow more than 2ft in a single day!

Leylandii

Leylandii is the fastest-growing conifer out there, achieving as much as 90cm of growth each year. It can reach heights of more than 10m and widths of up to 8m although, with regular pruning, it can be kept in check easily enough.

Photinia ‘Red Robin’

This attractive shrub grows rapidly – as much as 30cm each year in optimal conditions. Reaching a maximum height of around 7m, this attractive variety looks its best in the sun, but can exist quite happily in partial shade too.

Explore our range today

Ready to start shopping? View our full range of privacy screen plants online today.