15+ Super Fast Growing Shrubs That Will Turn Your Boring Yard into a Secret Paradise

Why wait years for your garden to grow? These fast-growing shrubs will quickly add beauty and privacy to your yard. Perfect for creating a green oasis or a private space, these shrubs will transform your outdoor area in no time. Whether you want a vibrant focal point or a natural privacy screen, these plants will quickly improve both the look and feel of your garden, making it a special part of your home.

Smooth Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens)

Smooth Hydrangea is a popular choice for gardeners looking for a fast-growing, easy-to-maintain shrub. It thrives in a variety of soil conditions and can be pruned heavily without affecting its blooming. This shrub is ideal for creating a lush, vibrant garden quickly.

- Growth Rate: Fast
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9
- Size: 3 to 5 ft. tall and wide, depending on cultivar
- Growing Conditions: Does best in the morning sun and afternoon shade; can take full sun if ample water is available
- Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soil but is adaptable to different pH ranges

Mock Orange (Philadelphus coronarius)

Known for its fragrant white flowers, Mock Orange is a beautiful addition to any garden. It blooms in late spring to early summer and can thrive in a variety of soil types. This shrub is perfect for those looking to add a classic touch to their landscape.

- Growth Rate: Medium to fast
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8
- Size: 10 to 12 feet tall and wide (compact cultivars are less than half that size)
- Growing Conditions: Accepts a variety of soils including heavy clay and is drought tolerant; prefers full sun but can still bloom in shade
- Soil: Acid or Alkaline

‘Canada Red’ Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana)

The ‘Canada Red’ Chokecherry is a versatile shrub that can also be grown as a small tree. It features stunning foliage that changes color with the seasons and produces attractive white flowers in the spring. This shrub is known for its rapid growth and adaptability to various conditions.

- Growth Rate: Fast
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-10
- Size: 20 to 25 feet tall, 15 to 20 feet wide
- Growing Conditions: Quite adaptable and tolerates harsh growing conditions
- Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soil but is drought tolerant

Smokebush (Cotinus coggygria)

Smokebush is named for its unique, airy flower structures that resemble puffs of smoke. This fast-growing shrub adds a touch of whimsy to any garden with its vibrant foliage and striking fall colors. It’s a hardy plant that can thrive in a variety of soil conditions.

- Growth Rate: Fast
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-8
- Size: 10 to 15 feet tall and wide
- Growing Conditions: Best color in full sun; some protection from wind is helpful
- Soil: Drought tolerant and accepts a range of soils

Burkwood Viburnum (Viburnum x burkwoodii)

Burkwood Viburnum is a medium-growing shrub that offers fragrant white flowers and attractive fall foliage. It’s an excellent choice for gardeners who want a manageable shrub that doesn’t require frequent pruning. This shrub thrives in both full sun and partial shade.

- Growth Rate: Medium
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-8
- Size: 6 to 12 feet tall, 4 to 4 feet wide
- Growing Conditions: Accepts part shade but is fuller and flowers better in full sun
- Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soil with acid to neutral pH

Wax Myrtle (Morella cerifera)

Wax Myrtle is a very fast-growing evergreen shrub that can be used to create privacy screens or hedges. It has fragrant leaves and produces attractive blue berries when male and female plants are grown together. This hardy shrub is highly adaptable to various soil types and growing conditions.

- Growth Rate: Very fast
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-11
- Size: 15 to 20 feet tall and wide
- Growing Conditions: Partial shade to full sun
- Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil but is adaptable to drought and sandy soils

Diervilla (Diervilla spp.)

Also known as bush honeysuckle, Diervilla is a fast-growing shrub that can tolerate a wide range of conditions, including full shade. It produces bright yellow flowers in the summer and vibrant fall foliage. This shrub is perfect for difficult sites where other plants might struggle.

- Growth Rate: Medium to fast
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-7
- Size: 3 to 4 feet tall, 4 to 5 feet wide
- Growing Conditions: Full sun to full shade
- Soil: Adaptable to various soils; drought tolerant

Red-Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea)

Red-Twig Dogwood is known for its striking red stems that add color to the garden in winter. It also produces white flowers in spring and dark blue fruits in late summer. This medium to fast-growing shrub is ideal for adding year-round interest to your landscape.

- Growth Rate: Medium to fast
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-9
- Size: 7 to 9 feet tall and slightly wider
- Growing Conditions: Accepts part shade but full sun results in the best stem color
- Soil: Prefers rich, moist soil and slightly acid pH but adapts to other soils and can tolerate drought

Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)

Elderberry is a fast-growing shrub that produces clusters of white flowers and dark purple berries. The berries are often used in jams and wines, and the shrub itself is a great choice for wildlife gardens. It’s a hardy plant that thrives in various soil and light conditions.

- Growth Rate: Fast
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9
- Size: 5 to 12 feet tall and wide
- Growing Conditions: Full sun or part shade
- Soil: Tolerates dry soils but does best in moist soils; pH adaptable

Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)

Ninebark is a versatile shrub known for its peeling bark and colorful foliage. It grows quickly and can be pruned into a small tree if desired. This shrub is drought-tolerant and can adapt to a variety of soil types, making it an excellent choice for many landscapes.

- Growth Rate: Medium to fast
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-7
- Size: 5 to 10 feet tall, 6 to 10 feet wide
- Growing Conditions: Full sun or part shade
- Soil: Takes acid or alkaline soils; drought tolerant

Red Tip Photinia (Photinia x fraseri)

Red Tip Photinia is a fast-growing shrub that features striking red new growth that matures to deep green. It produces white flower clusters in the spring and is commonly used as a hedge or privacy screen. This shrub prefers well-drained soil and can thrive in both sun and partial shade.

- Growth Rate: Fast
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-9
- Size: 10 to 15 feet tall, 5 to 8 feet wide
- Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Rich, well-drained soil with ample nitrogen

Hazelnut (Corylus spp.)

Hazelnut is a fast-growing shrub that produces edible nuts and attractive fall foliage. It’s a hardy plant that can form a thicket if allowed to sucker. This shrub is great for larger spaces where you want to add both beauty and productivity.

- Growth Rate: Medium to fast
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9
- Size: 10 to 12 feet tall, 8 to 10 feet wide
- Growing Conditions: Full sun or part shade
- Soil: Any well-drained soil; pH adaptable

Weigela (Weigela florida)

Weigela is a fast-growing shrub known for its beautiful trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom in various colors. It is highly adaptable and can be used as a hedge, barrier, or informal screen. This shrub thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.

- Growth Rate: Fast
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8
- Size: 6 to 9 feet tall, 9 to 12 feet wide (cultivars are smaller)
- Growing Conditions: Extremely adaptable but does best in full sun
- Soil: Requires a well-drained soil

Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus)

Rose of Sharon is a fast-growing woody shrub that produces large, colorful flowers in late summer and early fall. It’s an excellent choice for creating natural hedges or barriers. This shrub is easy to grow and can tolerate a variety of soil conditions.

- Growth Rate: Fast
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9
- Size: 8 to 12 feet tall, 6 to 8 feet wide
- Growing Conditions: Full sun is best but accepts some shade
- Soil: Any well-drained soil

Forsythia (Forsythia spp.)

Forsythia is one of the first shrubs to bloom in early spring, producing a stunning display of golden yellow flowers. It grows very quickly and can be rejuvenated by cutting it back hard. This shrub is easy to grow and can thrive in various soil types.

Growth Rate: Fast
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8
Size: 2 to 10 feet tall and wide, depending on cultivar
Growing Conditions: Accepts part shade but flowers and looks its fullest in full sun
Soil: Takes many soils except water-logged; however, it prefers moist, well-drained clay or loam

Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii)

Butterfly Bush is a fast-growing shrub known for its fragrant, colorful flowers that attract butterflies. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it an excellent choice for a pollinator-friendly garden. Prune it regularly to maintain its shape and encourage new growth.

- Growth Rate: Fast
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9
- Size: 6-10 feet tall, 4-10 feet wide
- Growing Conditions: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained soil

Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus)

Burning Bush is a striking shrub that turns bright red in the fall, providing a stunning display of color. It’s a fast-growing plant that can be used for hedges or as a focal point in the garden. This shrub is adaptable to various soil types and growing conditions.

- Growth Rate: Fast
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8
- Size: 6-9 feet tall and wide
- Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Adaptable to various soils

Privet (Ligustrum spp.)

Privet is a very fast-growing shrub commonly used for hedges and privacy screens. It can grow in a variety of soil conditions and is relatively low-maintenance. Regular pruning is necessary to keep it in shape and prevent it from becoming too invasive.

- Growth Rate: Very fast
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-10
- Size: 4-15 feet tall, depending on species
- Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Adaptable to various soils

Coralberry (Symphoricarpos orbiculatus)

Coralberry is a fast-growing shrub that produces clusters of pinkish-red berries in the fall. It’s an excellent choice for wildlife gardens as the berries provide food for birds. This hardy shrub can thrive in full sun to part shade and is adaptable to various soil types.

- Growth Rate: Fast
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-7
- Size: 2-5 feet tall and wide
- Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Adaptable to various soils

Japanese Spirea (Spiraea japonica)

Japanese Spirea is a fast-growing shrub that produces clusters of pink, red, or white flowers in the summer. It’s highly adaptable and can be used as a border plant, hedge, or ground cover. This shrub prefers full sun and well-drained soil for optimal growth.

- Growth Rate: Fast
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9
- Size: 2-4 feet tall and wide
- Growing Conditions: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained soil

Nandina (Nandina domestica)

Nandina, also known as Heavenly Bamboo, is a fast-growing shrub with colorful foliage and clusters of red berries. It’s a versatile plant that can be used in borders, as a hedge, or as a standalone specimen. This shrub thrives in full sun to part shade and well-drained soil.

- Growth Rate: Fast
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 6-9
- Size: 4-8 feet tall, 2-4 feet wide
- Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Well-drained soil

Oleander (Nerium oleander)

Oleander is a fast-growing evergreen shrub that produces beautiful, fragrant flowers in a variety of colors. It’s highly tolerant of heat and drought, making it an excellent choice for warmer climates. This shrub prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

- Growth Rate: Fast
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-10
- Size: 6-12 feet tall and wide
- Growing Conditions: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained soil

Golden Currant (Ribes aureum)

Golden Currant is a fast-growing shrub that produces clusters of yellow flowers in the spring and edible berries in the summer. It’s an excellent choice for attracting wildlife and can thrive in a variety of growing conditions. This shrub prefers full sun to part shade and well-drained soil.

- Growth Rate: Fast
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8
- Size: 6-10 feet tall and wide
- Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Well-drained soil

Dappled Willow (Salix integra ‘Hakuro Nishiki’)

Dappled Willow is a very fast-growing shrub known for its striking variegated foliage. It’s an excellent choice for adding visual interest to your garden and can be pruned to maintain its shape. This shrub thrives in full sun to part shade and moist, well-drained soil.

- Growth Rate: Very fast
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9
- Size: 4-6 feet tall and wide
- Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Moist, well-drained soil

Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea)

Red Osier Dogwood is a fast-growing shrub that provides year-round interest with its vibrant red stems, white flowers, and blue berries. It’s highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of soil conditions. This shrub prefers full sun to part shade and moist, well-drained soil.

- Growth Rate: Fast
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8
- Size: 7-9 feet tall and wide
- Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Moist, well-drained soil

Sweetspire (Itea virginica)

Sweetspire is a fast-growing shrub that produces fragrant white flowers in the spring and vibrant fall foliage. It’s an excellent choice for wet areas in the garden and can thrive in full sun to part shade. This shrub prefers moist, well-drained soil.

- Growth Rate: Fast
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9
- Size: 3-5 feet tall and wide
- Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Moist, well-drained soil

Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)

Spicebush is a fast-growing shrub that produces fragrant yellow flowers in the spring and bright red berries in the fall. It’s an excellent choice for shade gardens and provides food for wildlife. This shrub thrives in part shade to full shade and moist, well-drained soil.

- Growth Rate: Fast
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9
- Size: 6-12 feet tall and wide
- Growing Conditions: Part shade to full shade
- Soil: Moist, well-drained soil

Common Lilac (Syringa vulgaris)

Common Lilac is a fast-growing shrub known for its fragrant, beautiful flowers that bloom in the spring. It’s an excellent choice for creating a fragrant hedge or standalone specimen. This shrub prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

- Growth Rate: Fast
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-7
- Size: 8-15 feet tall, 6-12 feet wide
- Growing Conditions: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained soil

Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)

Beautyberry is a fast-growing shrub that produces clusters of bright purple berries in the fall, adding a splash of color to the garden. It’s an excellent choice for wildlife gardens as the berries provide food for birds. This shrub thrives in full sun to part shade and moist, well-drained soil.

- Growth Rate: Fast
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-10
- Size: 3-6 feet tall and wide
- Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Moist, well-drained soil

Arrowwood Viburnum (Viburnum dentatum)

Arrowwood Viburnum is a fast-growing shrub that produces clusters of white flowers in the spring and blue-black berries in the fall. It’s an excellent choice for creating natural hedges or borders. This shrub prefers full sun to part shade and moist, well-drained soil.

- Growth Rate: Fast
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8
- Size: 6-15 feet tall and wide
- Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Moist, well-drained soil

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