Imagine this: You’re sitting on your patio, sipping a chilled drink and enjoying a book, all while understanding that no one can see you from the outside. Doesn’t that sound like the supreme backyard dream? A private space to relax, entertain, or enjoy alone time is a luxury. But here’s the thing: you don’t require a tall, solid fence to get that privacy. You can use plants!
Plants are the secret to creating a natural, beautiful privacy barrier, and they’re a great way to simultaneously boost your backyard’s appeal. In this guide, I’m sharing 14 amazing plants ideal for adding privacy to your outdoor space. Whether you’ve got a small garden or a sprawling backyard, these plants will help you create that cozy, secluded retreat you’ve always wanted.
Let’s get into it, shall we?
1. Arborvitae
Let’s kick things off with Arborvitae, one of the fastest-growing go-to plants for privacy. These evergreen trees proliferate and get nice and thick, precisely what you want when aiming for confidentiality. In just a few years, you’ll have a lush, green wall that shields your backyard from the outside world. They’re low-maintenance, meaning more time enjoying your space and less worrying about upkeep.
Why You’ll Love Arborvitae
- Grows fast, dense, and thick
- Keeps your yard private year-round
- Super easy to care for
Quick Tip: Plant them 3-4 feet apart for a dense hedge. They’ll fill in beautifully!
2. Bamboo
Bamboo is the way to go if you’re looking for something that’ll grow really fast and create a tropical vibe. Some types of bamboo can produce as much as 3 feet in one day. Just think about how fast you’ll have a natural privacy wall. Bamboo is excellent for making a green, private space, giving your garden a unique look.
Why You’ll Love Bamboo
- It grows super fast, almost overnight
- It adds a unique, tropical vibe
- Perfect for creating a natural, living fence
Quick Tip: Go for clumping bamboo to avoid the spread of invasive runners. You’ll still get all the beauty without the hassle.
3. Boxwood
If you prefer something more formal and classic, then boxwood is your new best friend. These evergreen shrubs have dense foliage, which makes them an excellent option for creating a neat privacy hedge. They grow slowly, but with patience, you’ll have a beautiful, structured privacy barrier. Plus, they’re super easy to shape, which is excellent if you like tidy things.
Why You’ll Love Boxwood
- A classic, neat look for your garden
- Dense enough to provide solid privacy
- Perfect for formal gardens and hedges
Quick Tip: Regular pruning helps keep them looking sharp and in shape.
4. Leyland Cypress
Looking for a tall, dense, privacy screen? Leyland Cypress trees grow extremely fast and can provide a solid barrier in just a few seasons. These trees are ideal for creating a tall, wide hedge that blocks out views and noise. They’re evergreen, so you’ll enjoy year-round privacy and greenery.
Why You’ll Love Leyland Cypress
- Grows incredibly fast
- Provides solid, tall privacy
- Perfect for large backyards and wide spaces
Quick Tip: Plant them 6-10 feet apart for healthy growth.
5. Privet
Privet shrubs are often used for creating privacy hedges because they’re hardy and grow quickly. Their dense growth and ability to thrive in different soil types make them an excellent choice for almost any garden. You can easily prune them into a uniform shape, making them perfect for formal garden designs.
Why You’ll Love Privet
- Fast-growing and hardy
- Dense foliage for complete privacy
- Easy to maintain and prune
Quick Tip: Keep them pruned to avoid them getting too wild!
6. Holly
Holly shrubs are an excellent choice for those who want privacy and security. Their shiny, spiky leaves and bright red berries provide a beautiful, evergreen privacy screen and deter unwanted visitors. Plus, holly shrubs can grow tall and thick, creating a natural, prickly fence.
Why You’ll Love Holly
- Beautiful, prickly leaves for privacy and security
- Bright berries that add color
- Evergreen for year-round privacy
Quick Tip: Group several together to create a fuller, more effective privacy screen.
7. Laurel
For a low-maintenance, dense shrub that gives you privacy all year round, laurel is a solid choice. These shrubs are hardy, fast-growing, and have beautiful dark green leaves that create a nice, natural privacy screen. Plus, they’re pretty easy to care for, making them great for gardeners who don’t want to fuss too much.
Why You’ll Love Laurel
- Low-maintenance and easy-to-grow
- Dense foliage for privacy
- Hardy in a variety of soil types
Quick Tip: Trim them occasionally to keep their shape neat.
8. Lilac
If you love fragrant flowers and need a bit of privacy, lilac shrubs are the perfect choice. They offer dense foliage for privacy and produce gorgeous flowers with a sweet scent. These plants are ideal for creating a fragrant privacy screen that attracts pollinators like butterflies and bees.
Why You’ll Love Lilac
- Beautiful, fragrant flowers
- Attractive foliage for privacy
- Draws pollinators to your garden
Quick Tip: Plant in well-drained soil for the best results.
9. Yew
Yew shrubs are an ideal option for year-round privacy. They have dense, dark green foliage that stays vibrant even in winter. Yews are adaptable and can be used in formal or informal gardens, making them a great addition to many backyard styles. Plus, they can handle both sun and shade, so they’re adaptable.
Why You’ll Love Yew
- Dense, evergreen foliage
- Versatile and adaptable
- Perfect for formal and informal gardens
Quick Tip: Yews can be toxic to pets and children, so be cautious if you have animals.
10. Japanese Maple
For something a little more graceful and colorful, Japanese maple trees can show partial privacy while adding beauty and sophistication to your backyard. While they may not be as dense as other plants, their delicate leaves and vibrant colors create a stunning, somewhat secluded atmosphere perfect for those who value aesthetics as much as privacy.
Why You’ll Love Japanese Maple
- Adds elegance and beauty
- Colorful foliage
- Provides partial privacy
Quick Tip: Plant shaded to protect the delicate leaves from burning.
11. Spirea
Spirea is a fantastic option if you love color and want privacy. These fast-growing shrubs come in various colors, from white to pink to red, and they provide dense foliage that gives you privacy while adding some serious visual appeal. The best part? They’re super easy to maintain, which means less work for you.
Why You’ll Love Spirea
- Colorful flowers and foliage
- Fast-growing and low-maintenance
- Great for creating a natural privacy barrier
Quick Tip: Prune after blooming to keep them looking neat.
12. Fargesia Bamboo
Unlike some other types of bamboo, Fargesia bamboo is non-invasive, making it an excellent choice for smaller spaces. It grows in clumps rather than spreading uncontrollably, and its sleek look adds a touch of refinement to your private garden.
Why You’ll Love Fargesia Bamboo
- Non-invasive and controlled growth
- Elegant, graceful appearance
- Great for smaller spaces
Quick Tip: Perfect for creating a stylish, low-maintenance privacy screen.
13. Viburnum
Viburnum shrubs offer a double dose of privacy and beauty. Their dense foliage provides a great privacy barrier, while their fragrant flowers and colorful berries attract pollinators to your garden. You get privacy and a beautiful scent wafting through the air.
Why You’ll Love Viburnum
- Fragrant, colorful flowers
- Dense foliage for privacy
- Attracts pollinators
Quick Tip: Regular pruning helps keep it healthy and looking its best.
14. Clematis
If you’re looking for a more unique approach to privacy, clematis vines can be trained to climb fences, trellises, or arbors. With its stunning flowers and fast-growing vines, clematis is perfect for adding vertical privacy to your backyard. It’s a great way to create a living wall of flowers.
Why You’ll Love Clematis
- Beautiful flowering vines
- Grows quickly on vertical surfaces
- Adds a unique, natural look to your privacy screen
Quick Tip: Regularly train the vines to keep them looking neat.
Related: 14 Best Flowers That Thrive in Poor Soil
Final Thoughts: Creating Your Private Haven
Here are 14 great plants to help you make your dream backyard private. There are many types of plants to choose from, like quick-growing trees like Leyland Cypress and sweet-smelling bushes like Lilac so that you can find the right one for your style and needs.
These plants will give you the privacy you want and make your garden look more beautiful. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to turn your backyard into a comfortable, private space. Have fun gardening and enjoy your quiet, private space!
