Five Fast Growing Hedging Plants

by Paul Ciocoiu · Published February 19, 2016 · Updated February 19, 2016

All those in love with nature, especially those living in big crowded cities, try to bring as many of its messengers around us. If you some space around the house, then definitely go for a hedge, a way healthier option than a classic fence. Apart from protecting our privacy, hedges also protect us from winds and storms, retain rain water and filter dust and toxins in the atmosphere while reducing temperature fluctuations. Moreover, they play a central role in the overall garden setup, making fine visual borders. Here is more on fast growing hedging plants for you to enjoy an energy bursting corner in no time.

The first option is the jasmine shrub which, besides the green wall it forms, also enchants with the delicate fragrance. It is a fast growing hedging plant which can grow as tall as 2-3 years in as many years. It needs intense light, but can also be planted in semi-shade areas. Even though watering it regularly is among the ideal conditions, the plant copes with short period of drought.

Fast growing hedging plants – jasmine shrubs

The next on our list is Leylandii, a species of Cyprus which can grow as much as 1 meter per year. Thanks to this, it is generally the cheapest way of forming an evergreen garden hedge and hence the most popular. Leylandii is also very tolerant of wind and cold temperatures and will grow in wet, heavy clay soils but not soils that become water-logged. Leylandii will grow in full sun or partial shade.

Fast growing hedging plants – leyland cypress

Prunus laurocerasus or else known as the Cherry or English laurel is an evergreen hedge, just like the previous example, which grows up to 60 cm per year. Laurel will grow in most soils except shallow chalky or very wet soils. Laurel will grow in the full sun or in shade as long as it is watered while it is establishing a root system. Its leaves can be trimmed into formal box-shaped hedges or they can create a less formal looking hedge.

Fast growing hedging plants – English laurel

Thuja plicata or the Western red cedar are fast-growing conifers (60-75 cm per year) that create an evergreen hedge. Thuja are extremely hardy and will tolerate strong winds. They grow in most soils (except for water-logged soils). The plants are hardy down to -25 degrees Celsius.

Fast growing hedging plants – thuja plicata

Native to the U.S., the wax myrtle is a fabulous evergreen plant with a long list of positive attributes to its credit. In short, wax myrtle is deer resistant, heat and drought tolerant and grows fast in even poor soil. Wax myrtles grow in either full sun or partial shade, and enjoy quite a lengthy life span. These plants are so trouble-free they practically take care of themselves.