Instant Hedge: Pennsylvania’s Fastest Growing Privacy Shrubs

Exploring Fastest Growing Privacy Shrubs for Pennsylvania can significantly enhance your landscape design, offering a swift solution to achieving seclusion and beauty in your outdoor spaces.

This exploration is not just about filling in gaps; it’s about carefully selecting evergreen shrubs and other fast-maturing plants that align with PA’s unique climate and soil conditions.

These plants are more than just a natural barrier; they’re a dynamic element of your garden’s ecosystem, providing year-round interest with minimal maintenance.

By the end of this read, the problem of exposed, open yards without privacy will be on its way to becoming a thing of the past. With a selection of carefully curated shrubs that thrive in Pennsylvania’s varied zones, your garden will soon flourish into a lush, private oasis.

Top Fastest Growing Privacy Shrubs for Pennsylvania

Now that we’re all set to greenify our spaces, let’s check out the who’s who of fast-growing privacy shrubs perfect for PA’s diverse climate. These aren’t just any shrubs; they’re the speedsters of the plant world, ready to shoot up and give you that lush, private garden in no time.

Emerald Green Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis)

• Growth Rate: About 2-3 feet per year.
• Why It’s Awesome: With its vibrant green color and neat, pyramid shape, this arborvitae is a favorite for creating uniform privacy screens and windbreaks. It’s like having a natural green wall that doesn’t need artwork!
• Care Tips: Plant in full sun to partial shade and water regularly to establish a deep, extensive root system. They’re like that friend who thrives with just a little bit of care.
• Ready to Plant? I found quantities of 1, 10, or 20 that come potted and shipped. Ready to plant. 6-12 inches tall saving you a year of growth time.

Red Robin (Photinia × fraseri)

• Growth Rate: 1-2 feet per year.
• Why It’s Awesome: The Red Robin jazzes up the landscape with its red-tinted foliage and white spring flowers. It’s like adding a splash of paint to your green canvas.
• Care Tips: Best in full sun with well-drained soil. It’s a bit like baking; get the ingredients right for a show-stopping result.

North Privet (Ligustrum x ibolium)

• Growth Rate: Up to 3 feet per year.
• Why It’s Awesome: For those who want a thick, lush hedge quickly, look no further. North Privet offers dense foliage that can be pruned into any shape, making it a versatile choice for any garden style.
• Care Tips: Thrives in full sun to partial shade. Remember, privets are like a good haircut; regular trims keep them looking their best.

Green Giant Arborvitae (Thuja plicata)

• Growth Rate: A whopping 3-4 feet per year!
• Why It’s Awesome: If you’re in a hurry for height, the Green Giant is your go-to. It’s not just fast; it’s also deer-resistant and can handle a range of soils.
• Care Tips: Full sun to partial shade and regular watering will have your Green Giant towering in no time. Think of it as the gentle giant that grows up too fast.

Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)

• Growth Rate: 2-3 feet per year.
• Why It’s Awesome: While not the fastest grower on this list, Hydrangeas offer something special with their large, vibrant blooms. They’re like the fireworks of the garden party.
• Care Tips: Plant in morning sun with afternoon shade and keep the soil moist for those big, beautiful blooms. They’re a bit like that friend who needs the perfect spot at the party to really shine.

Each of these shrubs brings something unique to the table, from the steadfast growth of the Arborvitae to the seasonal spectacle of the Hydrangea.

Think about what you need in your space—speed, aesthetics, or maybe a bit of both—and let’s get planting. Remember, the right care and a bit of patience will soon reward you with a living, breathing privacy screen that’s all your own.

Planting and Maintenance Tips for Privacy Shrubs

Great, now you’ve picked your privacy warriors! But even the fastest-growing shrubs need a little TLC to thrive. Here’s how to get your green guardians settled and soaring in no time.

Planting Like a Pro

1. Timing is Key: Spring or early fall is prime time for planting. The weather’s mild, which gives your shrubs a chance to root well without the stress of extreme heat or cold.
2. Spacing for Success: Pay attention to mature sizes. Those Green Giants may look cute and small now, but they’ll need room to stretch. A common rule is to space them about 75-80% of their mature width apart. This encourages them to grow together into a seamless hedge without overcrowding.
3. Digging the Perfect Home: Make the hole twice as wide but just as deep as the root ball. This gives roots room to spread without diving too deep, which can cause waterlogging issues.
4. Soil and Fertilizer: Mix some compost into the soil you removed; it’s like a welcome meal for your new plants. A slow-release fertilizer can also give them a boost, but don’t overdo it—too much, too soon can burn those young roots.

Maintenance

• Watering Wisdom: Regular watering helps establish roots. Aim for about 1 inch per week, whether from rain or your hose. Consistency is key, especially in the first couple of years.
• Mulching Miracles: A 2-3 inch layer of mulch keeps the soil moist and wards off weeds. Just don’t pile it against the stems; think of mulch like a donut, not a volcano.
• Pruning with Purpose: Early spring or late winter is the best time for a trim, especially for flowering shrubs. For non-flowering hedges, prune as needed to shape but wait until they’re established.
• Dealing with Pests and Diseases: Keep an eye out for signs of trouble like discolored leaves or stunted growth. Early detection makes management easier, whether it’s a spray for aphids or a fungicide for mildew.

Planting and caring for privacy shrubs might seem like a bit of work upfront, but it’s incredibly rewarding. As you watch your living fence take shape, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment that only gardeners know.

Plus, the privacy and beauty these shrubs add to your yard are well worth the effort. So, roll up those sleeves and let’s turn that dream of a private, green retreat into reality!

Designing with Privacy Shrubs in Your Landscape

Crafting a landscape that feels both private and inviting is an art, but with the right privacy shrubs, it’s easier than you might think. Let’s explore how to design your garden for both beauty and seclusion, creating a space where you can relax and enjoy nature’s bounty in peace.

Start with a Vision

Before you put shovel to soil, envision what you want your space to achieve. Are you looking for a cozy corner for meditation? A vibrant backdrop for outdoor gatherings? Or a full perimeter of privacy? Knowing your end goal will guide your plant choices and layout.

Layer for Interest

One of the most effective design strategies is layering. This involves planting taller shrubs in the back, medium-sized ones in the middle, and shorter plants in front. Not only does this create depth and interest, but it also maximizes privacy at various levels. Imagine a backdrop of towering Green Giants, a middle layer of bushy Red Robins, and a front row of flowering Hydrangeas.

Mix and Match for Seasonal Appeal

Select a variety of shrubs that offer different textures, colors, and blooming times. This ensures your garden remains attractive across seasons. For instance, pair the evergreen Emerald Green Arborvitae with the deciduous Forsythia, which offers bright yellow blooms in early spring before the evergreens fully flush out.

Incorporate Natural Curves

Straight lines can feel formal and imposing, so consider adding curves to your shrub layout. This can soften the appearance of your garden and make it feel more natural and welcoming. Curved lines guide the eye through the landscape, creating a sense of mystery and exploration.

Create Focal Points

Use privacy shrubs to frame and highlight key features in your garden, like a pond, statue, or cozy seating area. For example, a circle of tall shrubs can create a secluded nook, perfect for a garden bench or a fire pit, turning it into the heart of your outdoor sanctuary.

Practical Placement

Beyond aesthetics, think about the practicality of your shrub placement. Consider where you need the most privacy. Is it along a fence line, around a patio, or near windows? Position your shrubs where they can provide the most benefit and complement the existing elements of your garden.

FAQ: Fastest Growing Privacy Shrubs for Pennsylvania

1. What are the best privacy shrubs for PA?

• Hydrangeas are excellent for fast growth and adding beautiful borders with their vibrant colors.
• Azaleas offer beautiful colors and are pest-resistant, making them a great choice for adding privacy without attracting deer or rabbits.
• Viburnums are low-maintenance and provide year-round color, making them ideal for privacy.
• Butterfly Bushes attract pollinators and offer both stunning visuals and pleasant scents.
• Juniper Bushes are low-maintenance and inexpensive, perfect for creating dense privacy screens.

2. How do I choose the right shrub for my area in Pennsylvania? Pennsylvania is mostly considered Hardiness Zone 5, with some lower-level regions in Hardiness Zone 6. Select shrubs that thrive in these zones for best results. You can find your specific hardiness zone here.

3. Are there any shrubs I should avoid for privacy screens in Pennsylvania? Avoid shrubs that are not suited for your specific hardiness zone or those that require more maintenance than you’re willing to provide. Also, consider the potential size of the shrub to ensure it fits your space without overcrowding.

Interested in the Get Handy Newsletter?

Keep up to date on tried and true as well as the latest garden and landscaping tips.

Receive exclusive offers that are sure to save you time and money.