18 Fast-Growing Shrubs That Quickly Transform Your Yard
If you are eager to see fast results in your landscape, planting a fast-growing shrub is the answer. A shrub is considered fast-growing when it adds between 2 feet to more than 3 feet of growth per year. There is no shortage of choices, from fast-growing bushes for a privacy hedge, evergreen shrubs that provide year-round color in your yard, or flowering shrubs with gorgeous blooms in the spring or summer. The growth habits of the plants vary, too, ranging from low-lying shrubs to small trees that can be shaped and pruned to suit your space.
Whether you live in Texas with its hot summers and mild to cool winters or anywhere else in the South, there are different options for fast-growing shrubs. Many of them are tough and withstand extreme weather events.
Here are 18 shrubs that put your landscape on the fast track.
Botanical Name: Lagerstroemia spp.
Sun Exposure: Full
Soil Type: Loamy, clay, well-drained
Soil pH: Acidic to neutral (6.0-8.0)
USDA Hardiness Zone: 6-9
Growth Rate: 24 inches per year
While there are a variety of crepe myrtles to choose from, most fall within the shrub or small tree category. They are easy to grow and produce interest in the garden all year long, from long-lasting clusters of pink, white, or red blooms that start in June to their exfoliating bark in winter, the true calling card of this Southern classic. Expect lots of growth when given proper growing conditions. Once established, crepe myrtles only need water about once every other week.
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Botanical Name: Hydrangea macrophylla
Sun Exposure: Partial
Soil Type: Moist, well-drained
Soil pH: Acidic to neutral (6.0-8.0)
USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
Growth Rate: 24 inches per year
The French hydrangea, also known as bigleaf hydrangea, is a showstopping shrub. The profuse blooms, either mopheads or lacecaps, come in a wide range of colors (and you can tweak their color by altering the soil acidity). For a continuous bloom all summer, select a repeat-blooming variety such as 'Endless Summer' that will flower on both old and new growth. Plant in well-draining soil amended with organic matter, and give them enough water so the top few inches of soil remain moist. Hydrangea is toxic to humans and pets.
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Botanical Name: Ligustrum x ibolium
Sun Exposure: Partial, full
Soil Type: Moist, well-drained
Soil pH: Acidic to neutral (6.0-8.0)
USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-8
Growth Rate: 3 feet per year
One of the fastest growing shrubs on this list, north privet matures rapidly to a height of up to 8 to 12 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide. Its appearance is characterized by a pyramid-like shape and glossy, dark green leaves. Plant this low-maintenance, fast grower as a privacy hedge. Pollinators are attracted to its fragrant white flowers. Beware of confusing north privet with its invasive cousin, Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense).
Botanical Name: Weigela florida
Sun Exposure: Partial, full
Soil Type: Loamy, clay, sandy, moist, well-drained
Soil pH: Acidic to alkaline (5.5-7.5)
USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
Growth Rate: 13-24 inches per year
While not the fastest grower on this list, weigela shrubs are still a good choice for dense growth and relatively quick spread. They reach their mature size within a few growing seasons. Bell-shaped, rosy pink flowers appear throughout April and May. Though a location in full sun ensures the best foliage color, weigela also does well in dappled sunlight.
Botanical Name: Forsythia x intermedia
Sun Exposure: Partial, full
Soil Type: Moist, well-drained
Soil pH: Acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0)
USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-8
Growth Rate: 24 inches per year
With upright, sometimes arching branches and a cloud of yellow blooms that flower on last year's wood, the forsythia is an iconic sight in the South. It will grow in a rounded shape and reach a height of 8 to 10 feet when mature. If you're looking for a smaller variety, opt for a more compact form such as Show Off® Sugar Baby®. Forsythia withstands some drought and tolerates clay soil if it is amended with organic matter.
Botanical Name: Linnaea amabilis (previously Kolkwitzia amabilis)
Sun Exposure: Partial, full
Soil Type: Clay, loamy, sandy, moist, well-drained
Soil pH: Acidic to neutral (6.0-8.0)
USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-8
Growth Rate: 24 inches per year
Best suited for the Upper South, the beauty bush is beloved for its abundant pink flowers that attract bees and hummingbirds and complement the deep green foliage. Plant it as a focal point in the landscape or as a stunning hedge. When mature, it reaches between 6 to 10 feet in height and width. Beauty bush is resistant to drought and deer, and it tolerates clay soil. Full sun produces more flowering, but partial shade brings out more vibrant foliage color.
Botanical Name: Vitex agnus-castus
Sun Exposure: Full
Soil Type: Well-drained
Soil pH: Acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0)
USDA Hardiness Zone: 6-9
Growth Rate: 24 inches per year
These large, rounded shrubs or multi-trunked trees need plenty of room to grow as they mature at three to 20 feet tall and wide. They feature grayish-green leaves and fragrant panicle blooms in shades of white, pink, blue, or lavender. It is drought-tolerant and grows in sandy or rocky areas. In Zone 6, chaste tree may die back to the ground in winter but resprouts in the following growing season. Chaste trees attract lots of pollinating insects and birds.
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Botanical Name: Viburnum opulus
Sun Exposure: Partial, full
Soil Type: Loamy, clay, sandy, well-drained
Soil pH: Acidic to alkaline (5.0-8.0)
USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-8
Growth Rate: 24 inches per year
This most recognizable of viburnum varieties grows up to 12 feet tall or more with a spread of 12 to 15 feet. While not an extremely fast grower, snowball viburnum is very attractive with clouds of flowers that appear in May and look similar to mophead hydrangea. The flowers also make good cut flowers. In fall, the leaves turn red-orange. Snowball viburnum prefers moist, loamy soil that is well-drained but tolerates other soils.
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Botanical Name: Melaleuca spp.
Sun Exposure: Full
Soil Type: Moist, well-drained
Soil pH: Acidic to alkaline (6.0-8.0)
USDA Hardiness Zone: 8-11
Growth Rate: 3-6 feet per year
This fast-growing shrub got its name from the shape of its colorful flowers, which grow as dense spikes or round clusters in red, pink, yellow, or white that attract hummingbirds. The size and growth habit depend on the species, some bottlebrushes are dense and compact, lending themselves to be grown as informal hedges, whereas others are sparse and open and can be pruned into a small tree. What all bottlebrush varieties have in common is their fast growth rate. The plant does not tolerate waterlogged soil but it is moderately salt-tolerant so it is a good choice for coastal gardens. The evergreen foliage gets easily damaged by frost.
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Botanical Name: Ternstroemia gymnanthera 'Sotall'
Sun Exposure: Full, partial, shade
Soil Type: Rich, well-drained
Soil pH: Acidic (5.0-6.5)
USDA Hardiness Zone: 7-10
Growth Rate: 18 inches per year
Cleyera Bigfoot™ is a favorite for hedges and privacy screens due to its fast-growing nature and appealing, glossy evergreen foliage. These upright growers are low-maintenance and provide year-round color. The shrub reaches a height of 15 to 20 feet tall and 5 to 6 feet wide. In hotter climates, they need afternoon shade and tolerate full shade.
Botanical Name: Buddleia 'Blue Chip' Lo & Behold®
Sun Exposure: Full
Soil Type: Clay, loamy, sandy, well-drained
Soil pH: Acidic to neutral (6.0-8.0)
USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
Growth Rate: 24 inches per year
Due to its invasiveness, butterfly bushes are no longer recommended. 'Blue Chip' butterfly bush, however, is an exception because it does not produce seeds. The fragrant, star-shaped flower clusters do not require deadheading and provide a pretty counterpoint to dark green leaves. Eight hours of full sun each day ensures more flower production and strong stems that don't require staking.
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Botanical Name: Callicarpa americana
Sun Exposure: Full, partial
Soil Type: Loamy, clay, moist, well-drained
Soil pH: Acidic to neutral (5.0-7.0)
USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-10
Growth Rate: 13-24 inches per year
This fast-growing native shrub has year-round appeal. Pale purple or pink flowers burst forth in the summer months, turning into tiny, bright purple berries in fall and winter. The berries attract a wide variety of winter birds and other wildlife to your yard throughout the season. If you're looking to up the berry production, consider planting beautyberry en masse. Full sun will increase flower and berry production. Beautyberry bushes need pruning to maintain their shape and watering during dry periods.
Botanical Name: Loropetalum chinense
Sun Exposure: Full, partial
Soil Type: Rich, loamy, well-drained
Soil pH: Acidic to neutral (4.0-7.0)
USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-10
Growth Rate: 6-24 inches per year
The evergreen shrub features green foliage on arching branches and spidery flowers that appear both at the top of shoots and between the shoot and leaf (known as the leaf axil) in color ranging from off-white to pink. Opt for loropetalum to bring color and texture to your garden early in the spring when other flowering shrubs haven't yet begun their show. Water when there hasn't been adequate rainfall to keep the soil slightly moist, but don't overwater because they don't like wet roots.
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Botanical Name: Prunus laurocerasus
Sun Exposure: Full, partial
Soil Type: Well-drained
Soil pH: Acidic to alkaline (5.5-7.5)
USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-10
Growth Rate: 24 inches per year
Cherry laurel is a popular shrub in the South, oftentimes used for hedges. While it grows up to 20 feet tall, it can be maintained in a smaller size if needed. Spiky, white flowers appear in mid-spring but are sometimes be hidden behind the glossy and elongated foliage. Black berries appear in the fall for an interesting encore. Cherry laurel isn't super picky and will tolerate dry, poor, and alkaline soils, salt, as well as heavy pruning. It is toxic to humans.
Botanical Name: Syringa vulgaris
Sun Exposure: Full, partial
Soil Type: Sandy, clay, moist, well-drained
Soil pH: Acidic to alkaline (6.5-7.0)
USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-7
Growth Rate: 13-24 inches per year
Common lilac will start off as a fast grower, tapering off as it nears maturity. You might catch a whiff of lilac before you catch sight of its fragrant, lilac blooms that appear in April and May. While it's always tempting to try lilac in warmer climates, lilac is not suited for the hot and humid conditions of the lower South; these shrubs prefer cooler summer temperatures. Full sun is best for good flower production, and well-drained soil is essential to prevent root rot.
Botanical Name: Cornus sericea
Sun Exposure: Full, partial
Soil Type: Clay, rich, moist, well-drained
Soil pH: Acidic (5.5-6.5)
USDA Hardiness Zone: 2-8
Growth Rate: 24 inches per year
Ideal for the Upper South, this native dogwood shrub is the outlier in a family of otherwise slower-growing species. It's a great choice both for its resiliency and versatility whether as a true shrub or hedge. Once mature, it will reach a height of 7 to 9 feet and 10 feet wide. Red twig dogwood likes consistently moist areas so it should be watered during dry spells.
Botanical Name: Thuja 'Green Giant'
Sun Exposure: Full, partial
Soil Type: Clay, loamy, moist, well-drained
Soil pH: Neutral to alkaline (6.0-8.0)
USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-8
Growth Rate: 3-4 feet per year
These shrubs live up to their name, maturing at up to 40 to 60 feet tall and 12 to 18 feet wide. They are low maintenance due to a uniform, pyramid-shaped growth habit and need little pruning. 'Green Giant' can be shaped into a hedging or privacy screen when young. Glossy, scale-like needles remain green all winter long. Plant in a location with good drainage that gets six to eight hours of sun.
Botanical Name: Spirea spp.
Sun Exposure: Full, partial
Soil Type: Sandy, clay, moist, well-drained
Soil pH: Acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0)
USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-8
Growth Rate: 24 inches per year
Spirea is easy to grow because it adapts to many different soil types, doesn't require special care, and grows quickly. Give the shrub full sun, though it will also grow in some shade, and don't let the soil get soggy. Pink or white flowers emerge from blue-green or chartreuse foliage that changes color in the fall. Prune after the spring bloom and enjoy a rebloom later in the summer.
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