Selecting Shrubs That Grow Tall and Fast
When planning a garden, particularly one where immediate impact or privacy is desired, the choice of shrubs is paramount. Focus on 'fast growing tall shrubs' that can mature relatively quickly, transforming a space from bare ground or sparse planting into a lush, established feature. The appeal lies in their ability to provide substantial screening or architectural height within a shorter timeframe, offering a sense of maturity and seclusion that might otherwise take many years to achieve.
Consider the mature height and spread, but also the growth rate. Some shrubs might reach a great height eventually, but if they take a decade to get there, they won't fulfil the need for rapid enhancement. The key is identifying species known for vigorous vertical and lateral growth, ensuring they not only get tall but also fill out to provide effective screening or a commanding presence. These are often adaptable plants, capable of thriving in various soil conditions and tolerating different levels of sunlight, which makes them more forgiving for the average gardener.
Understanding the plant's ultimate size is crucial for placement. A shrub described as 'tall' might reach 3-4 metres, while others can exceed 5 metres. For screening purposes, this height is vital for blocking views over fences or creating a sense of enclosure. Growth rates are typically measured in centimetres per year, with fast growers often exceeding 30-60 cm annually under optimal conditions. Pairing this rapid growth with a preference for height ensures your garden's structure develops swiftly, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of a mature-looking landscape sooner.
- Prioritise species with rapid vertical and lateral growth.
- Match mature height to screening or structural needs.
- Consider light and soil requirements for optimal growth.
- Aim for shrubs growing over 30-60 cm per year.
- Plan placement based on ultimate mature dimensions.
Popular Tall Fast Growing Shrubs for Screening
Several plant types consistently deliver on the promise of rapid vertical growth, making them excellent choices for immediate garden impact. For effective screening, look to species that form dense foliage quickly. These are often evergreen, providing year-round privacy, although deciduous options can offer seasonal screening and benefit from providing light in winter.
One commonly recommended group is the Photinia genus, particularly varieties like 'Red Robin'. These are known for their striking red new growth and dense, glossy evergreen leaves. They can grow 30-60 cm or more per year, reaching heights of 3-5 metres, and respond well to clipping, making them ideal for hedges or specimen plants requiring swift growth. Their adaptability to a range of conditions, including partial shade, adds to their appeal.
For a more architectural and robust screening solution, Leyland cypress (x Cupressocyparis leylandii) is a well-known, albeit fast-growing, evergreen conifer. It can achieve remarkable heights, often exceeding 15 metres, and grows up to 90 cm per year. It forms a dense barrier quickly, making it a popular choice for boundary hedging. However, its rapid growth requires regular pruning to manage its size and prevent it from becoming too dominant or causing issues with neighbours. Ensure adequate space, as it can spread significantly if left unchecked.
Another excellent evergreen option is the Laurel family, particularly Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) and its cultivars. Varieties such as 'Otto Luyken' or 'Schipkaensis' offer dense, glossy foliage and can grow 30-50 cm per year, reaching mature heights of 2-4 metres. They are hardy, tolerant of shade (though they prefer sun), and can be pruned into formal hedges or left more naturalistic. Their robust nature makes them a reliable choice for establishing privacy swiftly.
For something with a different aesthetic, consider the speedy growth of certain bamboo species, though it's crucial to select non-invasive clumping varieties or those contained within root barriers. Certain ornamental grasses can also reach significant heights relatively quickly, offering a softer, more naturalistic screen, though their effect is often seasonal. However, for a permanent, dense screen that fulfils the 'tall fast growing shrubs' criteria, evergreens like Photinia and Laurel are often the go-to choices.
Maintaining and Maximising Growth
Achieving substantial height and density from your fast growing tall shrubs requires more than just planting them and walking away. Proper care, especially in the initial years, is critical to ensure they fulfil their potential. This includes providing optimal soil conditions, ensuring adequate watering, and appropriate feeding.
Establishment watering is key. For the first year or two, especially during dry spells, regular watering is vital. A deep watering session once a week is generally more beneficial than frequent, shallow sprinklings, as it encourages deeper root growth. Once established, most fast growers become more drought-tolerant, but consistent moisture will always promote the most vigorous development.
Pruning plays a dual role. For hedging and screening, regular clipping encourages bushiness and denser growth, which is desirable for creating an effective barrier. For specimen shrubs, pruning can be used to remove dead or crossing branches, improve air circulation, and direct growth upwards or outwards, depending on the desired shape. For many fast growers, a light annual prune after flowering or in early spring is sufficient to maintain health and shape.
Feeding can also give your shrubs a boost. An annual application of a general-purpose fertiliser in spring, or a mulch of well-rotted compost, will provide the nutrients necessary for strong new growth. This is particularly important for plants grown in poorer soils or those that are heavily pruned, as they expend a lot of energy on producing new foliage and stems.
Alternatives for Garden Structure and Privacy
While fast growing tall shrubs offer a direct route to garden enhancement, exploring alternative planting strategies can also yield impressive results. Sometimes, a combination of different plant types or structures might be more suitable depending on space, soil, and aesthetic preferences. These alternatives ensure that gardeners have a range of options to achieve their desired garden outcomes swiftly and effectively.
Consider evergreen climbers. Plants like Clematis armandii or rapid-growing Ivies (Hedera helix varieties) can be trained up fences, trellises, or walls to provide instant height and screening. They are excellent for maximising vertical space and can cover a large area relatively quickly, especially when planted at the base of a suitable support structure. Some evergreen climbers offer flowers or attractive foliage, adding another dimension to the screen.
For a more structured look, evergreen hedging plants, even if not exceptionally tall on their own, can be managed and shaped to create dense screens. Box (Buxus sempervirens) or Yew (Taxus baccata) are slower growing but can be clipped into tight, formal hedges that offer excellent privacy over time. For faster, though potentially less formal, hedges, consider Privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium) or Beech (Fagus sylvatica) which, while deciduous, grow rapidly and can be managed for height and density.
Incorporating ornamental grasses that reach significant heights, such as Miscanthus or Calamagrostis, can provide a softer, more textured screen. While their screening effect is often seasonal, their rapid growth in summer and autumn can create a substantial visual barrier. They add movement and sound to the garden, offering a different sensory experience compared to solid evergreen screens.
For an immediate, albeit less permanent, solution, consider planting fast-growing annuals or perennials in front of a fence or trellis. While these won't provide the long-term structure of shrubs, they can quickly fill gaps and add colour and life to a garden space while slower-growing permanent plants establish. This approach allows for flexibility and seasonal change, offering a dynamic approach to garden design.